In the past, I’ve done a bit of service dog photography with puppies in training, but I have to admit: this was my very first full-length photo session with a fully-trained, active service dog! I wasn’t sure what to expect, honestly: the service dogs I’ve photographed in the past were adorable puppies, not yet fully grown & only somewhat aware of the huge responsibility they’d have one day. Aberdeen, on the other hand, is an 8-year-old labrador/golden retriever dog who’s been with his owner, Patty, for years now! He’s an absolutely incredible dog – cheerful, helpful & amazingly intuitive – and it was such a thrill for me to work with a dog who’s doing his job at the same time I’m doing mine! :)

Aberdeen is from Canine Companions for Independence, a fantastic organization dedicated to providing impeccably-trained dogs to veterans & people with disabilities. And even though I’ve gotten to know a few puppy raisers in the past, talking with Patty & learning about Aberdeen’s upbringing was a truly educational experience for me. For example, I learned that CCI keeps cats around their facility all the time: they let them wander around, take naps & greet visitors around the dogs, because their dogs need to be comfortable with cats out in the world. (What a different upbringing, compared to my Bailey who’s terrified of cats! Haha!)

Anyways, I get to show you lots of photos today, because Patty chose the photo session option that allows us to visit as many places as we want! So we started off at her home in Ocean Beach, we took a walk around her neighborhood, swung by Sunset Cliffs, and we also visited Starbucks because Aberdeen loves to carry Patty’s bag of purchases & soak in all the attention he invariably gets! But before we could visit the San Diego Yacht Club like we planned, the weather interfered with thick overcast clouds… so next week we’ll be picking up where we left off! In the meantime, I simply can’t wait to share these images with you – and now you can officially count me in as a big fan of service dog photography! :)

Look at that handsome smile! Aberdeen loves relaxing in the backyard with his mom – plus, his yard is a photographer’s dream.

Always helpful!

Sunset Cliffs looks good on you, Aberdeen! Don’t you love the blues of the ocean & sky with his jet-black fur?

Aberdeen’s favorite place: right by Patty’s side.

Oh my goodness – every time we’d reach in the treat bag (which was actually just his kibble, since Aberdeen has a sensitive tummy) he’d majorly tilt his head! Just like a puppy! Aaaaah, too cute!!

I’m so glad we were at Sunset Cliffs at sunset. It’s too pretty to miss.

Patty, thank you so much for introducing me to your sweet boy! I’m excited for our next adventure! :)

Tags: backyard, beach, dogs, pet photography, pets, photography, San Diego, San Diego Dog Photographer, San Diego pet photography