I've been in the Triad area since 1998 and got involved with AKC companion dog events in 2004 after I adopted an English Springer Spaniel named Ben from English Springer Rescue America. Ben and I took classes at the Winston-Salem Dog Training club and eventually began competing in AKC Obedience and Rally (he earned CD and RN titles), but found our passion when we took a beginning Tracking class in the spring of 2007. Ben was an amazing tracking dog and earned an AKC Champion Tracker title in 2009 (less than 3 years after his first tracking class!). We then ventured into NACSW Nosework, but in 2010/2011 there were very few events on the east coast and Ben was feeling his years.

I've always enjoyed photography, but seeing Kathleen Clemons flower portraits inspired me to learn how to use the camera I had so that I could try to create such beautiful images. Once my photography skills improved, I started taking bird, insect, and macro photographs. And I loved taking photos of my friends dogs at various events to share with them. My friends told me I should sell my photos, so in February 2023 I started Louisa Arendt Photography.

I currently have two English Springer Spaniels - Gloria and Bill. Both dogs have earned an AKC CGC title and have earned titles in several other sports: Flyball, Dock Diving, AKC CAT / Fast CAT, AKC Tricks, and NACSW Nosework. Gloria has an AKC Junior Hunter (JH) title, while Bill has an AKC Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title. Gloria is recently retired from most competitive events, but Bill is working on his Elite Champion title currently. I also co-own a third ESS - Sonny. Sonny is Bill's much younger half-brother and Gloria's grandson. Sonny lives with Mary McD, but I get to take him to Nosework classes. Sonny will probably start competing in NACSW trials in the Fall of 2025.

I'm very proud of what my dogs have done, but I have enjoyed their companionship the most.

I'm lucky to have photos of my dogs doing these events and want to help you get some photos of your best friend too!