Kaitlyn plays with her dog Oreo at her home in the Foothills on April 8. Kaitlyn, 8, wanted a puppy for a while. After much preparation, Oreo became part of her family in August 2020.
Emily Deschamps poses for a portrait with her family’s five dogs Tessa, Gigi, Kona, Brandy and Whiskey at Cadence Stables in the Foothills on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Brandy is Deschamps’ favourite. Kona, the only boy in the group, is Brandy’s brother. Deschamps and her younger brother Robert enjoy playing with the dogs. Deschamps’ mother Kelly Carter describes having a dog like having a shadow. “I couldn’t live without a dog. I’ve always had a dog in my life.” Carter understands the joys of having that companionship and wants her children to grow up having the same.
Bethany Boonstra enjoys an afternoon of fun with the nine puppies she and her family are fostering at her home in Calgary on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. The Boonstra family began fostering the mother and puppies from the Cochrane & Area Humane Society in September and are enjoying their last few weeks with them before they are returned to the society for adoption.
Stephen O’Connor (left) and Camas Wales enjoy an afternoon with their puppy Oreo at their home in the Foothills on Friday, March 5, 2021. Their daughter Kaitlyn, 8, had wanted a puppy for a while. After much preparation, Oreo became apart of their family in August 2020. She is 75 per cent border collie and 25 per cent blue heeler. “She’s always willing to play and doesn’t have an off button. I like how she’s always on,” said Wales.
Crystal Ausmus spends time with her Weimaraner Molly at the Advanced Wellness Clinic where she works in Calgary on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. After having to put her previous Weimaraner down in the summer of 2020, Ausmus was not sure she wanted another dog. When her brother Dr. Jordan Ausmus sent her a photo of Molly, she fell in love. Through a strange series of events, Molly became hers in December.
Jacquie Goff and her dog Olivia pause on the path during their evening walk in Okotoks on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Goff’s favourite thing about owning a dog is companionship. Olivia has been with Goff for over eight years. Olivia is a brindle-coloured mixed breed of indeterminate lineage — a Heinz 57.
Dale and Joy Morrison enjoy the afternoon with their Boston terrier Fenway in Okotoks on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Fenway’s favourite foods include popcorn, ice cream and Cheezies. Fenway became a member of the Morrison family in 2016. One of the Morrison’s favourite things about Fenway is the therapeutic benefits of their relationship with him, especially during COVID-19. “He’s good company,” says Joy.
Jonathan Mabley plays with his dog Lokey in his living room in Okotoks on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Mabley got Lokey from a rescue shelter over two years ago.
Paula MacWilliam and her Shetland sheepdog Isla enjoy the morning sunshine at Riverside Inclusive Park in Okotoks on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. MacWilliam is originally from Australia. Isla is her third Sheltie.