PHOTOS: Newborn Puppies Will Melt Your Heart

In her new book, photographer Traer Scott captures canine cuties only weeks after birth – just in time for National Puppy Day on March 23
By People Staff
Updated March 20, 2013 10:00 AM

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SPOT ON

Credit: Traer Scott

In her new book, Newborn Puppies, photographer Traer Scott sought to share “a time in a dog’s life that even the most ardent dog lovers rarely get to see,” she tells PEOPLE. “As a photographer, it was very challenging to try and make artful photos of puppies, rather than settling for images that were overtly cutesy and sentimental.”

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THREE'S COMPANY

Credit: Traer Scott

“They love being in puppy piles with their siblings and often end up making some really interesting formations,” Scott says of the perks of snapping newborns – such as these cockapoos – as compared to older puppies.

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LOOKING UP

Credit: Traer Scott

Only a few weeks old and this German shorthaired pointer already knows to hold his head up high! “[He] had such an air of nobility about him,” says Scott.

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DOUBLE BUNDLE

Credit: Traer Scott

No sibling rivalry here! These Irish Wolfhounds can’t get enough of one another, and neither can Scott. “Irish Wolfhounds are one of my absolute favorite breeds,” she says. “I searched high and low for a litter to include in this project.”

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BENT OUT OF SHAPE

Credit: Traer Scott

The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed close to Scott’s heart, as she rescued one 11 years ago and went on to adopt one of its puppies as her own. “We took her at 5 weeks old and have cherished her ever since,” she says of dog Audrey.

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GIVE 'EM A HAND

Credit: Traer Scott

“With these photos, I generally just let them do what came naturally,” Scott says of her method, which in the case of this golden retriever/chocolate Labrador mix, produced adorable results.

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EYES WIDE SHUT

Credit: Traer Scott

A sleepy bloodhound may make for cute viewing, but not the best photography subject. “While we were shooting, we tried just about everything [to keep them awake],” Scott says, “but sleep – and persistent wrinkles – won out.”

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