Photography project puts working dogs in the spotlight
Laura Wiggins hopes her work will encourage support for charities
The bond between working dogs and their handlers has been explored in a new photography project by Laura Wiggins, a student at the University of Northampton.
Magic, a diabetes alert dog from Medical Detection Dogs alerting his owner to changes in her blood sugar levels.
Laura graduated in July, after completing her final year project, Dedicated Dogs. She hopes to raise awareness of the positive impact working dogs have on their owners’ lives and encourage people to support working dog charities.
“Dogs deserve recognition for their lifelong commitment to people and my project was a great opportunity to do this,” Laura explained. “I’m hoping it raises awareness of the passion, dedication, and intelligence of working dogs and their relationship with us humans.
“Inspiring a single person to donate any spare change, sponsor a working dog or volunteer their time for a working dog charity themselves, for instance, will ultimately be the best accomplishment for all the hard work, perseverance and effort that I have and will continue to commit to this series.”
“Dogs deserve recognition for their lifelong commitment to people and my project was a great opportunity to do this,” Laura explained. “I’m hoping it raises awareness of the passion, dedication, and intelligence of working dogs and their relationship with us humans.
“Inspiring a single person to donate any spare change, sponsor a working dog or volunteer their time for a working dog charity themselves, for instance, will ultimately be the best accomplishment for all the hard work, perseverance and effort that I have and will continue to commit to this series.”
Nursing home residents interacting with Max the therapy dog, from Pets as Therapy.
Kirby an urban search and rescue dog alerting he had found his handler, who had been acting as a casualty on a training session.
Cathy, a guide dog on a shopping trip with her owner waiting patiently for her next command.
PC Olly, a police dog for Northamptonshire Police, perfecting his heel work with his handler.
Images © Laura Wiggins
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
