In the heart of Marin County, a photographer has turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope and healing. Lynda Niemeier-Teasdale, a Sausalito local with a remarkable story, channels her creativity and passion for cancer research after losing her beloved dog to oral cancer.
She hosts special pet portrait sessions at Greenbrae’s Bon Air shopping center. Through these sessions, she raises funds for comparative oncology research that could help both animals and humans. It’s a striking example of grief evolving into something that helps the community.
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From San Francisco Dreams to Marin County Mission
Lynda Niemeier-Teasdale arrived in San Francisco in 1980 with just a few hundred bucks and big dreams. Over the years, she became a respected photographer in Sausalito’s bustling art scene.
Her path shifted when she snapped some striking photos of a friend’s greyhound in her San Francisco studio. That’s when she realized her knack for pet photography.
Finding Purpose Through Personal Loss
People in Mill Valley and Tiburon have long admired Niemeier-Teasdale’s artistic eye. But not many knew about the personal struggles that would eventually change her career path.
As a breast cancer survivor, she felt a strong connection to cancer research. Yet it was losing her Coton de Tulear, Chloe, to oral cancer in 2022 that truly changed her direction.
“After losing Chloe, I learned about the remarkable similarities between canine and human cancers,” Niemeier-Teasdale says. “That knowledge sparked something in me that I just couldn’t ignore, even at 69 when I thought I’d slow down.”
Chloe’s Cause: A Marin County Legacy
Folks from Corte Madera to Novato now know Chloe’s Cause, the fund Niemeier-Teasdale started to support UC Davis’ comparative oncology program. This field studies naturally occurring cancers in animals as models for human disease, opening doors for research that could help both groups.
Christmas in July: Pet Portraits with Purpose
Marin County pet owners have a unique way to support the cause and get memorable portraits of their pets. On July 20 and 26, Niemeier-Teasdale will hold special pet portrait sessions at Woodlands Pet Food and Treats in Bon Air shopping center, Greenbrae.
The sessions feature a playful “Christmas in July” theme, with Santa rocking a Hawaiian shirt—a fun twist that really fits the photographer’s creative vibe.
For many in Larkspur and San Rafael, these sessions offer more than cute holiday cards. They give people a chance to support important research and honor the bond with their pets.
A New Chapter with Rosie and Indie
Chloe’s memory still drives her charitable work. But Niemeier-Teasdale isn’t walking this path alone anymore.
She now has two new Coton de Tulear companions, Rosie and Indie, joining her as she photographs pets across Marin County, from Fairfax to San Anselmo.
“For years, Chloe was always present in my husband’s surgical practice, bringing joy to patients and staff,” Niemeier-Teasdale remembers. “Now, through Chloe’s Cause, her spirit continues to heal and comfort others in a different but still meaningful way.”
The Future of Comparative Oncology in Marin
Awareness keeps growing throughout Marin County, especially in places like Belvedere and Strawberry. Niemeier-Teasdale wants to expand her fundraising efforts, and honestly, who could blame her?
The Christmas in July portrait sessions are just the start of what she hopes will become a lasting contribution to cancer research. She really wants to honor that unique bond between people and their pets.
If you’re a pet owner anywhere from Kentfield to Ross and thinking about getting involved, bookings for the July events are open now. Through one photographer’s lens, Marin’s pets are stepping up as unexpected ambassadors for health research—bridging the gap between species in ways that feel both hopeful and, honestly, kind of inspiring.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin resident photographs pets for personal cause
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