The Little Girl/Big Dog Photo Journey That'll Make Your Day

When we came across the beautifully documented photographic journey of Harper and Lola, we knew we weren't the only ones that the "sisters'" story would resonate with. Michigan-based photographer Rebecca Leimbach is the mom behind the lens of the project, which stars her 4-year-old daughter, Harper, and 7-year-old English Bulldog, Lola.

Like many families, Rebecca and her husband faced years worth of fertility issues before Harper arrived. She calls the battle the "struggle of her life" and had hoped to have more children after her daughter was born. "It weighed on me every time IVF would fail," said Rebecca, who had wanted Harper to be able to experience the joy of siblings.

Then one day, Harper paraded out of her playroom in princess regalia, with a coordinating Lola by her side — tutu and all. "That’s when I realized, I’m not going to feel bad about not giving her a sibling," Rebecca told Today Moms. Keep reading to see the heartwarming (and hilarious) bond between Harper and Lola, plus their Mom's quick-witted commentary. All

01
Painting Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Painting Edition

"We have been trapped in the house (because of this God forsaken freezing cold), so we do what we can to stay busy. And yes, Lola fell asleep."

02
Throwback Thursday Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Throwback Thursday Edition

"Been down since diapers. This was taken August 2010."

03
Story Time Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Story Time Edition

"So then what happened?' This is my favorite image of them so far . . . Lola seemed seriously interested in the story Harp was telling."

04
Stockholm Syndrome Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Stockholm Syndrome Edition

"Harper hit Lola with a Barbie after Lola attempted to eat Harper's breakfast. Harper was put in a time out and forced to apologize. Lola sat next to her with this pathetic 'let her up, Mom' look the entire five minutes."

05
Hump Day Ediiton
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Hump Day Ediiton

"Please note: My child was not hurt in the taking of this image! Harper thinks it's the funniest thing on Earth to antagonize Lola. When Lola has had enough, she will show her who's bigger."

06
Bathtub Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Bathtub Edition

"Because it's -400 degrees outside. What the hell else do you do when you're trapped in the house?"

07
Lederhosen Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Lederhosen Edition

"Guten Tag. These were her Dad's Lederhosen when he was a child. Seriously? Could you die? And like all good Germans, Lola is sporting a scarf."

08
Hibernation Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Hibernation Edition

"It's -25 wind chill today. A great day to stay in bed and watch cartoons with a bed hog."

09
The Princess and the . . . Mullet?
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

The Princess and the . . . Mullet?

"This just went down, and yes, my dog has a mullet."

10
New Year's Eve Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

New Year's Eve Edition

"I'm gonna 'try' to post a Harper + Lola image once a week (maybe more if the child cooperates). This ought to be interesting."

We're glad you stuck with it, Rebecca.

11
Breakfast Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Breakfast Edition

"That was delicious . . . now it's nap time.' — Lola Leimbach

(She's sleeping in this picture, it's a problem. Girlfriend is narcoleptic)."

12
The Rabbit and the Mouse Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

The Rabbit and the Mouse Edition

"The rabbit is currently not speaking to either of us."

13
Hoodie Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Hoodie Edition

"I'm in a rap music playing nonstop mood today. Must be this dreary, dark, snowy, rainy, thundering, lightning apocalyptic hell hole of a day we are having."

14
The Chariot Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

The Chariot Edition

"Bathing suit in 20 degree weather, check. Ratty hair, check. Pink winged horse, check. Strapping it to your dog for her to pull you, check. This, my friends did not end well."

15
Watchdog Edition
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

Watchdog Edition

"Lola hates the cold, like hates it, hates it. But she won't stay inside if the child is outside, she will scratch at the door till you let her out. Don't nobody betta mess with her kid, she won't take her eyes off of Harp."

16
At the Copa, Copacabana
Facebook | Photography by Rebecca Leimbach

At the Copa, Copacabana

"Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl. With yellow feathers in her hair and her dress cut down to there. His name was Rico, he wore a diamond. He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there . . .' I had to people, I couldn't help myself!" Rebecca shared.