Jacques Smith | ShutterMutts Pet Photography

**Cape Town, South Africa**

ShutterMutts Pet Photography

CAPE TOWN PET PHOTOGRAPHY

With picturesque beaches, majestic mountains, and sprawling parks, Cape Town offers numerous opportunities for pets and their owners to enjoy the great outdoors together.

In 2023, Jacques Smith 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!

Jacques raised US$590 for Border Collie Rescue Cape Town with ten pet photoshoots at some of Cape Town's most beautiful locations. Nestled in the heart of Cape Town is De Waal Park, with a dedicated off-leash zone, lush greenery and serene ponds offering dog owners a taste of nature within the bustling city. The historic Company's Garden is another CBD park and dates back to the 17th century. Camps Bay and Blouberg Beach both offer expansive sandy shores, crystal clear waters and stunning views of the iconic Table Mountain. Granger Bay Harbour has a wide promenade along the waterfront, where boats bob gently in the waves. Nestled in the charming town of Stellenbosch is Eden Forest, offering both leisurely walks and invigorating hikes. Also in Stellenbosch is the pet-friendly Lourensford Wine Estate, witjh rolling vineyard framed by majestic mountains.

Kwik

Age 13
Breed: Border Collie

I adopted Kwik (13) when she was 18 months old from Border Collie Rescue in JHB, I was her 3rd home!

She was dog reactive and of course being a Border Collie needed daily stimulation, our training progressed beautifully and she blossomed into a wonderful companion, my fur baby. She still doesn't like other dogs much but will try her best to tolerate them.

She was diagnosed with cancer in her knee joint when 11 years old and the specialist vet, due to her age, recommended amputation. She bounced back quickly!

Now 13 years old, my lovely old lady Kwik, affectionately know as Pickle, has quite alot of trouble walking, virtually immobile. She still enjoys her walkies, assisted with a lead around her waist or via cart or hiking back pack, she still gets to see the world with her people. She travels everywhere with us and we care deeply for this very special little soul, she is love and light and holds an immense space in our hearts.

Rocky

Age 2 and a half
Breed: Border Collie

We found Rocky on a hike in the Cederberg. Around 8km into the pakhuis trail we came across him. Skeletal and covered in ticks, very friendly. Once I engaged with him he stuck to me like glue. He tried to keep up but was running on empty. My husband, the guide and I took turns carrying him back to the car, around 9km over uneven terrain. We were staying at a luxury lodge but were leaving the next day. We tried to see the vet in Clanwilliam but they were out of town. So we bought bravecto, shampoo and food. We used the outdoor shower to bath him and the guide offered to keep him overnight in the staff accommodation. We gave him the bravecto immediately, but since he was going to stay with the guide I spent the afternoon on the sunny porch removing over 60 ticks - which I know how to do safely. There were a few I missed which the bravecto took care of. We called border collie rescue for advice and they guided us on gradual feeding. We were going to drop him off there on the way home, but bonded with him so decided to keep him. It was a Saturday so we took him to an emergency vet when we got home to check for tick fever, distemper, parvo, etc. He was clear but these things have an incubation period. We then started nursing him back to health and getting him inoculated. In Aug'21 we went back into quarantine for 2 months to keep him in a secure environment until the vaccines could protect him. During that time he developed mange and other skin infections. We were not sure of his age, he wasn't ready for sterilisation when we found him but had is adult teeth - so he was 6 months-1 year. He weighed 7kg. 2 years later he weighs 21kg and is mostly healthy. He still has skin issues and elbow and hip dysplasia which we manage with physio, special diet and injections. To end, he is the happiest, friendliest border collie you will ever meet. He loves everyone and ensures he greets every new person he meets - which is amazing given his story and the fact that he was likely abused due to his initial fear response when any object was raised towards him. That is Rocky - named for the mountains where we found him and his fight to survive.

Mishka

Age 10 Years
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Lost my previous girl Amy at age 14 and new I needed another Spaniel in my life, my was golden and I new this one needs to be a different colour. Within a week of Amy's passing, I sat with a 6 week old black baby and named her Mishka. Her middle name is busy, she is a working spaniel and extremely busy, even at her age. She is my rock, my angel, my life and always by my side.

