Helping dogs in need in western Sydney

Ms Fontana said she has always loved animals – big and small – which has fuelled her passion for pet photography.

She began her journey by volunteering at the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter in May 2015 and is the co-founder of Rescue Hub, an organisation founded in 2015 to help promote dogs from the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter and to assist in finding dogs a home.

The pet photographer is in the process of publishing a coffee table book filled with dog photos and funny individual quotes and stories alongside each dog, titled Canines of Character.

The book’s proceeds will go towards the Rescue Hub. Residents who would like their dog featured in the book can contact Ms Fontana.

“I am hoping to get tonnes of pictures of dogs of different shapes, sizes and breeds from all around the state,” she said.

“The pet photo sessions to be featured in the book are $99 which includes a one hour session with up to two dogs from the same household and $50 for each additional dog.

“Additional wall art pieces and prints are also available to those who would like to purchase them.”

Canines of Character won’t be the first project the Kenthurst resident has undertaken to help dogs in need.

Ms Fontana creates an annual dog calendar – Calendar for a Cause – to raise funds for the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter.

“I believe the Rescue Hub, along with all of the other shelters and rescue organisations, is an incredible resource for The Hills District and surrounding regions,” Ms Fontana said.

“All the money raised will go directly to dogs in need, whether it be for temporary boarding, reduced adoption fees, veterinary work or interstate transport.

“It’s so important to me to support groups like these to help out stray, lost or forgotten animals.”

The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter takes in animals from The Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith and Hornsby council areas.