Tuesday 5 November 2013

One woman and her dog: A photographer's adorable images of her beloved former search-and-rescue border collie go viral

When Japanese-born Aki Yamaguchi was going through a rough period in her life, someone told her to focus on what made her happy.
So she began taking pictures - photography had been a passion for years - of her dog, a border collie called Jazzy and posting them on her blog and Instagram account.
'She’s my best friend, my baby and my personal therapy dog. She is and will always be my number one heart-dog,' says Aki.
Jazzy, a former search-and-rescue dog, has been there for Yamaguchi every day, waiting for her with 'soft eyes and a big smile' when she got home, and snuggling up to her chest when she cried 'until I ran out of tears.'
Yamaguchi's photographs of her dog have a tenderness and love that comes from the deep connection between woman and dog. They're also adorable. Jazzy's expressive face and innate curiosity allows Aki to create some truly heartwarming photographs, including a visit back to New Orleans.
The 10-year-old pooch has worked as a therapy dog, and sometimes spend time in nursing homes to bring comfort to old and sick people. She also helps to rehabilitate other border collies who have behavioral issues.
'She's perfectly imperfect to me. I don't know if I will ever find a dog this special ever [again],' Aki says.
Girl's best friend: Artist and dog-trainer Aki with her 'heart-dog' Jazzy the 10-year-old border collie
Girl's best friend: Artist and dog-trainer Aki with her 'heart-dog' Jazzy the 10-year-old border collie
Double digits: Jazzy recently turned 10, but even though she doesn't have as much energy as she used to, Aki says she's still two on the inside
Double digits: Jazzy recently turned 10, but even though she doesn't have as much energy as she used to, Aki says she's still two on the inside
Read between the lines: The way to Jazzy's heart is clearly through her stomach
Read between the lines: The way to Jazzy's heart is clearly through her stomach
Perceptive: Jazzy senses something's not right about the hand stroking her chin
Perceptive: Jazzy senses something's not right about the hand stroking her chin
One-paw salute: Aki is a dog trainer and has been working with Jazzy since she met him as a timid puppy 10 years ago
One-paw salute: Aki is a dog trainer and has been working with Jazzy since she met him as a timid puppy 10 years ago
On the ball: When Jazzy knows it's time for the park, she's ready and waiting by the door before Aki has even put her shoes on
On the ball: When Jazzy knows it's time for the park, she's ready and waiting by the door before Aki has even put her shoes on
Happy dog: When Aki first got her border collie Jazzy, the dog had behaviroal issues, but she's now outgoing and loving
Happy dog: When Aki first got her border collie Jazzy, the dog had behaviroal issues, but she's now outgoing and loving
Double high-five: Aki says that Jazzy is always pleased to see her, giving her big smiles and 'helicopter tail' whenever she gets home
Double high-five: Aki says that Jazzy is always pleased to see her, giving her big smiles and 'helicopter tail' whenever she gets home
Muse: Jazzy knows that when Aki finishes taking photographs of her, she will be rewarded with a tasty treat
Muse: Jazzy knows that when Aki finishes taking photographs of her, she will be rewarded with a tasty treat
Drummer dog: Jazzy thinks this drum makes a better pillow than instrument after a boisterous game of ball
Drummer dog: Jazzy thinks this drum makes a better pillow than instrument after a boisterous game of ball
Dog days: Jazzy beats the summer heat with a drink from the sprinkler
Dog days: Jazzy beats the summer heat with a drink from the sprinkler
Pampered pooch: Jazzy strikes a pose, showing off the latest in doggy fashion trends
Pampered pooch: Jazzy strikes a pose, showing off the latest in doggy fashion trends
Nap-time: Jazzy does a spot-on impersonation of her cuddly stuffed animal when she's ready to call it a day
Nap-time: Jazzy does a spot-on impersonation of her cuddly stuffed animal when she's ready to call it a day
Becoming zen: Jazzy salutes the sun with impeccable balance during a morning beach-side yoga session
Becoming zen: Jazzy salutes the sun with impeccable balance during a morning beach-side yoga session
High fashion: Looking fierce in a flowing scarf - is Jazzy America's Next Top Super-Dog?
High fashion: Looking fierce in a flowing scarf - is Jazzy America's Next Top Super-Dog?
Top dog: A pink-clad Jazzy looks like a cupcake dusted with sprinkles
Top dog: A pink-clad Jazzy looks like a cupcake dusted with sprinkles
Jazzy goes for a shopping outing with Aki.
Aki Yamaguchi and Jazzy
Constant companion: As far as Aki Yamaguchi is concerned, dogs, especially her border collie Jazzy, as the best kind of people


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2486822/Photographers-adorable-images-beloved-search-rescue-border-collie.html#ixzz2jo6GErmu
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