Christy Bennie | Christy Bennie Photography

Johannesburg, South Africa

Christy Bennie Photography

JOHANNESBURG PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Commonly known as Jo'burg or Jozi, Johannesburg is a vibrant city that offers a mix of bustling streets and urban backdrops to outdoor adventures and nature reserves.

In 2023, Christy Bennie 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!

Christy raised US$380 for Husky Rescue South Africa with ten pet photoshoots around Johannesburg. Locations such as Delta Park and Sandton ('Africa's richest mile') show off the urban sophistication of Jo'burg. Then more rural parks on the outskirts of the city, like Golden Harvest Park and Lanseria, offer dogs the opportunity to explore indigenous bushveld or take in the views of the Magaliesberg mountains. The bushveld is a terrain of thick scrubby trees & grasslands, specific to South Africa and this unique ecosystem is featured in many of Christy's photos.

Other locations chosen include Bryanston Pine Forest, Farmall and Muldersdrift. Muldersdrift borders on the Cradle of Humankind, a paleoanthropological site where some of the world's oldest human fossils have been found. Muldersdrift is a picturesque town with numberous small farms, hikes and forests dotted along the Crocodile River.

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Lexi

Lexi was rescued by Husky Rescue South Africa, where she lived for roughly two years before finding her perfect home. She loves to hunt, get muddy, cuddle and sleep with her people. She is absolutely terrified of thunderstorms, and is selectively mute; communicating with her eyes. She’s a sensitive soul and her favourite human is her human brother Sebastian, who has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Jack

Jackman aka Jack, was rescued from a shebeen where he was living on a chain from an 8 week old pup. He has been at Husky Rescue for 7 years and spends his days assisting in the office (but he is still waiting for his own forever family). Jack is extremely energetic, loves going for walks and visiting local pet friendly restaurants. He lost his one eye about 6 months ago due to glaucoma but this hasn't slowed him down at all.

Hoshi

Hoshi (which means 'star' in Japanese) is an eight months old adopted Airedale X Lab, and her mom describes her as a real terrorist! She loves to chew everything, and enjoys the challenge of “killing the water snake” aka the garden hose. But her family adore her and her adopted sisters.

Willow

Willow was rescued by Husky Rescue South African from a back yard breeder. She is an emo child. ‘Yells’ if anyone comes near her treats, yells for loves and is a very prancy little girl. She LOVES treats and dog walks.

Luna

Luna is a Husky X German Shepard rescue who couldn’t wait to show us around Delta Park in autumn. She loves long walks and swimming in the dams. She’s clever, cheeky and an absolute star. Her mom describes her as her ‘bookend’, because she is never far away. She even knows where her treats are kept, and directs mom to them when she wants some.

Mother G

Mother G is 11 years and is a cattle dog x wire haired terrier who was picked up as a stray 10 1/2 years ago. Her mom fostered and fell in love with her spirit and intelligence. 'Mother' as she is affectionately known, thrived and is a show off in the tricks department! She loves off-lead walks, learning new tricks and chilling on the couch…as well as treats!

Soda

Soda and her mom go everywhere together! She is an adventure dog that’s up for anything from hiking to coffee dates. This rescued border collie X is incredibly clever and has recently started agility, trick and scent work training.

Achilles

Achilles is a super social dog and he loves people and other dogs. He has an infectious zest for life and enjoys hikes, long walks and balls! He has an extremely expressive face and makes everyone laugh a lot by being his goofy self. In between though, he is a perfect model who will do anything for a good treat.

Odin

Odin is 9-month old Labrador that is in training for South African Guide Dogs. He is a naughty, oversized black Labrador with a large voice and an even larger-than-life personality.
He always thinks he is hungry, loves to play and enjoys back scratches, tummy tickles and ear rubs! He has a heart of gold and so much love to give, whatever his destiny turns out to be.

Nova

Nova is a fluffy cream Dachshund filled with big personality and so much love. He is incredibly well trained and knows how to do all sorts of tricks but his signature trick is ‘meerkat’ where he balances on his hind legs.
This boy was born to be South African’s next top model – he loves the camera and can strike a pose on request!

All images are shared here with the artist’s permission

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

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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.

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ABOUT HUSKY RESCUE SOUTH AFRICA

Husky Rescue South Africa is a small non-profit, all-volunteer rescue organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of Huskies and Husky cross breeds. They work across South Africa, but have a beautiful Haven situated in Farmall, Johannesburg. HRSA aims to build awareness around the specific needs of these breeds in a proactive drive to decrease the amount of stray, abandoned and abused Huskies.

VISIT WEBSITE
@huskyrescuesa

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Hello I'm Christy. I believe that images of our pets are irreplaceable and photoshoots should be tackled with ENTHUSIASM, a sense of AWE, and NO limitations on creativity.

South African born, and Johannesburg based, I’m passionate about conservation and am an advocate for all things animal related. I believe that authentic, unstated moments stand the test of time; that kindness is free and life is significantly better with animals in it! I’m a tender-hearted idealist that loves to travel and am immensely proud to be a pet parent. Pet photos should capture the essence of the soul and we should see their personalities. Yes, sometimes they’re goofy and do silly things – embrace and enjoy it.

WEBSITE

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