Holiday Minis: Smile for a Cause
Each year, L. Hampton Photography will be supporting a cause whose mission touches their heart. This year, we are supporting PAWS Chicago. This is a wonderful organization that is spreading a no-kill revolution that began in San Francisco in 1994. This is the first no-kill shelter in Chicago. They have adopted out over 85,000 pets and have spayed or neutered over 330,000 pets since their founding. One of my closest friends, Kate, is running in the 2026 Chicago marathon in support of PAWS Chicago. We are supporting her mission to raise money for this wonderful organization. Both of us have adopted amazing dogs and cats from different no-kill rescues, so we are both so touched by the mission of PAWS Chicago. I am super proud of Kate for all the goals she has accomplished in her running era and she loves it even more when she's raising money for a meaningful cause!
Proceeds from each Holiday Mini Session, along with donations, will go towards supporting PAWS Chicago find forever homes for so many furry friends.
To learn more about the three Holiday Mini Session dates and to book your spot, click this link. Book Now
Click this link to learn more about this wonderful organization! LEARN MORE
Click this link to make a donation! DONATE
This is Kate's Why: Pepper
Hi, I’m Kate Gantzer-Hayes, and I’m so thankful to L Hampton Photography for supporting homeless cats and dogs through PAWS Chicago.
Our family moved to Michigan from Chicago, and our dog Pepper was rescued from a junkyard there. When we adopted her, I learned that if she had ended up at animal control, she might have been put down right away—just because she’s a Pitbull mix and has black fur. (I have been told that dogs with black fur have lower rates of adoption.) Sadly, dogs like Pepper are less likely to get adopted, and shelters don’t have enough space or resources to help every animal.
I can’t imagine life without Pepper. She’s my friend, my adventure buddy, and a goofy clown who makes me laugh. She’s there for me when I need her most. I’m forever grateful to the rescue team who saved her and gave us this life together. Now, I’m excited to give back.
I’ve supported PAWS Chicago for years because of the amazing work they do to save cats and dogs. When I decided to run the Chicago Marathon in 2026, I wanted that effort to help this city I love—and support a cause that means so much to me.
When you support PAWS Chicago, you’re saving lives. You’re helping people like me find their furry best friend through adoption. You’re also helping PAWS provide spay and neuter services and support pet owners who are going through tough times—so they don’t have to give up their beloved companions.
Thank you for letting me share why this matters so much. I hope you’ll join me in this effort. Together, we can make a brighter future for pets and the people who love them.
You can learn more about Paws Chicago at:
You can contribute directly to my fundraiser at: https://donate.pawschicago.org/fundraiser/6745019
This is Lisa's Why: Alfie
Lisa adopted Alfie from a local no-kill rescue, Willow Haven Animal Sanctuary. He was rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico and was brought to Michigan to find his forever home. He has brought so much love to my family and we couldn't imagine our life without him. Supporting a no-kill shelter who provides extensive education to the Chicago community and beyond, helps so many pets find their forever homes that they all so deserve.
