Internationally recognized photographer Rachael Hale’s New-Found-Friends celebrates Newfoundlands, the colossal, companionable canine from Canada’s rugged Atlantic province.

Newfies" have long been associated with the sea, since they originated in Newfoundland, the remote, eastern Canadian province that’s part island, part mainland. Working dogs, Newfies are famous the world over for their countless reported heroic sea rescues of men, women, and children whose ships foundered on the storm-driven and dangerous Newfoundland coast. Over the years, they’ve also been used for pulling carts and carrying cargo. Of course, most Americans prize them as watchdogs and pets, tasks they also perform admirably.

In New-Found-Friends, Rachael Hale creatively captures these huggable giants. An award-winning animal photographer, Rachael’s images of her own Newfie, Henry, have garnered praise and prizes, and led to other Newfoundlands. There’s Oscar, pictured with his fisherman’s cap pulled down tight; George, photographed with his duckling friend Hugo; and Corduroy, captured in his casual, comfortable hat of the same name.

From beginning to end, Hale’s endearing photos and text make for a delightful celebration of this special breed.