The 2026 Save Our Rescue Calendar for South East Dog Rescue

2026 Save Our Rescue Preview

For the 2026 Save Our Rescue Calendar Contest, I had the honour of working with a charity that is very close to my heart, South East Dog Rescue (SEDR). Based in Kent, SEDR has been saving lives since 2009, rescuing thousands of dogs from abuse, abandonment and crisis situations.

This year, the rescue found itself in a highly concerning position. They were at risk of losing the site where the rescue is based. This site is a safe haven where their rescue dogs and sanctuary dogs call home. They urgently needed to raise funds to either buy the land that had gone up for sale or secure a new safe site for the dogs.

See their full story in the video below:

Why South East Dog Rescue Matters

SEDR is led by an incredible woman called Kymm, who has dedicated her life to giving dogs a second chance. What sets this rescue apart is the way it cares not just for dogs who are ready for adoption but also for their sanctuary dogs. These are dogs who, due to trauma or behaviour struggles, aren’t yet suitable for rehoming. These dogs are given stability, structure and love for as long as they need it at the rescue, even if that means forever.

When I had the chance to visit the rescue, I was struck by the warmth of the volunteers. They’re friendly, honest, and fully committed to putting the dogs first. I knew then that I had to do all I could to support the work they do.

How I Could Help

To help support the rescue, I launched the Save Our Rescue Calendar Contest. The concept was simple but effective:

• People entered by uploading a photo of their dog alongside a small donation to South East Dog Rescue for a chance to win a professional pet photography session with me and a place in the 2026 charity calendar.

• Friends, family and dog lovers across the UK (and even some outside of the UK) could then give further small donations to vote for their favourite entrant, helping pick which dogs would feature in each calendar month, with the overall winner earning the front cover.

• Supporters could also reserve a grid space in the calendar, which was perfect for people who couldn't attend a portrait sessio in Kent or who wanted to honour dogs who had already crossed the rainbow bridge.

Together, we raised over £3,500 — but we’re not done yet!

13 Sessions, 13 Amazing Dogs

Once the votes were in, it was time to meet the winners! I headed out to photograph 13 incredible dogs across a variety of beautiful locations. Every session, like every dog, was unique. I adapted to each dog's needs as an individual in order to get the very best out of them, whilst also making it an incredibly rewarding experience for them. 

Some winners chose to upgrade to a full session, giving them more time, a bigger gallery to choose from and a location of their choice. One session that stands out was with George, an XL Bully, a banned breed in the UK. His owner desperately wanted outdoor photos so he could just be a dog for a while, muzzle-free. To make that possible, safely and legally, I hired a private, enclosed woodland just for them. Watching him enjoy the fresh air and freedom, taking the opportunity to chew on every stick he could find, was really emotional. It’s moments like that which make me know I’ve made the right career choice.

All of the dogs had a fantastic time, and every pet parent appreciated how simple the experience was.

The Calendar Is Now Ready!

After the portrait sessions, I selected the final images (with help from each owner, of course!) and matched them to the months that suited them best. The result is a beautiful A4 calendar full of dogs appreciating the joy of life.

The 2026 Save Out Rescue Calendar is now available to order
All profits go directly to South East Dog Rescue, helping them build a safer future for the dogs in their care. With your help, I’d love to push that £3,500 total even higher.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Everyone who entered

• Everyone who voted and donated

• The families who trusted me to photograph their dogs

• And of course, the heroes at South East Dog Rescue
  

This calendar is my way of giving back to those who give so much to dogs. It’s a reminder of the wonderful life that awaits dogs on the other side of hardship, with just a little help from some amazing people.

If you'd like to book a pet photography session of your own, get involved in future charity projects, or simply follow my work, feel free to get in touch or follow me on social media.