Alexandra Cearns - Zen Dogs

To the dogs of the world. We can learn so much from you when we have open minds and hearts. As a pet and wildlife photographer, my job is my lifestyle and my world is all about animals. I love every creature I meet, but dogs are my absolute favorite. Throughout my life, dogs have been great friends and cherished family members. Every day Im inspired by their boundless ability to fill the world with joy and unconditional love. Their incredible generosity, responsiveness, and sense of fun make them ideal to photograph.

Ive had just about every kind of dog in my studio, each endlessly expressive and utterly unique. A few years ago, I captured a particularly compelling moment with a most gorgeous shar-pei, Suzi. Her closed eyes and wide, contented smile suggested calm, euphoric bliss. I called the image Zen Dog, and her humans were delighted with the shot. That photo of Suzi inspired me to capture Zen moments with other dogs. I looked for an expression of spontaneous canine bliss: eyes gently closed, body relaxed, and spirit totally carefree.

I discovered that the blink happens in a split second, but truly Zen-worthy expressions happen only when my subject and I are in sync. In that moment nothing else matters. Its pure, unadulterated joy. I also discovered that, in that split second, the dogs distinctive personalityplayful, placid, or confidentshines through. As an animal lover, seeing blissful dogs always brings a smile to my face, and I know Im not alone. Its even more poignant for me when I know my subject has come from a difficult background.

Im very passionate about animal rescue, and some of the dogs included here experienced hard times before finding their forever homes. I feel very fortunate to have been united with my two rescue dogs, Pip and Pixel. Found wandering the streets as a twelve-week-old puppy, Pip was severely undernourished. With the help of GreyhoundAngels of Western Australia and a loving foster family, Pip regained her strength and stole my heart at first sight. Pixel was surrendered to Brightside Farm Sanctuary when she was a tiny greyhound puppy. She was a gift to me from the founder of the sanctuarypossibly the best gift Ive ever received.

Pixel has become a wonderful ambassador for greyhound rescue, appearing in magazines, books, and TV spots. Pip and Pixel even have their own Facebook page, Black Beetle, which has thousands of followers. Every day my dogs help me to appreciate the simple things in life. Research has found that owning a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and boost levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain, but every dog lover knows the benefits are far too many to list. I hope this series of images is a gentle and positive reminder of the peace, calm, and joy that dogs bring to our lives. Alex CearnsI have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. Alex Cearns I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures. LAO TZU The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. ALAN WATTS Nothing is left to you at this moment but to have a good laugh. CHINESE ZEN MASTER Wherever you are, be there totally. ECKHART TOLLE Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate. CHUANG TZU There is more to life than increasing its speed. GANDHI