Michelle Petkovic | Dogs by Michelle Petkovic Photography

Adelaide, South Australia

Dogs by Michelle Petkovic Photography

ADELAIDE PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Adelaide (aka the “City of Festivals”) is the vibrant capital of South Australia. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, world-class wineries and rich cultural heritage.

There are no shortages of beautiful photoshoot locations around Adelaide and Cobbler Creek is a favourite for local photographer, Michelle Petkovic. Visitors are invited to a tranquil retreat with over 800 winding walking trails, flourishing native flora, and diverse Australian wildlife. The park and surrounding hills were historically used as makeshift winter shelters (Wardli) for the Indigenous Kaurna people.

In 2023, Michelle Petkovic 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!

Michelle raised over US$650 for Guardian Angel Animal Rescue by photographing ten dogs at Cobbler Creek. The beautiful photos feature happy dogs exploring the Australian bush in the warm glow of sunset.

Arlo

English Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 2 years and 6 months. He is his Mum's baby and best friend, embodying the epitome of gentleness and love among all the furry companions his Mum has known. His obsession with a tennis ball beats anything else! He isn’t a food driven dog, but when you have a tennis ball the attention is all on you! He adores cozy moments watching TV and snuggling up in his adorable jumpers when the chill sets in. This lovable pup truly brings warmth and joy to every moment shared with his devoted Mum.

Coco

"Golden Mix - 5 years old. Introducing Coco, the brave and resilient spirit who touched our hearts and changed our lives forever. When Guardian Angel Animal Rescue first introduced us to her, she was recovering from a broken ankle after a car accident. Despite her injury and a clouded past, Coco's spirit remained unbroken, and we instantly knew she belonged with us.

With every passing day, her desire to love and be loved shone brighter, melting away the scars of her past. Soon after coming home, we were faced with the difficult decision of amputation, but we knew it was the best for her.

Coco's transformation has been inspiring--a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of a furry friend. Today, she radiates pure happiness and reminds us daily that life's challenges can be conquered with love and support. We are forever grateful that she chose to trust us to be a part of her extraordinary journey.

In her presence, we have found healing, comfort, and the profound joy of witnessing a life transformed by love. We know that Coco has so much love to give, and our hearts are brimming with excitement for all the adventures that await as we continue this journey together."

Cricket

Terrier Cross - 10 years old. When Cricket entered the family, she was a palm size bundle snuggling in Mum's hand. A cute pup with oversized bat ears and adorable bug eyes. Watching her grow into those long legs and develop a curly tail was like witnessing pure magic. Despite her petite size, Cricket has the spirit of a playful Kelpie, especially when it comes to her favourite pastime – playing with her soccer ball! As Mum's devoted companion, she holds a special place in her heart & for her Dad too. In her younger days, Cricket had a charming habit of stashing treats in the most unexpected places, including a surprise chicken neck discovery in their bed one day while being made. With a heart as vast as her love for people, Cricket extends her affection to numerous four-legged friends and family members, making her an irresistible and cherished presence in their lives. Not bad for a log of a dog with the brain of a frog.

Daisy

Lagotto Romagnolo - 2 years old. Meet Daisy, the epitome of friendliness and joy! This happy-go-lucky pup is all about spreading love to her family, making a habit of snuggling on laps despite not quite fitting the typical "lap dog" size. Fetch is her game of choice, although the return part is optional in her rulebook. Beware of your laundry, especially socks and towels, as Daisy has a soft spot for a little thievery! Whether it's walks, swims, or any water play, she's the first in line, embodying the spirit of a fluffy pet sheep with the most enchanting, long eyelashes you've ever laid eyes on.

Flynn

Golden Retriever - 10 months. Flynn is an extroverted dog, cared for by introverted parents. He loves everyone and anyone! He's a criminal who takes a singular malevolent joy in stealing what people or other dogs value most, and taunting them for playtime. He has a very particular strut for when he has stolen something, and proudly shows it off to remain the centre of attention. He's the embodiment of an endearing mischief-maker with a heart of gold

Hugo

Blue Heeler x Border Collie - 4 years old. Hugo holds a special place as his Mum's cherished best friend and soulmate. Their bond is inseparable, as he accompanies her everywhere, from the office to the serene Adelaide beaches. He's her little shadow, and just a very very good boy. He is OBSESSED with fetch, balls, and sticks which can be great for getting his attention, but once you have a ball or stick that hyper focus is unwavering!

Jasper

Blue Merle Border Collie - 2 years & 8 months. Jasper, the embodiment of charm and fluffiness, is the most delightful combination of treat enthusiast, crazy floof, toy aficionado, and snuggle expert in the neighborhood. Simply open your arms and ask, "Jasper, do you want to cuddle?" and watch as he eagerly jumps up, seamlessly melting into you for the most heartwarming snuggles and scratches. By day, he's the undisputed head honcho in our studio, but come 4:30 pm, it's playtime, and he excitedly grabs his favorite toy for an epic game of fetch! His hobbies include ensuring the cat's food bowls are spotless and announcing the arrival of anyone passing by our house – we don't even need a doorbell anymore!

Louis

Chihuahua - 4 years old. Louis (pronounced Louie - you know, like Mr Armstrong) is small but mighty. He is an independent little guy who loves cuddles. His snout is wry, meaning it isn’t straight and goes off to the side. It’s his best feature and it makes him sneeze non stop when he is excited. He is so small he even gets to come into the shops with his Mums, always bringing joy and a guaranteed smile to everyone he encounters.

Spartacus

Maltese Poodle - 6 years old. Spartacus is a cuddle bunny with a heart full of love, always eager to be part of every moment and ever-curious to ensure he doesn't miss out on anything! He's been a guiding light for his Mum, teaching her not to accept the difficulties life throws, but face them head on and turn them into something great. To his Mum, Spartacus isn't just a dog; he's a cherished best friend who has profoundly touched her life.

Ziggy

English Springer Spaniel - 2 years old. Gorgeous Ziggy was initially trained as a gun dog, but had her entire life turned upside down (for the better) when she was adopted to became part of a beautiful loving family. Now she's embarking on a new chapter undergoing training as a conservation scent detection dog, dedicated to safeguarding Australia's wildlife from the impacts of introduced species where shes poised to play a crucial role in creating a secure habitat for the breeding of endangered butterfly species.

All images are shared here with the artist’s permission

Michelle Petkovic is an official photographer for our fundraising book, Tails of the World: Volume Two. You can follow Michelle’s pet photography adventures on Instagram, and be sure to check out the Dogs by Michelle Petkovic 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 GUARDIAN ANGEL ANIMAL RESCUE

Guardian Angel Rescue is an exceptional not-for-profit organisation in Adelaide that focuses on training and supporting dogs who face challenges such as anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and a lack of obedience and manners. At Guardian Angel Rescue, their commitment to these dogs extends beyond the initial rescue. They value that each dog requires individual attention and specialised training to overcome their unique challenges. This remarkable organisation not only strives to find these beautiful creatures the loving homes they deserve, but they also go above and beyond by providing ongoing behavioural support throughout the dog’s entire life.

VISIT WEBSITE
@guardian.angel.animal.rescue

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

*Michelle is an award-winning photographer in Adelaide with a deep appreciation for the beauty and brevity of a dog’s life.*
*She knows firsthand that our furry family are only with us for a short time and is committed to capturing the love and joy they bring into our lives.*
Her deep affection for animals is apparent in her gentle and considerate approach to working with them, ensuring they are at ease and able to reveal their true character, giving her the opportunity to preserve their unique story forever.

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