Sept. 11, 2014–It’s Important to Paws–David Jensen

A third-generation Alaskan, David was born in Fairbanks before statehood. His family moved to Anchorage in 1963 just prior to the Great Alaska Earthquake.

David graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in Journalism and Public Communications in 1989. That same year, he created Alaska Pet-ography as a home-based business.

Realizing that the portrait studio had outgrown the house, he and his wife, Carol decided to lease a storefront in 1997. Soon after, they purchased their current studio located in South Anchorage and called it David Jensen Photography. The studio has grown to include two properties with private park settings designed for portraits of people and their animal companions.

In 2013, David published his first book called It’s Important to Paws, Lessons learned from Animal Companions.  A coffee table book, it focuses on animal companions in Alaska – a collection of writings and hundreds of portraits featuring dogs, cats, horses and many other beautiful companions. It’s Important to Paws received the 2014 Independent Publisher’s National Gold Medal award in the category of animals and pets. The book is available for purchase in retail locations around town. Copies of the book have been sold nationally and internationally. His second book, When Age has no Leash, Lessons Learned from Senior Dogs will be published in the next few months.

David is a member of the Anchorage Lion’s Club, Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, Midnight Sun Street Rod Association and Anchorage Nordic Ski Club. He also plays the trumpet and directs the Front Row Seats Band. His images of rescued cats and dogs have appeared in the Anchorage Daily News for nearly 25 years through a collaborative program with Friends of Pets.

When not relaxing at home with the senior dogs that rule the house, you might spot David exploring one of Alaska’s beautiful trails or mountain sides via hiking boots, skis or snowshoes. Layla is nearly always at his side with dog booties on, a tennis ball in her mouth and a twinkle in her adventurous. golden retriever eyes.[metaslider id=1017]