Arts & Culture

The Dogs of Capitol Hill

For fifteen years, Washington, D.C., photographer Hannele Lahti specialized in travel and nature shots. Last year, she began a side project: Taking photos of dogs belonging to politicians and staffers on Capitol Hill. “I’ve photographed thirty-five dogs since 2017 from both sides of the aisle. Everyone I’ve worked with has been enthusiastic about the project,” Lahti says. Some of the pups came with the owners; others are rescues from around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. But they all share a common trait. “Many have talked about the power of their office dog in bringing people together, reducing stress, and helping them take themselves a little less seriously,” Lahti says. Here are eleven of her D.C. dogs.

View as Slideshow

Bojangles, office of Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Miss Tilly, office of Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Sully, office of Rep. David Valadao of California

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Miss Carmela, office of Rep. Stephanie Murphy of Florida

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Sweet Honey, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Scobey, office of Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Ted Kennedy, office of Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Bently, House Judiciary Committee

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Maddie, office of Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Regal Todd, office of Rep. Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin

Photo: Hannele Lahti

Winston, office of Sen. Jon Tester of Montana

 

See more of Hannele Lahti’s photos here.

Photo: Hannele Lahti