HillsboROOFFF

From the charming pet store Paws at the Corner to balls fetched at Gold Park; from the loving pups running alongside their owners along the Riverwalk to the adoptable dogs waiting in kennels at the Orange County Animal Shelter – one thing is certain: dogs are the heart of Hillsborough.

Over the course of the semester, I had the pleasure of photographing Hillsborough’s furry residents and the people who love them. My journey began at Paws at the Corner, where friendly staff and their adorable pups greet customers with open arms and wagging tails, supplying the community with high-quality treats, toys, and more. Throughout the semester, community-building events – like the Puppy Bowl Watch Pawty and the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt – brought locals and their dogs together in celebration. These gatherings capture the spirit of the Hillsborough pack: canine-loving humans and human-loving dogs sharing in the life of the town.

Through my interactions with Hillsborough’s dog lovers, I felt the depth of connection people have with their pets. I carried a small piece of that connection with me when I spent a day with Hambone, a shelter dog from the Orange County Animal Shelter. This experience gave me space to process the loss of my own dog, Zeus, and to reconnect with the kind of companionship only a dog can offer.

If you’re looking for a new companion, consider visiting a local animal shelter to adopt. And if adoption isn’t an option right now, volunteering or participating in programs like Doggy Day Out can make a meaningful difference. These dogs are simply waiting for a chance to be loved – and from my day with Hambone, I can say that the feeling is more than mutual.

Finally, I’d like to thank the team at Paws at the Corner for their inspiring work and for welcoming me throughout the semester. This project wouldn’t have been possible without you.