Meet the Paws Project Dogs: January
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 funds for Ellie’s Canine Rescue through their involvement in the project.
Read on to meet January’s dogs and learn a little more about each of them…
Heathrow
Breed: Afghan Hound
Age: 3 years
Where did you get your dog from?
He came from Tahkira Kennels in Adelaide, bred by Birgit Fergusson. Due to COVID, his arrival was delayed and he came home at five months old, flying in once travel was possible.
What’s your dog’s personality like in a few words?
Wickedly smart, like a giant cat. He’s loyal and loving, with a mischievous streak – particularly when it comes to stealing things from the counter.
Do they have any funny quirks or habits?
At 29 inches at the shoulder, he firmly believes he’s a lap dog and will try to sit on his owner whenever they sit down. He lies down to drink, sits at the table to eat, and is incredibly gentle with his food – a true gentleman. He’s also a complete snob when it comes to treats, often sniffing and turning his nose up. Widely considered the best dressed hound in Wellington, he’s often seen wearing a raincoat and leggings.
TOM
Breed: English Cocker Spaniel
Age: 4 years
Where did you get your dog from?
Tom came from Dovedale, bred by a breeder who has since passed away, meaning there will be no more dogs from her lines. His owner had always wanted a Dovedale dog, which makes Tom especially meaningful and very special to her.
What’s your dog’s personality like in a few words?
A total mummy’s boy. Majestic, a big baby, and very prone to FOMO.
Do they have any funny quirks or habits?
He’s quite ‘barky’ and loves nothing more than snuggling up and sleeping in his owner’s arms. Described as “pretty vanilla”, he’s essentially just a big sook. He also has an impressive ability to sniff out food from a mile away, something that’s become even more pronounced since starting scent work.
There’s a couple of calendars left if you still wanted to order one and support Ellie’s Canine Rescue.
Winnie
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Age: 3 years
Where did you get her from and how old was she when you got her?
Winnie came from a registered breeder, Vindication Kennels. She joined her owner in March 2025 and was 2.5 years old at the time.
How would you describe her personality in a few words?
Incredibly loving and affectionate, calm, with very go-with-the-flow energy. She’s eager to please, a massive foodie, and always happy.
Does she have any funny quirks or habits?
Winnie doesn’t bark, but instead does little “rumbles” and “woos” when she’s excited – especially before meals or walks.
Jiminy Cricket
Breed: Greyhound
Age: 5 years
Where did you get your dog from?
He came from Nightrave Greyhounds in Feilding. He was trained to race, but due to COVID he never actually raced and instead retired at three years old.
What’s your dog’s personality like in a few words?
Regal and stoic, very much a gentleman. Goofy around dogs he likes.
Do they have any funny quirks or habits?
Like many greyhounds, when he feels comfortable he’ll lie on his back with his legs straight in the air — anywhere, including in his crate or at daycare, as long as he feels safe. After a bath, while he’s still a bit wet, he’ll rub himself on anything outside, including the side of the house or plants, followed by about 30 seconds of full-body wiggling. He also does a little dance when wearing his pyjamas, almost like he’s twerking. He loves being warm and cosy and gets very excited when they first go on, often rubbing and dancing against the wall in pure joy.
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 January’s dogs (and their humans) for being part of the Paws Project and helping support local rescue dogs.
