A Day with Nero: Forest Trails, Boardwalk Session, & Birthday Shenanigans

Oct 7

On September 15th, 2025, I had the pleasure of hanging out with a stunning Japanese Akita named Nero (and his human mom) at one of the most beautiful nature parks here in New Bern. Nero arrived ready to model and definitely strutted his way through the trails as if he owned the place, which he basically did because we were the only souls there that morning besides a random Parks & Rec employee who was leaf-blowing the trails; bless him. I had no idea a job like that even existed, but now I am interested.

We continued on through the canopy of trees until it opened up to a beautiful boardwalk overlooking Broad Creek. Nero understood the assignment and his “ho-hum” energy was not only comical, but it made my job tons easier. He gave me some poses & head tilts with quiet moments of affection for his mom in between. Their bond was something special. Every look, every head nudge, and every tail wag told a story of their deep connection & unconditional love.

What made this day even more special was that it was part of an early birthday celebration for Nero! His special day was coming up on September 26th, so his mom pulled out a party hat and birthday shirt that she would dress him in for every birthday. Well, this year he was turning 3, so the shirt was a bit tighter on him than the previous years, but Nero did not seem to care, and he reveled in all of that birthday love.

After wrapping up our session on the boardwalk, we began making our way back through the trails when about halfway through the forest my directionally-challenged-self tried to turn onto the wrong trail. Thankfully Nero and his mom are not as easily lost, and they quickly guided me back to the right trail. Without them, I’d likely still be wandering the forest today ;)

Nero & Brittany, thank you for allowing me into your world to capture the beautiful bond that your two souls share. It was truly an honor.