One woman and her dog: A photographer's adorable images of her beloved former search-and-rescue border collie go viral


When Japanese-born Aki Yamaguchi was going through a rough period in her life, someone told her to focus on what made her happy.



So she began taking pictures - photography had been a passion for years - of her dog, a border collie called Jazzy and posting them on her blog and Instagram account.



'She’s my best friend, my baby and my personal therapy dog. She is and will always be my number one heart-dog,' says Aki.



Jazzy, a former search-and-rescue dog, has been there for Yamaguchi every day, waiting for her with 'soft eyes and a big smile' when she got home, and snuggling up to her chest when she cried 'until I ran out of tears.'



Yamaguchi's photographs of her dog have a tenderness and love that comes from the deep connection between woman and dog. They're also adorable. Jazzy's expressive face and innate curiosity allows Aki to create some truly heartwarming photographs, including a visit back to New Orleans.



The 10-year-old pooch has worked as a therapy dog, and sometimes spend time in nursing homes to bring comfort to old and sick people. She also helps to rehabilitate other border collies who have behavioral issues.



'She's perfectly imperfect to me. I don't know if I will ever find a dog this special ever [again],' Aki says.

Girl's best friend: Artist and dog-trainer Aki with her 'heart-dog' Jazzy the 10-year-old border collie

Double digits: Jazzy recently turned 10, but even though she doesn't have as much energy as she used to, Aki says she's still two on the inside

Read between the lines: The way to Jazzy's heart is clearly through her stomach

Perceptive: Jazzy senses something's not right about the hand stroking her chin

One-paw salute: Aki is a dog trainer and has been working with Jazzy since she met him as a timid puppy 10 years ago

On the ball: When Jazzy knows it's time for the park, she's ready and waiting by the door before Aki has even put her shoes on

Happy dog: When Aki first got her border collie Jazzy, the dog had behaviroal issues, but she's now outgoing and loving

Double high-five: Aki says that Jazzy is always pleased to see her, giving her big smiles and 'helicopter tail' whenever she gets home

Muse: Jazzy knows that when Aki finishes taking photographs of her, she will be rewarded with a tasty treat

Drummer dog: Jazzy thinks this drum makes a better pillow than instrument after a boisterous game of ball

Dog days: Jazzy beats the summer heat with a drink from the sprinkler

Pampered pooch: Jazzy strikes a pose, showing off the latest in doggy fashion trends

Nap-time: Jazzy does a spot-on impersonation of her cuddly stuffed animal when she's ready to call it a day Becoming zen: Jazzy salutes the sun with impeccable balance during a morning beach-side yoga session High fashion: Looking fierce in a flowing scarf - is Jazzy America's Next Top Super-Dog? Top dog: A pink-clad Jazzy looks like a cupcake dusted with sprinkles