My 'Heart' Dog
I have had a number of dogs throughout my life and each of them has left paw prints on my heart. Each with their own special personalities and funny quirks that make me smile when I think of them.
However, I didn’t quite know what a ‘heart dog‘ was before Lexie.
Lexie is the friendliest, sweetest, little Staffy you ever will meet. She beams when you smile at her and thinks she has a chance for a cuddle. She especially loves belly rubs!
A Special Bond
Our bond grew through training, lots of cuddles and play, play, play! Becoming involved in dog sports – agility, disc, obedience and dog tricks – opened a whole new world and helped to build this beautiful relationship I have with Lexie.
I learned so many valuable lessons through training, using shaping techniques, luring and lots of patience! 
Not always Dog Friendly
As much as she loves people, (especially if you’re wearing Hi-Vis) like many dogs, she can be temperamental if dogs are too much for her, so I can sympathise with many of you who come to me worried about having your session in an area around other dogs.
It puts you on edge as you don’t know how your dog will react and you don’t want something to happen! Rest assured, because I live with this too, I will completely understand and be on the alert too!
but that’s enough about our relationship…
it's time to talk about me 😉
- I’d reluctantly pass on Keanu Reeves & Johnny Depp behind a kissing booth if there is a dog petting booth nearby.
- Dog training has become a passion. Lexie opened up a whole new world, through becoming involved with Agility, Canine Disc and Obedience Training. (Experience I’m so grateful for during photo sessions
- Born a Maker. My happiest moments are whilst building, crafting or being creative in some way.
- I dream of building a campervan and exploring the East Coast of Australia, camera in hand of course, whilst photographing all the doggies.
- Guilty Secret. Can you pop over and fold my clothes? I shudder at the thought of it. I’m your comfy activewear, no make-up, ponytail wearing kinda gal who hides her pile of washing in a corner of the bedroom.
- Podcasts and Audio Books changed my life. I love to listen to amazing people, learn about so many interesting subjects or get lost in a world of fantasy. Currently engrossed in fantasy stories about magic & witches. Highly recommend the books from the ‘Found Things Series’, followed by the ‘Shadow Chronicles’ by Paula Brackston.
- My superpower is my ability to visualise the unseen. My imagination for what ‘can be’ allows me to create magic others don’t see.
Patient & Fun, the perfect mix as a Pet Photographer
It’s hard work to sit, stay, and pose like a super model when all you want to do is run, sniff and be freeeee! I like to give them plenty of breaks to do just that.
Sometimes dogs can be a little shy and need some time to warm up to new people. I often become known as the treat lady as I begin handing out treats whilst clicking my camera offside. Sometimes the camera is scary!
As much as I love capturing dogs upon logs or in long grass. Not all dogs will feel comfortable and that is OK. Some just need a little encouragement with a few treats and sometimes, a tail between the legs tells the whole story and we move on to other fun stuff.
There’s nothing worse than capturing photos of your dog with his tail between his legs or worry across her face.
Through my involvement in years of dog training, I now have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve to help persuade your dog to have fun during the photoshoot.
Pop by the Frequently Asked Questions page to read more.
“Meeting Zoe over the weekend was amazing! My little dachshund Lola is a little nervous when it comes to strangers and different surroundings! Zoe worked so well with her and let Lola take her time!”
I've always been an Animal Lover
I love this top photo as it is so typical of how I would just bring dogs home.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve LOVED animals, especially Dogs!
I wanted a dog so bad that I essentially ‘borrowed’ the dog from down the street. Being 3 years old at the time, Caesar was essentially my best friend. I can remember opening their gate and sneaking her out of her backyard to come play. So naughty!
One day the owners asked my grandmother if we wanted to keep Caesar as they were moving, (I only learned of this years later mind you) but my grandmother didn’t think it was the right thing to do.
A few years later, I eventually managed to persuade my grandmother to keep a stray dog I had found. Dena became my partner in crime and would play dress ups, join me for tea parties and I would tell her all my secrets.
Being an only child, she was my best friend for many wonderful years, living well into my late teenage years.
I am so grateful I grew up having a dog I could whisper all my secrets to, cry my tears into her fur and imagine wild stories as we played for hours in the backyard.
I couldn’t imagine my life without a dog in it.
I’ll try my hardest to not take your dog home with me, but given my history, I can’t be making any promises. haha
