Canines of Cairns - Week Five

After five weeks of photographing dogs for my Canines of Cairns project, I have reached my '100 dogs' milestone and then some. This week I met with Yaps and RSPCA dogs, rescue dogs, and dogs that were not expected to live, yet survived against great odds. I have met dogs who are the 'business cards' for their owners - Canine Training School and Cairns Dog Care and Training - and I have had the privilege of meeting greyhounds who have changed the racetrack for the backyard. I have met shy dogs, character dogs, wise dogs, fun dogs, ball-mad dogs, stick-mad dogs and cute-as-a-button dogs.

The one thing that all these different dogs have in common is that they are loved and give love in return. Over the last five weeks, I have come to observe and to recognise that the connection and bond between the two species is as strong and powerful as I had thought. Each dog’s story is as individual and interesting as the dog and their owner, but each is a reminder that there is something that supersedes logic and commonsense and takes the human/canine relationship into the realms of mystery and wonder.

Regardless of how this bond might be categorised or where it might be found, it is something that should not be taken for granted and should be celebrated. I am so grateful for all that have taken part in the process, who have let me peek into their special dog/human world for just a small time and capture that moment with a camera. I am changed from having met each and every one of you and your faithful, lovely companions.

Thank you!