To map out his travels, Fabiano divided the world into four categories: wild dogs, working dogs, purebred dogs, and "underdogs." He wanted to explore the different ways people around the world interact with dogs.
John Fabiano, a dog lover from Buffalo, New York, always had a deep fascination with the unique bond between dogs and humans. However, he never imagined that his passion could turn into a career. That is until he discovered his love for photographing dogs. Feeling unfulfilled in his corporate job, Fabiano started plotting an escape.
In 2022, he made the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind and travel the globe, capturing the diverse relationships between dogs and their owners, according to a CNN report. Over the next two years, Fabiano visited places like Greenland to photograph sledge dogs, Germany for German Shepherds, and Japan for Shiba Inus, all as part of his project, Wags Around the World.
A post shared by John Fabiano (@fabs5180)
“I’m in my mid-30s, travelling the world, photographing dogs,” Fabiano tells CNN Travel. “Leaving the corporate world has been the best decision I’ve made. I’m happier than ever.” Though he didn’t have a high-quality camera until 2020, the pandemic allowed Fabiano to develop his skills through lessons and saving up money for his adventure.
Fabiano divided the world into four categories
To map out his travels, Fabiano divided the world into four categories: wild dogs, working dogs, purebred dogs, and “underdogs.” He wanted to explore the different ways people around the world interact with dogs.
“There were certain relationships I wanted to witness,” Fabiano explains. “The way I treat my dog is very different from how others treat dogs, and I was curious to see that first-hand.” His journey began in March 2023 in Germany, where he met a woman with 10 German Shepherds. “I didn’t expect it, but the human connections across the world were the most impactful part,” Fabiano says.
Fabiano reflects on how his dog, Viola, has been a source of support and guidance in difficult times. “There were moments when I was stuck in a rut, but I’d look at Viola and think, ‘What does she want to do?’ She just wanted to live, and that motivated me to get up, get outside, and find my purpose again.”
Over the years, Fabiano has come to admire dogs for their “zest for life” and constant readiness to move forward. “Each relationship with a dog is unique,” he says. “They ask for so little from us, but they give so much.”
After Germany, Fabiano travelled to Greenland, where he captured a stunning sledge ride photo that won first place at the 2024 Dog Photography Awards in the documentary category. “That photo will always be special to me,” he says.
When happened when John Fabiano travelled to India?
His next stop was India, where he photographed street dogs in Chennai alongside animal activist Satish Waran. “We sat in the sand, scratching the bellies of street dogs as the sun came up,” he recalls fondly.
In October 2023, Fabiano continued his journey in South Africa, photographing the wild painted dogs, also known as African wild dogs. He then headed to Ireland to capture restricted dog breeds and travelled across the US to photograph rescue dogs. “I saw beautiful German Shepherds, Huskies, and other dogs, dogs that cost thousands of dollars, sitting in kennels and rescues,” he says. “They’re highly intelligent and trainable working dogs. It’s just that some owners pick the wrong breed.”
One of his most unforgettable experiences was in Australia, where he spent 40 days driving around in a campervan with a fellow dog lover, meeting dogs and their owners along the way.
Jagran English brings you all the latest and breaking news from India and around the world. Get live English news from India, World, Politics, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Business, Education, Sports, Technology, and much more. Follow english.jagran.com to stay updated with the latest English news.
Copyright © 2025 Jagran Prakashan Limited.
