Canines of New York, the dog book every dog owner should have a copy of

Photographing something can, in a sense, save it forever. Heather Weston, a professional award-winning published photographer, has done this with many things. “I have photography in my blood. It is what I do. A lot of times, if I wanted to get rid of something, I would photograph it so I could have it forever while also getting rid of it.” So how did Heather become the author and photographer of “Canines of New York?”

“My daughter has always asked for a dog, so as with other things I wanted but didn’t want to actually have, I decided I would photograph them. Then, we could have the dog without the responsibility and time commitment.” Being a project based worker, as she describes herself, Heather took her nights and weekends after working in the public school system of NYC, to work on Canines of New York. These projects are not hobbies for Heather, but they are always free from financial pressure, which allows the creative spirit to flow.

After her successful book, Made in Brooklyn: An Essential Guide to the Borough’s Artisanal Food & Drink Makers  Published by Weldon Owen Publishing, her project hunger was back. She started to photograph dogs in the city. “I started by having a card that I would hand to people, but it just didn’t work. I eventually started carrying my camera with me and would take portraits of the pups on the spot. It was actually really funny, me rolling around in the gutters of the city getting these photos.” As you can imagine, as Heather approached people, she got all kind of reactions from “ok, crazy lady leave me alone” looks and welcoming, excited fur parents!

What was the common thread of all of these ‘sessions?’ Heather would leave the house tired after a long week of work, but after hanging out with these doggos, she found herself energized and happy every time she finished a portrait shoot! “It was like, for a lack of a better word, an adrenaline rush! Also, not all of the dog owners were happy people, but they were all dedicated to taking care of their pet. This was a confirmation that I was doing the right thing by not getting my daughter and myself our own dog. Our lifestyle doesn’t allow for this type of dedication that every dog deserves”

If you are a dog person, you know, that with this investment comes great reward filled with so much unconditional love! However, if you don’t have the time to dedicate, there is a book that provides you a way to vicariously live through other dog owners! “I love the people that email me and say it is their 5 year old’s favorite bedtime story book.” Canines of New York is a book that all ages can enjoy!

Buy a copy today for you or your favorite dog owner friend!