WHEN DOGS HEAL
Jesse Freidin’s poignant stories about the transformative power of dogs’ unconditional love.
s READ MOREJesse Freidin’s poignant stories about the transformative power of dogs’ unconditional love.
s READ MOREA dog’s love comes without judgment, without conditions, without limits. A profound force and an endless, soul-deep comfort that can teach us more than we ever bargained for. When Dogs Heal is a gut-wrenching collection of stories from people living with HIV, and the seismic influence of their dogs on their lives.
Created by award-winning dog photographer Jesse Freidin, the book is an anthology of individuals’ struggles in the lonely wake of an HIV diagnosis, but it’s also a celebration of human strength and spirit. Chicagoan Daniel on his dog, Loki: “It’s almost a mystical relationship—especially when you get a dog during a major transition in your life. Loki gave me a sense of home, safety and comfort that I desperately needed. As corny as it sounds, I felt like I finally had a home because he was there, and that really did change my life.”
From Lynnea, diagnosed with HIV at age seven, to Adam, uprooted by the bombshell of his diagnosis at 21, and many more, each story shares a common character: a loveable, loyal hound. “The stigma surrounding HIV didn’t exist to Laila—she still sat next to me and slept next to me,” tells Adam. Fuelled by the lessons learned—about themselves, others and the world—through the love and devotion of their dogs, Lynnea, Adam and scores of others overcome their darkest days, finding hope, self-love and acceptance.
—
All images courtesy of Jesse Freidin
whendogsheal.org
jessefreidin.com
We are thrilled to introduce Dog-Friendly, a collection of city guides for dog-loving people, created together with our long-time contributor, photographer Winnie Au, and fellow enthusiasts, indie publisher Hoxton Mini Press. Available for purchase here.
August 25, 2021
Have you ever imagined Amy Winehouse or Nick Cave as a Chihuahua, Neil Young as a Vizsla, or PJ Harvey as an Afghan hound? That’s exactly what San Francisco-based artist Michael Gillette has done through his unique illustration project, blending beloved, iconic music legends, both past and present, with their dog counterparts. Pack of Dogs, our first foray into book publishing, is a celebration of pup and pop culture for music and dog lovers alike.
August 25, 2020
Spanish photographer Sara Monsalve strives to ‘capture your memories’—to immortalise the beauty, innocence and wisdom of our pets.
November 8, 2023
French artist Jochen Gerner distils the magic and energy of dogs using disarmingly simple techniques, relying on felt pens and school notebooks.
November 3, 2023
Photographer Rebecca Rinaldi knows that to capture a dog’s true essence, play is the key ingredient.
July 13, 2023
An antidote to mass-produced dog accessories, MiaCara’s range of carefully crafted toys are designed to surprise, endure and delight.
July 12, 2023
Photographer Randal Ford’s fierce clarity draws dogs’ personality to the fore to reveal each animal’s “true essence”.
June 8, 2023
Moving your buddy from A to be B becomes an exercise in style, comfort and convenience with Cloud7’s Travel Collection.
June 2, 2023
In his series ‘Kinetic’, San Diego-based photographer James Lee celebrates dogs at full speed.
May 7, 2023
Jouk Oosterhof photographs Amsterdam’s beloved family members (with a dash of lifestyle accessory).
May 3, 2023
What started as a fundraising effort to save photographer Kristoffer Paulsen’s beloved dog Josie, morphed into Melbourne’s most in-demand pet portraits.
March 31, 2023
For decades, legendary Irish documentary photographer Tony O’Shea has captured the country’s annual drag hunt, and a country’s rich history along with it.
March 24, 2023