People granted me access not just to their homes but to their lives. I requested before each session that nothing in the house should be changed in preparation, no special cleaning, grooming the dog or getting dressed up. I wanted to photograph the owners with their dogs as naturally as possible. When I arrived at each person’s home I was often invited to sit and chat over a cup of tea before we started. Sometimes furniture would need to be moved to accommodate the camera or flash. This action of moving furniture, had the effect of unintentionally uncovering parts of our lives that we prefer to remain hidden such as, the dirt under the couch and the stains on the carpet, I found it truly captivating and generous that these hitherto strangers were willing to invite me into their homes and push the boundaries of their comfort zones to participate in The Familiar Wolf and immortalise themselves with their beloved dogs."