2025 CAHS Fur Ball: Safe At Home


On April 25, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the Capital Area Humane Society’s annual Fur Ball at the beautiful Eagle Eye Golf Course in Bath, Michigan. This event is not just a fundraiser — it’s a heartfelt celebration of the bond between people and their pets, and a critical evening supporting the lifesaving work CAHS does every day for homeless animals in our community.

Two Bernese Mountain Dogs sit back-to-back on grass with toys beside them against a wooden fence and potted flowers.
Sports team pennants and memorabilia displayed on a white-draped table with decorative wall art above.
Two women in elegant dresses engage in animated conversation at a formal event.
A golden dog rests on green turf mat with blue and white polka dot pillows in a minimalist room setting.
Wedding reception table setting with wine bottles, white hydrangeas, and place cards at Horizon Bank event.
A border collie interacts with tennis balls on a green mat during indoor dog training while being led by someone in a dress.
Decorative lanterns and glowing pillar candles create a cozy atmosphere against white fabric and stone flooring.
Small black and white dog wearing a tuxedo bowtie collar poses elegantly for a portrait.
Elegant wedding reception venue with champagne tablecloths, black chiavari chairs and tall floral centerpieces in a banquet hall.
Close up portrait of a happy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog with black and tan coloring showing big blue eyes and smile.
A black dress-clad attendee poses at the Fur Ball Gala 'Safe at Home' event against a starry backdrop with dogs.
A happy brown and white dog wearing a blue harness sits attentively on a beige chair.
Empty champagne flutes arranged on a table with scattered paper hearts at a wedding reception.
Three Bernese Mountain Dogs sit in a row against a wooden fence under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Three women wearing elegant dresses pose together at a formal event in a banquet hall with chiavari chairs.

From the moment guests arrived, the excitement was palpable. The evening began with a lively Silent Auction accompanied by delicious appetizers. Guests mingled, placed their bids on a variety of fantastic items, and enjoyed the stunning views of the golf course as the sun set.


Of course, the true stars of the night were the dogs! Each furry guest was treated like royalty at the Dog Spa, where they had their very own personal handler for the evening. After some pampering, each pup received a goody bag brimming with toys, treats, and goodies to take home. It was clear that the organizers thought of every detail to make the night magical for both the pets and their people.

A groomed goldendoodle dog stands on green turf next to baseball gear including a bat, glove and baseballs.
A happy black and white dog with a bandana sits on green turf in front of a wooden fence under blue sky.
Black and white mixed breed dog sits on grass in front of wooden fence with orange toy nearby.
Bernese Mountain Dog sitting attentively by baseball equipment against wooden fence on artificial turf.
Happy Bernese Mountain Dog with open mouth posing outdoors with baseball gear and wooden fence backdrop.
A black and white Newfoundland dog sits posed against a wooden fence backdrop with blue sky and clouds.
Happy Golden Retriever sitting in front of wooden fence with a rope toy on grass in backyard.
Happy tan and white dog wearing purple harness stands in front of wooden fence in backyard.
Small tan dog wearing a black tuxedo jacket with bowtie poses next to a leather leash against a wooden fence.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog in formal black harness sitting on green turf by wooden fence.
Black and white shaggy dog wearing bowtie and formal attire poses against wooden fence backdrop.
Three large Bernese Mountain Dogs sitting in a row against a wooden fence backdrop with blue sky.

One of my favorite parts to photograph was the doggy photo booth experience. Each dog had a personalized photoshoot, capturing their personality against adorable backdrops. I loved seeing the joy on the owners’ faces as their pets posed proudly, sometimes with a little help from treats and toys!


As the evening moved into the elegant ballroom for dinner, the energy stayed high with a Live Auction featuring incredible packages and experiences — all to benefit the animals who need it most. The generosity of the attendees was inspiring, and it was a privilege to capture those emotional moments when bidders raised their paddles to show their support.

Wedding guests chatting and smiling during a reception in an indoor venue.
People enjoying themselves and laughing during a social gathering in a bright indoor setting with circular tables.
Two wedding guests smile while seated at a decorated reception table.
Wedding guests seated at elegant tables with dark wooden chairs enjoying a lively reception celebration.
A presentation screen displays info about a game day event while attendees gather at tables in a conference room setting.
Reception guests socializing at dining tables with pink decor and numbered table settings.
A crowd of formally dressed guests at an auction or gala event with table number 224 visible in the audience.
Event attendee in a black dress raises a bidding paddle during an auction at an elegant indoor venue.
A guest at a dinner event holds up bid number 199 while smiling at a table with other attendees.
A couple sits together at a wedding reception table with auction number 339 displayed.
Adult and child watching an event while holding up a number card that reads 060 in a crowded indoor space.
A person in a blue blazer and grey pants sits smiling at a formal event with bidding numbers visible in the background.
Guest in black dress raises arms in celebration during wedding reception.
A conductor in a black suit directs from a stage while a young performer in a pink dress holds a teddy bear.

To close out the night, the Doggy Parade stole the show. Every dog strutted their stuff through the crowd, many in their finest outfits or festive accessories. It was the perfect way to end an evening that celebrated everything CAHS stands for: compassion, community, and connection.



Photographing this event was an absolute honor. Looking through the gallery of images (view it here) reminds me of just how much love and hope filled the room that night. I’m so grateful to have been part of such a special evening and to help showcase the incredible work the Capital Area Humane Society does to give animals a second chance at life.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Fur Ball or how you can support CAHS, visit their website.

Small tan and white dog walking on leash with handler at indoor event space.
Dog show competition event with handlers presenting pets on stage in front of sponsor banners and backdrop.
White poodle wearing a formal gray and black bow tie harness looks happy while being walked on a leash.
Small scruffy dog in a black harness on a leash at an indoor event stands beside a person's legs.
A Golden Doodle dog wearing a formal black and white bowtie bandana walks on a leash at an event.
Small furry dog wearing harness walks on leash next to person at indoor venue with signage in background.
A happy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on a leash walks across a smooth surface with a wagging tail and smiling expression.
A cream-colored Goldendoodle dog wearing a pink collar walks on a leash at an indoor event.
A large Bernese Mountain Dog on leash stands proudly at an indoor show with signage in the background.
A participant walks with a large white and brown dog on stage at a fashion show with sponsor banners in the background.
A service dog and handler walk down a fashion runway at a dog-themed event featuring pink decor and sponsor banners.
A person in black bends down to interact with a light brown dog on a grey stage floor in front of business signage.
A friendly golden retriever dog on a leash being shown at an indoor event with signage in the background.

Photographing this event was an absolute honor. Looking through the gallery of images (view it here) reminds me of just how much love and hope filled the room that night. I’m so grateful to have been part of such a special evening and to help showcase the incredible work the Capital Area Humane Society does to give animals a second chance at life.


If you’re interested in learning more about the Fur Ball or how you can support CAHS, visit their website.