Missy Maher | Missy Maher Dog Photography

Barrie, Ontario Canada

Missy Maher Dog Photography

BARRIE PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Known for its picturesque waterfront, the outdoorsy city of Barrie in Ontario, Canada provides dog parents ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, and enjoying nature with their furry friends.

In 2023, Missy Maher joined professional photographers around the globe to make a difference for pets in need with 'Tails of the World'. This unique collaborative project celebrates dogs with an annual coffee table book and our latest volume has raised over $65,000 for animal rescue!

Missy raised US$530 for Project Paws Dog Rescue by photographing dogs at four beautiful, dog-friendly locations around Barrie: Springwater Park, Sunnidale Park, The Ardagh Bluffs and the Barrie Waterfront. Springwater Park features a series of 31 trails winding through hills, forests, meadows and ponds. Back in the 70s, Sunnidale Park was transformed from a golf course into the city’s largest urban park with 50 acres of open fields, wooded ravines, a community garden, a children’s playground and a dedicated off-leash dog park. The Ardagh Bluffs are another city oasis, with 518 forested acres right in the heart of Barrie. And of course, there’s the Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail, with 11 different parks, 4 main beaches and different historical themes along each of the stations. Community events and festivals are held here throughout the year.

Mowgli

"Mowgli" is a funny old man. He is a 12 year old Border Collie/Bull Terrier mix and was adopted from "Border Collie Rescue Ontario" when he was 1.5 years old. This little weirdo moos like a cow, can’t catch a treat to save his life, and when he is happy rubs his face on anything he can find, including random people on the walking trail.

Moxy

"Moxy" is a 14 year old girl that has the energy of a 3 year old. She was adopted at 7 months old from the "Animal Rescue Foundation Ontario". She is mostly Labrador Retriever, with a mix of Belgian Tervuren, Golden Retriever, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This girl loves her ball, agility, hiking, chest rubs, sweet potato chews, and is super sassy.

Chrissie

"Chrissie" is a 8-10 year female Chinese Village Dog rescued from "Project Paws". Village dogs are free-roaming dogs that live in and around human settlements and are some of the most genetically diverse dogs on earth. She has short stretches of DNA in common with the following breeds: Jindo, Tibetan Mastiff, Phu Quoc Ridgeback, Anatolian Shepherd, Chinese Chongqing, German Shepherd, and Pekingese. She is quite timid, hates the car, but loves her people.

Ernest

"Ernest" is male Basset Hound that loves showing off his tricks for the camera. This guy is an international model and influencer. He has worked with many brands (Casper, Pet Valu, Ren's Pets), local craft breweries, and has done over 100 professional photoshoots since he was 8 weeks old. He recently landed a background role in the movie "The Shrouds"!

Matilda

"Matilda" or "Tilly" as some people call her is a 15-month old female smooth collie. She has competed in conformation events and is also learning agility. She is a sweetheart but drives her older sister "Freya" a bit nuts. She loves to help herself to raspberries from the garden and turns into a gremlin at night when she rolls around on the floor while growling and grumbling.

Gemma

"Gemma" is a 10 year old female French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix. She is a supermodel and loves to pose for the camera. She has the best head tilts. She is sweet and affectionate and has been her mom's support through some very tough times. Fetching sticks in the pond is a very fun day.

Uncle Dunbar

Known to Mom and Dad as the "Senior Weiners":

"Uncle Dunbar" is a fabulous 18 year old male Dachshund adopted from "Redemption Paws" when he was 14. Although he is blind and deaf with no teeth, he is still the sweetest dude around. He loves his mom and is a serious kisser. Apparently, he wins over all the ladies! His motto is "9 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal"! He loves going for rides in his wagon, visiting patios in the summer, and cuddling.

Pancake

"Captain Pancake" is a 15 year old female Dachshund and is Dunbar's right pawed lady. She was adopted at age 10 from "Lost Boys hope". Also known as "Cakers", "P-Cake", "Little Lady", or "Shark", this sweet girl loves her brother "Dunbar". She grooms him while he is asleep and acts as his eyes and ears. Pancake also loves to do all the things her people do: hanging out poolside, cottaging, boating, golfing, hiking, and even going to pilates.

All images are shared here with the artist’s permission

Missy Maher is an official photographer for our fundraising book, Tails of the World: Volume Two. You can follow Missy’s pet photography adventures on Instagram, and be sure to check out the Missy Maher Dog Photography Website to learn more.

Purchase your copy of the Tails of the World Book, and enjoy more dog photography and stories from around the globe. 100% of the proceeds of this book go to Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc.

ABOUT PROJECT PAWS DOG RESCUE

Project Paws Dog Rescue is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization operating solely out of foster homes in and around Barrie, ON. Their goal is to place the dogs they rescue into loving, forever homes. They have been working closely with other Canadian rescues and shelters to help with the growing dog overpopulation issue in Northern Ontario.

VISIT WEBSITE
@projectpawsdogrescue

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

My name is Missy. I am a book-loving, tree-hugging, travel addicted foodie! But most importantly, I believe that a dog is more than ‘just a dog’. They are family. They love unconditionally, they bring joy to life and comfort during the darkest times. My goal with photography is to capture the essence of dog and celebrate their individual weird and wonderful personalities.
As an expert in dog behaviour and a former dog trainer I have oodles of patience and never force a dog to do something they are uncomfortable with. My clients enjoy sessions full of laughter and play immersed in nature. The artwork we create together is a ‘fur’ever reminder of their beloved pet and the bond they share.

WEBSITE

Featured

Author: Caitlin J. McColl

Caitlin J. McColl is the multi-award winning artist behind Ragamuffin Pet Photography, author of five dog-filled books and founder of the Tails of the World Collective. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, two boys and a scruffy family of rescued animals. She’s a bit of an introvert, a lot of a dork, and so very passionate about making a difference for pets in need.

RAGAMUFFIN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK