Meet the Paws Project Dogs: April
The Paws Project Calendar is about more than photographs. It’s about dogs, their stories, and using creativity to give back. Each month, I’ll be sharing the dogs featured in the calendar and a small insight into their lives.
A heartfelt thank you to every dog who took part and helped raise over $1800 for Ellie’s Canine Rescue through their involvement in the project.
Read on to meet April’s dogs and learn a little more about each of them…
Amber, Jasper & Onyx
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer, German Shepherd x Retriever, German Shepherd x Labradoodle
Age: 8 years, 9 months, 2 years
Where did you get your dog from?
Amber came home at eight weeks old from a breeder in Auckland.
Jasper came home at 10 weeks old from a breeder in Whanganui.
Onyx came from a police handler at three and a half months old. He was described as a chunky boy. He was chosen as a potential therapy dog, as the wait list for a programme was too long. Onyx’s owner has a few disabilities and says he has been perfect and has helped a lot.
What’s your dog’s personality like in a few words?
Amber is a diva. Every single person who’s met her has called her a sassy diva. She rules the house.
Jasper, nicknamed Jaws as he likes to ‘nip’ when he’s excited, mad, or tired. He’s full of energy.
Onyx is his owner’s soul dog. Sensitive and always wanting a hug 24/7. If he’s not giving a hug, he’s sad. A true care bear.
Do they have any funny quirks or habits?
Amber is very vocal, a classic schnauzer trait. She likes to sing the song of her people passionately, and thankfully the neighbours are understanding.
When Jasper gets really excited, he looks for something to carry in his mouth and will run around before bringing it back. If he can’t find something, he freezes in confusion and then ‘nips’ instead.
Onyx likes to give a high five or offer a paw. When his owner feels overstimulated and the other dogs are barking, he will gently “shh” them by pawing their mouths closed, even doing it to any dog nearby. When meeting someone new, he’ll go under their legs and lick them.
PIP
Breed: Kelpie X
Age: 3 years
Where did you get her from and how old was she when you got her?
Pip came from Aran Rescue at one year old.
How would you describe her personality in a few words?
Pip is described as pretty dynamic, with bursts of energy.
Does she have any funny quirks or habits?
Pip has her own bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a La-Z-Boy and sleeps in both. She loves car rides and going to the beach, especially to chase birds. She can be a bit naughty and will countersurf if given the chance, so nothing can be left out. She also knows how to play sassy or play dead.
Ember
Breed: Corgi x Miniature Schnauzer
Age: 7 months
Where did you get your dog from?
Ember came from a family in Feilding at eight weeks old. Her mum was a Corgi and her dad was a Mini Schnauzer.
What’s your dog’s personality like in a few words?
Ember is described as very happy and full of energy. She loves treats and food, absolutely loves people, and is super friendly with both people and dogs. She has a strong personality for a little dog. Her owner says she wouldn’t be trusted off lead if there was something distracting nearby.
Do they have any funny quirks or habits?
Ember goes outside to tell off thunderstorms until they go away, and then she’s happy again. She likes to sleep on the back of the couch on top of the cushion like a cat, something she learned from the family cat as a puppy. She was also taught by the cat to greet with a headbutt, so she’ll walk up and headbutt the cat as if it’s completely normal, even though the current cat doesn’t appreciate it.
Meeting and documenting these dogs has been such a privilege!
If you’re dreaming about documenting your own dog in a way that feels true to them, you can find more information about about my photography sessions here.
Thanks again to April’s dogs (and their humans) for being part of the Paws Project and helping support local rescue dogs.
