A professional pet photographer from Ascot has set his sights on celebrating the lives of 60 remarkable dogs across Berkshire to mark his 60th birthday.

Chris Miller, the owner of MIL Pet Photography, turned 60 in November 2023.

As he celebrates the milestone, his vision is to create a book of photography to honour the lives of dogs that have had a huge impact on their owner's lives.

Through his 60 at 60 project, the Ascot-based photographer aims to raise more than £3,000 for the National Support Dogs charity.

Chris and his wife Sue, first became associated with Support Dogs, which trains and provides assistance dogs for autistic children and adults with epilepsy or a physical disability, when he visited Crufts last year.

“I went with the intention of photographing charity dogs, went passed the Support Dogs stand and was very impressed with the charity and what it’s all about,” said Chris.

“I particularly like that they can train owners’ pet dogs and rescue dogs as well as those specially bred for the charity’s programmes.”

He added that having spent time with Support Dogs clients and “listening to their experiences about how their dogs have really changed their lives and enabling them to have a full life, considering their disability, it’s awe-inspiring to see what a support dog can achieve”.

He is now on the hunt for more inspirational dogs to capture, that have made a meaningful impact on their owners.

So far, he has more than 20 signed up, with some “interesting breeds”, including a massive Bernese Mountain dog, some Dalmatians, Schnauzers, Cavapoos, a Vizsla and a Cavachon.

Chloe Hammond, the UK’s first NHS nurse in a wheelchair to use an assistance dog, is taking part in the initiative, along with her canine companion Ocho.

Chris, who has a diploma in canine behaviour and is part of Tails of the World, an international collective of professional pet photographers, added that some people, who may not have a dog, have been donating towards the cause.

The book of 60 dogs is expected to be completed in November as Chris' 60th year comes to an end.

He envisions his artwork being donated as a “gift” to Support Dogs, to be hung up as his “legacy”.

Chris Daykin, Support Dogs’ corporate partnerships manager, said: “Thank you to Chris, Sue and all the dog lovers associated with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Each dog will have their own double-page feature in the coffee-table book, with one photo from each shoot used in a piece of composite art.