ABOUT US
My name is Sam, Sam I am. I am native Michigander who is a work-from-home lawyer by day and travel photographer, blogger, content creator, and avid adventurer by night. I am also the proud dog mom to Dexter, Alfred, and Lilly, formally known as Mitten Made Pups on social media. My husband and the pups dog dad, Garrett, also join in on our adventures when he can.
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You can find out more about each of us below.
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Photographer | Lawyer | Manager of MMP and AGLG
SAM
The manager and operator of all things Mitten Made Pups and Adventures of a Great Lakes Girl. Although my day job is as a work-from-home lawyer, I have always been a photographer who captures photos of my travels and others. I also volunteer my time with the Michigan State Parks as a photo ambassador, taking photos and videos of the 103 State Parks around Michigan.
I am an avid traveler who has been to 49/50 U.S. state; 31/63 U.S. National Parks; 3 countries; and done multiple large road trips. I love camping, hiking, and the outdoors, especially with my three dogs. Aside from that, I love true crime, podcasts, movies, tv, Disney, and reading.
Musician | Sound Tech | Music Facilities | Insta-Husband
GARRETT
The man behind the scenes, generally supporting whatever filming or photos I may want to capture. His day job is working facilities in a university music department, while gigging as a musician and sound tech. He is a jack of all trades, holding two masters degrees, playing multiple instruments, being the unofficial tour guide of the city of Detroit, and being obsessed with cars. We got married in June 2021, after knowing each other since we were in elementary school. Garrett loves to travel along with the dogs and I. He is always down for most of my insane ideas, including road tripping the whole USA, visiting national parks, flying across the country, and more.
The Golden Child | Sam's Heart Dog
DEXTER
Nicknames: Dex; Sir Dex; Big Guy; Puppy
We rescued Dexter in 2015 from Ohio at 8 months old, where he was malnourished and given up by someone having a child. He was the first dog we added to our pack. He is 50% German Shepherd and 50% Australian Cattle Dog.
Dexter is my heart dog and emotional support animal. He is the ultimate adventure dog, who always wants to sit in the middle between our seats to watch where we are going. He loves camping and knows whenever we are preparing to go, so he gets very excited. He has also traveled all over Michigan with us; parts of Canada; and 48/50 states.
He is also one the smartest dogs you will ever meet, loves snow/winter, loves water, is a typical herding breed, and is dog selective/reactive.
The Instigator | Garrett's Heart Dog
ALFRED
Nickname: Fred; Little Man; Loaf; Wiggles
We rescued Alfred in 2019 from China, where he was rescued from being eaten in the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. He was our second addition and estimated to be 2 years old. He is 100% Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Alfred is Garrett's heart dog. He has also traveled all over Michigan with us, parts of Canada, and 20/50 states.
Alfred is also either at a 0 or 100 with energy, there is no in between. Alfred loves doing whatever you are doing whether traveling, camping, or hiking or snuggling, getting pets, or relaxing at home. However, his absolute favorite thing is playing fetch, ball is life for him. He also loves sun bathing, barking at whatever, hates the water, and is dog selective/reactive.
The Baby
LILLY
Nicknames: Lil; Baby; Little Girl; Sweetie
We rescued Lilly in 2022 at a local shelter at 6 weeks old. She was the third dog added to the pack and first puppy we ever got together. She is a true mutt, being 50.7% German Shepherd; 17.5% American Pit Bull Terrier; 11.8% Beagle; 6.1% Bulldog; and 13.5% Supermutt (which included American Bulldog; Miniature Schnauzer; and Dutch Shepherd).
Lilly is truly the baby and she knows it. She is a little scaredy girl at time and howls for her brothers when she wants backup. She loves to push the boys and play, but still respects their boundaries. She loves the outdoors and going on new adventures. She also loves all play, including toys, sticks, balls, etc. She has also traveled all over Michigan with us; some of Canada; and 8/50 states.
She is a smart and sassy dog, who loves snow/winter, loves water, is dog-friendly, and a little human shy, especially towards men.
Special Features
Dexter & Alfred | 2021-2022
Mitten Made Pups | May 2020
Michigan State Park Photo Ambassador
Sam | 2021 - present