Photographers Janet Craig, of Winthrop, and David Brittain have explored this love in a new exhibition at the Kidogo Arthouse titled The Pet Project: One of the Family.
Ms Craig said the collection was the product of 18 months work for her and Brittain.
“We have been friends and competitors for many years, but I asked David to help me with this project because I know he loves dogs,” she said.
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READ NOW“One of the Family started with a couple of my clients telling me some wonderful stories of how their dog had enriched their family life.
“I kept thinking this would make a great exhibition, showcasing Perth people and our West Australian stories.
“We let the dogs and the family be the stars of the show. Some dogs we photographed were just so smart and many times I would say ‘OK, this is what we want’ and it was like the dog just heard every word of it and did exactly what I asked for.”
Speaking to and photographing almost 200 families in their Leederville and North Fremantle studios, the photographers relied on word of mouth and posts on social media to find pet owners eager to be a part of the exhibition.
The finished product is an exhibition of 70 beautiful photographs that show the important role dogs play in happy families.
The exhibition is also raising money for Cancer Support WA, with the families involved in the project having already helped to raise $60,000.
The exhibition will be on display at Garden City from February 1 to 6.