Lexi

Age 7 Years
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Well, Lexi, she like licking and goes with her name. She knows that she is special and you will know it too. Love watching TV and listening to a phone conversation. I got Lexi from the breathers in Jnb and flew her down to Cape Town, already a traveler before we even met. She loves her toys and will bring everybody one that comes and visit.

Mila

Age 2 Years
Breed: Border Collie
Overindulged pandemic puppy. Loves playing fetch and frisbee. Does agility and rally obedience, where she definitely is the class clown.

Holden and Lex

Holden (6) is our blue eyed boy. Loves to play with balls. He suffers from anxiety and he loves to bark at everything and everyone. Lexi is Holden's little sister and new addition to the family, this little lady is absolute cuteness and such a gentle soul.

Tori

Age 3
Breed: Golden Doodle

Tessa

Age: 4
Breed: Pitbull mix

Story:
I'm not sure if I rescued her or if she didn't rescue me back in 2019. She is my soul dog, and I can't explain the amazing bond we have to anyone. She is the best companion I could ever ask for.

Always eager to please me and work for her favorite toy, a tennis ball. She is definitely the best thing that could have happened to me. She is also my foster mom dog and has the most patience with puppies, playing very nicely with them.

She has a way of doing the funniest things on days when you are sad or just had a bad day, making you laugh and feel better.

Her favorite place to be is in my bed under the duvet on the electric warm blanket.

Snowy

Age: 14,
Breed: Jack Russell X

Snowy was born the runt of the litter with a heart defect. At birth the fluid filled sack she was in did not break and my granny, who is sadly no longer with us, helped her out and did mouth to mouth on her. We didn’t think she would make it, but after a while a little yelp came out. Don’t let all the issues fool you though – even with her heart problem, sensitive skin, and gut - she still thinks she’s a teenager! She loves going for walks, challenging all the biggest dogs of course – just as a terrier breed would do. Regular zoomies, destroying her favourite toys on occasion by taking all the stuffing out, and on the flip side, lying right beside her daddy is what she loves most! Well-schooled but does her best work with snacks. She’s our 1 in a million, love of our life survivor with the tenacity of a tiger and a sweet nature that you would have to look far and wide for another one like her.

Lisa

Age 9
Breed: Border Collie Cross

Our very own Lisa, who brought endless joy and love to our lives. Last year, at the age of 9, she left us with cherished memories, but her spirit lives on through the Tails of the World project. In honor of our silly girl, who could always brighten anyone's day, we've joined this wonderful initiative and selected Border Collie Rescue Cape Town as the beneficiary. Lisa's love for water and the beach was truly unmatched, and we often thought she must have been a seal in a past life! She was the best dog, a loyal companion, and a source of constant happiness. Through this project, we hope to spread that same warmth and happiness to others, just as Lisa did for us. We miss her deeply, but knowing that we're contributing to a cause close to her heart brings us comfort and joy. Here's to you, Lisa, forever in our hearts.

All images are shared here with the artist’s permission

Jacques Smith is an official photographer for our fundraising book, Tails of the World: Volume Two. You can follow Jacques’s pet photography adventures on Instagram, and be sure to check out the ShutterMutts Pet 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 BORDER COLLIE RESCUE CAPE TOWN

Border Collie Rescue, Cape Town was established in 1998 and now rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes many Border Collies in need. At Border Collie Rescue we take in stray, rescued and unwanted Collies which then go through an assessment and rehabilitation period before they are re-homed. We also actively assist people with rehoming their Border Collies, when this becomes necessary. This ensures that the Collies go to new homes that were first vetted and that are breed-suitable.

VISIT WEBSITE
@bordercollierescuecapetown

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

ShutterMutts Pet Photography was born out of my lifelong passions for photography and animals. I started this business in 2017 with my wife and assistant Liezl, driven by the desire to capture the essence of our beloved pets and create timeless memories that last a lifetime.
*As a pet owners, we know firsthand how much these furry companions mean to us. Losing one of our own dogs recently has reminded us of the importance of capturing those precious.*
My approach to pet photography is warm and professional. My goal is to capture your pet’s unique personality and the special bond you share, resulting in images that will make you smile and warm your heart every time you look at them.

WEBSITE

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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