sweet staffordshire terrier sable | burlington pet photography

I’ve photographed several dogs with “disabilities” — three legs, no eyes, deaf. I often go into the session a little anxious, wondering if it will be difficult to get a good shot if a dog can’t see or hear you, or has trouble with his or her mobility. But in every single case, after the meet and greet and the session gets underway, I forget there is anything different because dogs with disabilities don’t act any differently than a dog that has all its limbs and senses. It is truly amazing how joyful and resilient dogs are regardless of their lot in life. It’s extra special for me to showcase these special qualities and I come away from these sessions inspired.

Sable is a senior 14-year-old blind and deaf American Staffordshire terrier — she is classified as a “bully” breed. She is the most docile, sweetest thing. It astounds me that she wouldn’t be allowed in the province today due to Ontario’s pit bull ban.

Sable’s backyard Burlington pet photography session was a surprise Christmas gift. Amy hired me because Sable is getting up in years and she wants her brother to have wonderful memories of his four-legged companion. She managed to get Sable out of the house and over to her mom’s for a secret session. How awesome is that?

Sable can’t see or hear but her sniffer works just fine! She loved my treats and was a quiet little shadow, following me around and gently nudging me with her muzzle to let me know she was there. Her eyes are so bright, it’s hard to believe she can’t see.

This was the first time Sable was in this particular backyard and she did not hold back when it came to exploring — she checked out every nook and cranny, and got along just fine despite her blindness. And for an older girl, she still has lots of get up and go!
The markings on Sable’s nose are from years of wearing various halti’s and muzzles, which are required by law for pit bull breeds. They are a part of her, so we decided to leave them in the images rather than remove them in the editing process. Sable is a doll — she should be able to have the same privileges that other dogs enjoy.

Amy sent me a video of her brother on Christmas morning seeing his images for the first time — he cried. I’m so happy I was able to help Amy give a gift that will last a lifetime and that it had such an impact on her brother. That’s what pet photography is all about for me.