Some stories begin with a choice, and some begin with being chosen.

When Bombón quietly climbed into her future mom’s lap at a rescue meet-and-greet and refused to leave, everything changed. What started as a visit to meet adoptable dogs became the beginning of a lifelong bond filled with joy, healing, and unconditional love.

In this Ambassador Spotlight, Bombón’s mom shares how adoption transformed their lives, why supporting thoughtful, ethical brands matters to them, and what it means to be part of the Peony Celeste family.

Q: How did you first meet Bombón?

A: I had finally convinced my sister, who also happens to be my roommate and best friend, to adopt a dog after wanting one for my entire life. We started looking at local rescues and came across Pup Culture Rescue in Pasadena. We saw Bombón’s post on Instagram and decided to visit with the intention of simply meeting her and the other small dogs at the rescue.

They brought us into a room where all the dogs were running around and barking, and then, all of a sudden, this tiny furry baby quietly climbed into my lap and refused to leave. She quite literally chose me, and in that moment, I knew I was meant to be her mom.

"She quite literally chose me, and in that moment, I knew I was meant to be her mom." - Sandra

Q: What was life like before Bombón?

A: It was hard to stay positive and not feel hopeless in the world political climate we have all been navigating these last few years. While my sister and I did our best to find moments of joy and live our lives to the fullest, I can honestly say that what has helped my mental health the most has been having Bombón in our lives. Every day is filled with more than one moment of joy and more than one reason to smile and laugh. The obligatory daily walks/outdoor time and routines are also a great excuse to focus on the things we do have control over and finding ways to unplug and restore.

Q: Does Bombón have a favorite spot for her business?

A: When it comes to going number 2, Bombón is not at all picky. She will drop her business wherever she feels like, including the middle of the street sometimes.

Q: What do you look for in everyday dog essentials?

A: While quality is a very important factor when buying anything for Bombón, ethical standards are equally important. Supporting local businesses, especially women/minority-owned ones is something that is very important for us. Having high-quality poop bags that won't break and won't stink while also knowing that you are supporting a local entrepreneur and helping create less harmful waste for the earth is a great feeling.

Q: What does being a Peony Celeste ambassador mean to you?

A: We are so honored to be part of the Peony Celeste family. When we adopted Bombón, we had no idea that we would be joining such a loving, caring, and thoughtful dog community. Peony Celeste is rooted in quality, sustainability, and community, and we are proud to help represent these values.

Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

A: Misa is such a wonderful human! She is so caring and helped Bombón break out of her nervous shell and bring out her usual silly, playful, goofy self during the photoshoot.

“Supporting local businesses, especially women-owned and minority-owned ones, is something that is very important to us.” - Bombon's Pack

A Note from us

It was such a joy capturing Bombón and gently helping her come out of her shell during our photoshoot. She may have been a little shy at first, but one thing was crystal clear. Besides her toys, the people she loves are her whole world.

Watching Bombón instantly relax whenever her mom was by her side, laughing and playing together, was a beautiful reminder that the strongest bond is built on love and trust. It’s the kind of connection that will never break.

Thank you, Bombón, for letting me capture a small piece of your story.

Follow @bombononthego to continue following Bombón’s beautiful journey, along with the foster pups whose lives she and her family continue to help change.

The Ambassador Portrait Project

This little project is my way of saying thank you to our incredible brand ambassadors and the humans who love them.

Every dog has a story. Some have helped their families through life’s hardest moments. Others have inspired new adventures, brought laughter back into a home, or simply made every day brighter. Those stories are the heart of Peony Celeste.

When I photograph your dog, I do my best to capture more than just how they look. I hope to preserve their personality, their spirit, and the little expressions that make them uniquely yours.

I truly believe these portraits are one of the most meaningful gifts I can give to our ambassadors. It’s my way of celebrating the bond you share and thanking you for being part of this community.

I feel incredibly grateful for every dog and every family I’ve had the privilege to photograph, and I can’t wait to create many more memories together.

— Misa, Founder of Peony Celeste & Creator of Pet Portraits

All photographs are presented by Peony Celeste LLC. © All rights reserved. Images may not be used for commercial purposes by any uninvolved brands or organizations.