Our Story
“I started The Junkyard Pets to turn memories into something you can hold forever.”
About The Junkyard Pets
Welcome to The Junkyard Pets! I'm Jones, the artist, photographer, and lifelong animal lover behind every piece you'll find here.
The Junkyard Pets began with a simple idea: every pet deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and loved.
The name has a special meaning to me. Part of it comes from a movie I loved growing up, where a dog proudly says, "I'm a junkyard dog, awoOOo!" In the story, each dog came from a different background, but together they found a place to belong and became a family.
That idea has always stayed with me.
To me, the junkyard represents something much bigger than discarded things. No matter where something comes from, it can end up in a junkyard—but that doesn't mean it has lost its value. Sometimes the things that others overlook still have the most life left in them.
I believe animals are the same way.
Whether they come from a shelter, a farm, a rescue, a breeder, or wandered into someone's life at the right time, every pet deserves to be loved, remembered, and celebrated for the unique life they lived.
The Dog Who Started It All
My inspiration has always been my dog, Charlie.
Charlie is a German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix that I found on Craigslist in 2017. From the beginning, we shared a special connection. Even today, when I leave home, he'll often sit in the window waiting for me to come back.
He's more than a pet—he's my best friend.
Charlie inspired me to pick up a camera, create artwork, and look more closely at the personalities that make every animal unique. He's reminded me that every expression, every habit, and every little quirk tells part of a story worth remembering.
Why I Create
I've loved animals for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, I was surrounded by all kinds of animals and naturally found myself drawn to the ones that needed a little extra patience. Whether an animal was scared, sick, stressed, or needed someone to sit quietly beside them, I was usually the one volunteering to help.
That connection eventually grew into experience caring for animals through photography, training, grooming, boarding, and everyday care. Every animal I've met has taught me something different, and every one has reinforced why I started this business.
When I create artwork, I'm not just trying to make something that looks like your pet.
I'm trying to capture who they are.
The curious tilt of their head.
The way they look at you.
Their favorite expression.
The little details that instantly make you smile because you know, "That's MY fur-baby."
Those moments matter.
Why Affordable Matters
One of the biggest reasons I started The Junkyard Pets is because I believe meaningful artwork should be available to everyone—not just those with large budgets.
No matter the size of your pet, your home, or your wallet, you deserve something beautiful that reminds you of the companion who has shared your life.
Some of the most important memories we have are with the animals who loved us unconditionally.
Those memories shouldn't be out of reach.
Why Memorial Pieces Mean So Much
When I was growing up, my family rescued a black Labrador named Shady from Texas.
She was with us from the time I was two years old until I was seventeen.
Like many families, we didn't realize how quickly time would pass. We don't have nearly as many photographs of Shady as I wish we did, and that's something I've carried with me ever since.
That experience is one of the reasons memorial artwork has become such an important part of what I create.
I want every family to have something lasting—a piece of artwork they can display, cherish, and pass down that celebrates the pet who meant so much to them.
Looking Ahead
Today, The Junkyard Pets creates custom artwork, photography, and handcrafted keepsakes inspired by the animals we love.
As the business grows, so does the dream.
I hope to expand into pet photography, walking, sitting, boarding, training, grooming, and nutrition consultations, creating a place where pet owners can find trusted care alongside meaningful artwork.
My long-term goal is to partner with animal rescues by donating a portion of proceeds, photographing shelter animals to help them find homes, assisting with training, and sponsoring adoptions whenever possible.
If The Junkyard Pets can help even one more animal find a loving family, I'll know this business has become something bigger than I ever imagined.
Thank You
Thank you for visiting The Junkyard Pets and supporting my small business.
Every order means more than a sale—it allows me to continue doing what I love: creating artwork that helps people celebrate the animals who make life better.
I hope when you receive your piece, you don't just see a portrait.
I hope you see your best friend.
Because every pet has a story worth celebrating.
