Fido Field Trip - Peaches
- Kim Carrillo
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A Day with Peaches: The Sweetest Soul Deserving a Fresh Start
By Kimberly, Dog Photographer & Volunteer
Some dogs have a way of stealing your heart before you even finish your first coffee. Peaches was one of those dogs.
I signed up to spend the day with her as a volunteer, expecting a simple outing. But what I got instead was a gentle, grounding, and quietly beautiful reminder of why I do this work—and why dogs like Peaches need their stories told.
From the moment I approached her kennel, Peaches made it easy. She walked right out with me, calm and trusting. No resistance. No nerves. Just a soft, sweet girl ready for a new adventure. She hopped into my car like she'd done it a hundred times. I have a cozy dog bed set up in the back of my SUV for these outings, and she settled into it instantly, as if she finally had a place to exhale.
Halfway through the drive, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw her sitting up—nose to the cracked window, taking in the smells of a world outside the shelter walls. That moment stuck with me. You could tell it had been a while since she’d had the chance to just be a dog.
Our first stop? My dog photography studio.
I wanted to give her space to decompress before jumping into photos, so I laid out a few beds and plopped down on the couch to let her choose her own rhythm. Without hesitation, Peaches picked a bed, circled once, and laid down with a long, slow sigh. She slept for nearly 45 minutes. No music, no studio lights. Just peace. Sometimes the most loving thing we can give a shelter dog is nothing. No pressure. No commands. Just rest.
When she woke up, the real fun began.
Peaches was a total natural in front of the camera. She let us put on a little cowboy hat and a fancy bandana, striking a balance of adorable and dignified like only she could. She sat so well, posed like a pro, and gave me expressions that will make your heart do backflips.
After the shoot, we met a friend for lunch at OHSO in Downtown Gilbert, where dogs are more than welcome. Peaches mingled politely, sat sweetly by our side, and even snuck in a few floor naps while we chatted. She devoured her hamburger like she’d just discovered joy in edible form. She was present. Calm. Grateful.
Eventually, it was time to go back. As much as it hurt my heart to return her to the kennel, Peaches didn’t make it harder. She walked back with grace, tail wagging slightly, and went right in. No drama. Just trust.
But here’s the thing I can’t stop thinking about: this dog—this gentle, resilient, loving dog—doesn’t belong behind bars.
She belongs on a couch. In a backyard. In family photos. In someone’s arms.
Peaches is adoptable. She’s the kind of soul that makes you slow down, take deeper breaths, and remember what unconditional love looks like.
Please share her story. Please help her get seen. And if you're the one who can give her the forever she’s waiting for—don’t wait another minute.
Because Peaches is more than just adoptable.
She’s ready to be home.
🐾 Adopt Peaches
Peaches is currently available for adoption through Maricopa County Animal Care & Control in Mesa, AZ.
📍 Address: 1920 S. Lewis, Mesa, AZ 85210
📞 Phone: 602-506-7387
Please call or visit to meet her—you just might find your new best friend.
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