Every so often, a soul walks (or gallops) into my studio and leaves a pawprint on my heart. Recently, that soul was Trojan—a Boxer/Bulldog mix with the kind of story that changes you.
Trojan came in for a special photo session, one that wasn’t just about capturing a beautiful dog, but honoring a warrior in the middle of the fight of his life. You’d never guess from his sweet, expressive eyes and goofy personality that he’s been battling lymphoma. But Trojan has never been "just a dog." He’s a miracle wrapped in fur, a fighter who’s teaching everyone around him what true strength looks like.
His story began in heartbreak. He was rescued as a baby—covered in fleas, cold from anemia, and too fragile for medications. His rescuer, who would soon become his forever person, spent hours with him curled in her lap, gently combing away every flea as he slept for the first time in safety. That moment—when a tiny, broken pup finally felt peace—is something you never forget.
His name came later, after a shocking and honestly unbelievable discovery—27 condoms, to be exact—(yes, you read that right), a little humor to lighten a dark chapter. After his rescue, Trojan began passing them one by one. It turned out he had digested them in his previous environment, likely scavenging out of desperation. There were no signs of typical puppy messes—just condoms. And "Trojan" stuck. It was fitting, really—because from day one, he’s been a soldier. A survivor.
Trojan's road hasn’t been easy. He’s faced countless vet visits, scary diagnoses, allergic reactions to medications, heartbreaks over failed adoptions, and more than his fair share of setbacks. But through it all, he’s been steady. Gentle. Hilarious. A sock thief, a shoe chewer, a yard digger, and most of all—a light in the lives of those who love him.
When the diagnosis came—lymphoma, incurable and aggressive—it was devastating. His mom made the brave decision to fight alongside him, every step of the way. Chemotherapy was a hard choice. But somehow, Trojan has done the impossible. He’s currently in remission, gaining strength, gobbling down "salmon bellies" (which smell horrible, but apparently are five-star cuisine to him), and demanding his daily walks like a king.
His session with me wasn’t about perfect poses or magazine-worthy moments—it was about Trojan, exactly as he is. Strong. Silly. Sacred. We celebrated his journey, his healing, his love for life. We laughed, we teared up, and we captured memories that will live on long after the hard days are over.
And Trojan isn’t the only one making a difference. His mom—his fiercest advocate and biggest fan—spends her days saving lives at the Wayne County Dog Shelter. Her heart is as big as her strength, and she brings that same compassion and dedication to every dog who crosses her path. Trojan was lucky to find her—but I think she’d say she’s the lucky one, too.
Trojan may not know he’s sick. He just knows that he’s loved. Fiercely, endlessly, wholly.
To his mom: Thank you for sharing him with me, for being his champion, and for reminding us all that sometimes, the greatest warriors come on four legs, with messy fur and the kindest hearts.
To Trojan: Keep fighting, big guy. You're one of a kind. And the world is better because you're in it.
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