'She's our four-legged baby!' Childless couple recreate classic newborn photos with their Jack Russell



A loved-up married couple has created a set of professionally shot photographs in which their Jack Russell, Snuggles, takes the place of a newborn baby.



Jan and Chase Renegar, from Huntsville, Alabama, lovingly cradle their four-legged bundle in a series of amusing poses which mimic the classic 'proud-parents' shots that are so popular with new moms and dads.



'The session was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a visual take on how we humanize our pets,' explains photographer Jamie Clauss, also of Alabama, who had herself the rare chance to merge her two areas of photography expertise; babies and pets.



Puppy love: Jan (right) and Chase (left) have borrowed poses from classic parent-newborn photographs but used their Jack Russell Snuggles (center) as the star of their snaps

Angel dog: 'The session was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a visual take on how we humanize our pets,' explains photographer Jamie Clauss

Snuggles appears entirely unperturbed by her unusual situation; being wrapped in a swaddling blanket and having a floral headband clamped to her little canine head - in fact, she seems to be relishing all the attention.



'As the shoot progressed, Snuggles was really enjoying it and actually kept falling asleep,' says Ms Clauss. 'She loved being all wrapped up and cuddled.



'So, we decided to do some cliche newborn poses, but with a furry spin. Of course, no dogs were harmed in this shoot, but she did get a cozy nap.'



What's so funny? Snuggles evidently doesn't get the joke

Practice makes perfect: The Renegars have no children currently, but seem happy to make do with their dog for now

Paws for thought: Snuggles is a willing participant in every pose she's invited to perform

In some photos, Snuggles is solo; snoozing happily in some and gazing quizzically into the camera in others.



Mr and Mrs Renegar each feature in several one-on-one portraits with their beloved pooch, as well as posing all together cozied up in bed.



Both dog-parents are photographers themselves, specializing in weddings. They have been married for eight years and describe Snuggles as their 'little furry-four-legged baby.'

Indeed, more and more couples are putting off parenthood, instead getting their maternal kicks through a canine.



Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that the number of babies born to women ages 15 to 29 has dropped dramatically, meanwhile the number of pooches owned by young U.S. women has steadily increased, according to the business-news site Quartz.

Smooshed: A wicker basket may not be an obvious place to take a nap, but it's good enough for Snuggles

Content: 'As the shoot progressed, Snuggles was really enjoying it and actually kept falling asleep,' says Ms Clauss. 'She loved being all wrapped up and cuddled'

Devoted: The photos may be in the spirit of fun, but it's clear to see how much Snuggles is treasured by her owners

Can I help you? Snuggles pops her little head up from underneath the covers as she lies in bed

Get a room: Both dog-parents are photographers themselves, specializing in weddings

All smiles: They have been married for eight years and describe Snuggles as their 'little furry-four-legged baby'

Just hanging: Snuggles really is remarkably compliant, even when dangled from above in a blanket with a flower stuck to the side of her head

Butter wouldn't melt: The adorable Jack Russell pokes her little tongue out as she grins from ear to ear

Bliss: 'Of course, no dogs were harmed in this shoot, but she did get a cozy nap,' the photographer notes

Tender: Snuggles appears entirely unperturbed by being wrapped in swaddling and having a floral headband clamped to her little canine head - in fact, she seems to be relishing all the attention

Pooch smooch: It was undoubtedly a very fun day for all involved

Pint-sized beauty: The camera sure does love Snuggles

Soulful eyes: Mrs Renegar cradles her precious dog-baby

Is it over yet? Even canine models get tired