Today I had had the opportunity to photograph a wonderful dog named Johnnie who is currently available for adoption from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.  Johnnie is a one year old Staffordshire Terrier Mix and is full of energy. He would make a fabulous hiking or running partner for someone with an active lifestyle.

Johnnie originally came to the shelter as a stray. He was adopted out to a family who ended up returning him because they could not keep up with him. Upon his return to the shelter, it was discovered that he was a bit fearful of new noises and stimuli. Thanks to the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Johnnie got to spend a week with Randy Mouri of Deepwood Canine Consultants.  He did really well!  It turns out that all Johnnie really needs is a routine, lots of mental and physical activity and some basic boundaries. Thanks to all of that work, Johnnie’s new family will receive detailed instructions about what worked well for him during his training. To see some of the highlights of Johnnie’s week of training, watch this video of Johnnie’s Board and Train

Photographing Johnnie was an absolute joy! Many high energy dogs can be a challenge in the studio, but Johnnie modeled like a pro!. He sat right where I asked him to and stayed nicely. Some dogs can be a little scared of the studio environment, but not Johnnie.  He was confident, happy and not at all concerned with the flashing of the studio lights. On his breaks, he enjoyed playing with balls and would keep himself quite entertained while I changed backgrounds and props. At the end of the session, we sat together on the couch to put his collar back on, and I got some wonderful kisses, my favorite perk of being a dog photographer!

One of Johnnie’s favorite ways to burn off energy is to wrestle with other dogs.  He is really a wonderful young boy who just needs a family who can keep him active while helping him continue learning how to be a well mannered adult. For more info on Johnnie or other dogs available for adoption visit Petango.com/

Artful Paws Photography is proud to offer photography services to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and other rescue groups. If you would like dog photography near DC, please visit my website for more information on photography sessions.