With the project “Wags Around the World,” John Fabiano has already crossed 18 countries, documenting everything from sled dogs in Greenland to Shiba Inus in Japan, while discovering the complex relationships between humans and their best friends.

John Fabiano has always been passionate about dogs. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, his earliest childhood memories are filled with moments spent alongside neighborhood dogs or with his family’s pet, a Labrador named Max, who became his inseparable companion. He was fascinated not only by the animals themselves but also by the relationship people built with them—a bond that seemed to transcend cultural, linguistic, and social barriers.

Despite his love for dogs, Fabiano followed a conventional path. He studied business, graduated from a prestigious university, and secured a job at a major company in New York. The salary was good, the stability enviable, but personal fulfillment? Almost nonexistent.

“I lived for work, but I felt like something was missing,” he recalls. “The strangest part was that during breaks—on weekends or during short vacations—I always ended up photographing dogs wherever I went.”

Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Fabiano decided to buy his first professional camera. With social isolation and long hours at home, he immersed himself in photography studies through online courses and YouTube videos. Without the frantic pace of in-office work, he realized that spending hours capturing images of dogs in the city’s empty parks was more fulfilling than any corporate presentation.

This hobby soon turned into an overwhelming passion. He began sharing his photos on social media, quickly attracting the attention of dog lovers and photographers. Positive comments and interactions with people from different parts of the world sparked a bold idea: what if he left everything behind to photograph dogs around the world?

In 2022, after two years of nurturing the idea, Fabiano made the decision that would change his life. He quit his corporate job, sold most of his belongings, and channeled his savings to start the project he named “Wags Around the World.”

“I wanted to do something meaningful. I’ve always loved to travel, always loved dogs, and photography became the perfect bridge that connected my passions,” he explains.

The goal was clear: to document the diversity of human-dog relationships around the world, capturing not only different breeds and landscapes but also the social and cultural contexts that shape these connections.

For this, he structured his project into four categories:

• Wild dogs – those that live freely in nature, such as African wild dogs.
• Working dogs – animals that perform essential roles in communities, like sled dogs or sheepdogs.
• Purebred dogs – focusing on their stories, characteristics, and cultural roles.
• Vulnerable dogs – including street dogs, abandoned dogs, or rescues.

His first stop was Germany in March 2023, where Fabiano immersed himself in the world of German Shepherds. In a small village outside Berlin, he met a passionate breeder who lived with ten dogs on a property surrounded by lush fields. “She told me how each dog had a distinct personality, even though they were the same breed. Spending a few days there made me understand the deep bond these people have with their dogs,” he recalls.

Next, he headed to Greenland, where he experienced one of the most challenging and emotional parts of the project. There, he followed indigenous communities who rely on sled dogs to navigate the ice. During a trip in sub-zero temperatures and biting winds, he captured a powerful image of a sled being pulled by a pack across the vast white expanse—an image that, months later, would win him first place in the documentary category of the Dog Photography Awards 2024.

“It was a magical moment. We were alone, surrounded only by snow and silence, except for the sound of the dogs running. That photo represents everything I was seeking with the project: capturing the essence of the bond between humans and dogs in its purest form.”

The journey continued to Japan, where Fabiano focused on photographing the charismatic Shiba Inus. In Tokyo, he visited themed cafes where customers interact with the dogs, as well as adoption events organized by local NGOs. “Shibas are dogs with a lot of personality. They’re independent, but extremely loyal once they form a bond. In Japan, they’re almost treated like celebrities,” he says.

In India, the reality was quite different. In Chennai, he teamed up with activist Satish Waran to photograph street dogs—many of whom live in dire conditions, yet still show resilience and affection. “There was one unforgettable morning when we sat on the sand, surrounded by dozens of dogs, while the sun rose. They approached cautiously, but soon were lying beside us, seeking affection. It was a moment of pure connection.”

In October 2023, he went to South Africa to document African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs. These animals live in complex packs and are endangered. For weeks, Fabiano accompanied researchers on safaris to study the behavior of these wild dogs. “They’re incredibly social. There’s a clear hierarchy, but the mutual care within the pack is impressive.”

One of the most emotional aspects of the project has been the focus on vulnerable dogs. Fabiano visited shelters in the United States, documenting the growing number of purebred dogs abandoned by unprepared owners.

“I saw beautiful Siberian Huskies, which cost thousands of dollars, abandoned in shelters because their owners had no idea how much exercise the breed needs. It’s heartbreaking to see such intelligent and trainable dogs being discarded,” he laments.

In Costa Rica, he had one of the most inspiring experiences when he visited the Territorio de Zaguates, a sanctuary housing over 1,800 rescued dogs. The space, founded by Lya Battle, allows the dogs to run freely across green hills in an environment where they can live in peace.

“It was surreal to see hundreds of dogs running together, all happy. I spent hours walking among them, photographing and interacting. Seeing the positive impact Lya and her team had on these animals’ lives was deeply moving.”

Although the journey has been transformative, it hasn’t been without difficulties. Fabiano has faced logistical issues—like denied visas and canceled flights—as well as emotional challenges, especially when dealing with suffering dogs.

“There were moments when I felt helpless. Seeing an injured street dog and not having the resources or time to help was painful. In some situations, I was able to contact local NGOs, but it wasn’t always possible.”

Another challenge has been financial. After almost two years of traveling, his savings are running low. “The well hasn’t dried up, but I’m starting to see the bottom. Still, I wouldn’t regret it for a second,” he admits.

Despite the difficulties, Fabiano has ambitious plans for the future. His next destination will be Thailand, where he plans to document projects that care for street dogs in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. After that, he dreams of visiting Scotland to photograph Border Collies working on sheep farms.

“These dogs are incredibly intelligent. I want to capture images that show not only their herding skills but also the bond they form with the farmers.”

Amid all of this, Fabiano has reflected on the bigger purpose of the project. For him, “Wags Around the World” is not just about dogs—it’s about connections. Connections between species, cultures, and stories.

“Dogs have this unique ability to connect us to each other. In every culture I’ve visited, I’ve realized that, despite different languages and traditions, the love for dogs is universal.”

Looking back, he feels proud of the decision he made. “The dog-loving boy I once was would be proud of the man I’ve become. This journey has taught me more about humanity than any book or classroom could.”

And even if he eventually needs to return to the corporate world to sustain himself, Fabiano knows that his passion for photography and dogs will be eternal.

“I may even wear a suit and tie again someday, but I’ll always have my camera nearby. And as long as there are dogs in the world, there will be stories to tell.”