Los Angeles-based photographer captures dog’s most prized possessions

We all know that humans have possessions that are near and dear to their hearts — but what about our pets?

Los Angeles-based lifestyle and animal photographer Alicia Ruis, 35, created a photo series that spotlights family dogs alongside all of their most prized possessions, including everything from chew toys to grooming products.

Titled ‘A Dog’s Life,’ the pictures are a canine-focused take on the popular ‘What’s in the Bag’ photo trend, in which humans are pictured next to everything they’re carrying around in their purse, briefcase, or backpack.  

The stray: Marmaduke, an eight-year-old Shar Pei Pitbull Mix, is pictured with his most prized possessions such as old pizza and a garbage can 

The princess: Lola Rose, a Maltese Shih Tzu mix, is pictured with lots of pink, including dresses, tiny dog shoes, and plenty of treats

The princess: Lola Rose, a Maltese Shih Tzu mix, is pictured with lots of pink, including dresses, tiny dog shoes, and plenty of treats

Of course, dog’s don’t carry around bags, so Ruis had to get creative to figure out what their must-haves were. 

‘I wanted to portray each dog’s unique personality, so I spoke to each owner, looked at photos and asked questions,’ she said. ‘Each dog has or does certain things in his life that define who he is or what he is going through

‘I took a look at each dog’s belongings, and understood how his possessions “matched” what the owner had to say about their dog’s lifestyle and personality.’

When people see the images, Ruis said, they tend to find them humorous — and many have a particular soft spot for ‘the stray dog,’ Marmaduke, a rescued Pitbull mix who was abandoned and lived on the streets to survive as a scavenger.

‘Life on the streets is very rough, tiresome and hopeless,’ Alicia said. ‘I knew I had to capture his journey in his eyes next to all the rotten food, which was basically what he did before finding his home.’

The amusing pictures show Bear, a ‘neurotic’ English Bulldog, with all the items he chews throughout the day, including shoes and skateboards. There’s also a ‘princess’ Maltese Shih Tzu mix whose favorite items include pink dresses, tiny dog shoes, and plenty of treats.

The Neurotic: Bear, an English Bulldog, is pictured next to his favorite things, such as chewed shoes and a newspaper

The Neurotic: Bear, an English Bulldog, is pictured next to his favorite things, such as chewed shoes and a newspaper

The fetcher: Knuckles, an Australian Shepherd, loves to play fetch, so he is pictured with frisbees and balls

The fetcher: Knuckles, an Australian Shepherd, loves to play fetch, so he is pictured with frisbees and balls

Other photographs show a long-haired dog with a variety of hair products, and an older dog with his mix of vitamins, ointments, and bandages. One pup who is fond of fetch is seen with frisbees and balls.

Ruis said she came up with the idea three years ago, explaining on her website that she didn’t do the project earlier because she was ‘overwhelmed’ with the concept.   

‘This was one of those ideas that I had in mind and every time I’d explain it to somebody would really like it,’ she said. ‘But to be honest, I was a bit overwhelmed with the scope of it in terms of time and money. I’m a lifestyle animal photographer but I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone.

‘Then I had other projects, I had a baby and it wasn’t until I was doing my New Year’s resolution that I decided that it was about time to invest in this personal project. Now that it’s done I could not be happier.’

She became intrigued by a knolling, or overhead photography, which she saw becoming trendy online. She decided to explore it this way.

The best in show: Zig, an Afghan Hound, is pictured with a ton of grooming products

The best in show: Zig, an Afghan Hound, is pictured with a ton of grooming products

The senior: Magda the Cocker Spaniel Dachschund mix is 13 years old, and has a bunch of health needs including vitamins, ointments, and bandages

The senior: Magda the Cocker Spaniel Dachschund mix is 13 years old, and has a bunch of health needs including vitamins, ointments, and bandages

‘People would arrange their personal possessions on the floor and take a photo from above,’ she said. ‘I really liked the approach because by looking at the objects people could get to know quite a bit about the individual who was taking the photo. 

‘I thought that it would be really cool to do the same but with dogs. So, this year I decided to do it.’

Ruis said the project allowed her to gain better insight into the dogs daily routine, their personal possessions and a ‘glimpse into their hearts and minds’.

‘Just like humans, dogs form attachments to their personal possessions and can give the viewer deeper insight into their identity. The items that shape their daily routine, that they carry, keep, and even eat give us a glimpse into their hearts and minds,’ she said. 

‘They show us what makes them most proud or happy and even put their vulnerability on display. Capturing the things that mean the most to them also captures the heart of the viewer as the dog’s life is fully exposed in one image.’ 



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