Dogs make wonderful companions, and they are also great for helping people to heal. Princeton, West Virginia photographer, Jasmine White, already had an adorable rescue dog, Harvey, who is her son’s best friend. 
However, she credits her Goldendoodle, Oakley, for helping her heal after some devastating losses.
From Jasmine: “A Goldendoodle has always been my ‘dream dog.’ Up until Oakley, we had always rescued, and to be honest, I felt guilty for wanting a ‘designer dog’ instead of adopting again. However, there is more to this relationship than just a fur mom with her high-end dog. Oakley has healed my heart in so many ways. After we miscarried a little over a year ago, the pain of losing that child for Jason, Easton, and myself was tremendous. So much so that we decided not to try again. Then came along our adoption that fell through after me going to the doctor with the woman and seeing what I thought was going to be ‘our baby’ on the monitor, feeling her kick, and having ultrasound photos on my desk.
There was so much heartache trying to expand our family, and Jason and I both decided that we couldn’t keep doing it, the system is broken, and it hurt so much. We just didn’t have the emotional capability to handle more heartache. Loss changed us. We went from desperately wanting to expand our family to trying to change our mindset and accept that we were going to be a family of three, and that was more than okay.
During this time of learning our new normal, I saw a photo of Oakley. I had been looking at Goldendoodles for months, but it never felt right. However, the second I saw the picture of Oakley (in a litter of ten) – I knew she was my girl. 
This girl is more than a dog. She is my ‘rainbow’ furbaby. She is the expansion of our family that I thought would never come, and she filled a void in my heart. I know people joke about how obsessed I am with her and how many photos they see of her. But to me, this dog represents moving on with my life, even though it doesn’t look the way I thought it was supposed to.
This girl has healed a place in my heart that yearned for more, and that yearning is gone. It was perfect when we showed up to the farm for photos with matching floral accessories and there was a double rainbow as our backdrop.
Follow Jasmine White on Instagram.
About Jasmine White Photography: Based in Princeton, West Virginia, Jasmine and her husband, Jason, specialize in wedding and portrait photography.
Okay, this had me tearing up like crazy. Despite the heartache, the pain of the losses, and more – Oakley was able to bring joy and harmony to this family, and that’s incredibly special. It’s amazing what animals can do to restore peace and happiness in our lives.
Choosing a dog is very personal. No one should criticize you for wanting a designer or purebred dog.
What a wonderful dog.
This is absolutely beautiful. The story, the pictures, and the love is so beautiful! What a blessing to have, she is such a sweetheart.
Kileen
Those flower crowns are the cutest thing ever! I love the setting and the fun vibes from this shoot!
That is the sweetest story! I’m so glad that Oakley was able to help her heal from the loss her family experienced and helped them to adapt to being a family of three.
My sister and her hubby just got a golden-doodle. They named him Lincoln. I think they should do a photo shoot with him.
So sweet. It’s always nice when you can find a furry companion that can help you heal.
What a touching story and such gorgeous photos to accompany it. I feared you reading this! ❤️
Teared up reading this. Ugh, autocorrect.
What a beautiful story. I am glad the dog helped you to heal. We were lucky that our adoption process worked out, but it is not an easy process, and getting one’s hopes up to have things not work out was very difficult. Thanks for sharing you story.
I don’t think anyone can truly understand the healing power of dogs. It’s pure awesomeness. A true testimony of unconditional love.
I’ve always thought Goldendoodle’s were so adorable. I think that Oakley is looking happy and sounds like such a sweetie!
I love how the photos are taken. Fun shoot!
What a sweet puppers! This has inspired me to include my dog i=n our next family portraits
I think goldendoodles are so beautiful. My husband wants to get one of these dogs. What beautiful photos these are too.
What a beautiful story, dog, and photoshoot. I love it. I need to get some professional pics done of my dog with my husband, I know he would love that as a gift.
Pets can be healers without even knowing it. Miscarriage is such a terrible loss and I know a dog can’t replace a child but I think that when we’re hurting animals have a sixth sense on how to help heal us.
These pictures look so lovely and cute too! This photography was excellent. I love it so much!
Such a touching story of love and growth and acceptance. They’re all so adorable and the pictures show much more than just smiles. I wish them all a good life!