My little photography hobby has turned into an obsession/second job. I first became intrigued with paws in October when I “rescued” my second dog, a beagle named Franki-Jo. My friend’s neighbor didn’t have time to care for her. She was about to take her into the Palm Beach Animal Control center when I grabbed her up. (Those soulful eyes, those hearty grunts–how could anyone turn her in?!) Up until then I had only had one dog, a cocker spaniel named Anise. Anise has furry paws. Thus, I never saw the substance behind the paw.

Until Franki-Jo.

Since Franki is short-haired, I immediately noticed her lovely paws, which are a reflection of her: Exaggerated, meaty and clumsy. I liked the way she chewed on them with such determined vigor and how she hoisted herself up onto our couch. “Spindles” and “Spindly Littles” we called her because she is this meaty hound with these funny, skinny legs and pudgy, happy paws.

Ok, so. I started photographing her paws. Then I started photographing other paws. I have now shot about 500 paws. And I am lining-up paws to shoot every day. I have shot shelter paws, “famous people” paws and street dog paws. I feel compelled! Like I am on a mission from the great DOG in the sky.

I think that photographing paws, for me, is an extension of being a journalist. Like any photojournalist I am capturing the moment and documenting it with photos, instead of words. Only for me the subject is always paws. Some people may think (I’m sure they do): “You freak! It is just a paw!” I’ve had people ask: “Um, That’s nice, but where is the rest of the dog?

But for me, (and I hope, for others) the paw is fascinating and intricate on its own. Perhaps I am a Dog Objectifier, or a Paw Fetishist, but I look at the mighty (or meek!) paw and see a story. For example, texture tells a story. My latest rescue, Halo, spent much time as a stray and her paws are calloused. It is quite strange because she is so soft otherwise and has such bright, innocent eyes. But if you see the paws or feel them, it is obvious she has a “colorful” past!

Long nails and short, matted or dirty fur, its all in the paw. You can learn a great deal about a dog and it’s life by glancing at its paws. Do the paws have scars? Spots? How does the dog hold its paws? Are the paws dainty or sturdy? Also, what dogs do with their paws (fight or caress) and how they regard their paws (they tend to be protective) are interesting to me.

For me paws are a good photographic subject because the shapes and textures of the feet vary. Also the paws mimic much of what we see in life, which makes them a natural for different shoots. For example, pads of paws look like daisies…the circles on the pads..so they fit well in floral arrangements. And some furry paws look like other things…whipped cream, for example, on “Paw a la Mode…”

The size and proportions of the paws, feet and legs are also interesting to me…how a 6-month old Great Dane can have a way bigger paw than many full grown breeds, for example.