Alaska Veteran Captures Service Dog Teams in Photography Project for Awareness and Funding

In Anchorage, Alaska, Cris Skinner is on a mission to honor service dog teams through her photography series titled ‘I’m Your Constant in the Chaos.’ Inspired by her late service dog, Cooper, Skinner shares her journey from an active lifestyle to facing limitations due to a disability caused by a disease. Cooper was trained to assist her with her dysautonomia and POTS conditions. Following his passing in 2024, she is now training a new service dog named Cadence, whose full name is ‘In the Spirit of Cooper’s Cadence.’

Skinner’s photographic method involves capturing the stillness of the dog and handler against a blurred, bustling background in busy areas like airports, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Danielle Rogers, a participant in the project and fellow veteran, highlighted the profound impact her service dog, Zweicha, has had on her life, aiding her through balance and speech challenges. The initiative has expanded into a foundation called Beyond the Vest, aimed at funding future service dog teams and raising community awareness. Skinner’s work received recognition at the Pet Photography Awards, where she was a finalist among over 4,200 entries. More information can be found on the Beyond the Vest website.