Photographer & Dog Trainer Deborah Lee Miller-Riley,  has shared her life with animals for over 50 years. Her father was a well respected breeder, owner and trainer of Thoroughbred horses for over 35 years while owning and managing one of the largest private Thoroughbred Farms in the state of Michigan.  Family dogs have included:  Collies, Terriers, Cockers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Golden Retrievers, Aussies, Pugs, Bloodhounds, Afghan Hounds, and mixes.  Deborah Lee’s first dog, a chocolate, Standard Poodle named Chopin, was Deborah Lee’s constant childhood companion and beloved “sibling”.  Chopin’s death left a void in Deborah Lee’s life, that was not filled until 1986 when Badge, a very active brown Portuguese Water Dog puppy, challenged her lifestyle and the durability of her furniture.  Badge was soon joined by, what was I thinking, the unsinkable Mollie Brown, another PWD. Since then more dogs and cats have joined her life and her soul. 

The Photographer:

Capturing images that preserve the memory of great animals has been a passion for Deborah Lee since her first childhood camera.  She began taking professional images of animals in 1989 when she launched a part time business, Animals Only Photography, as a creative balance to her then full time career in Law Enforcement. Deborah Lee’s formal photography education came through programs at the University of Bridgeport, the Winona International School of Photography (Illinois) and various photography workshops.  Deborah Lee’s images have appeared in books, national magazines, websites, calendars, photography exhibits and most importantly in the homes of those who love their animals.

The Trainer:

While Deborah Lee believes relationship enrichment and having fun is the primary purpose of training, her dogs have earned formal titles including, over a dozen watersports awards and titles, including the PWDCA Courier Excellent, AKC High in Trial Obedience Dog, multiple placements in AKC Agility, Lure Coursing awards at Wiz Kid Dog Camp and Owner handled AKC Best of Breed ribbons for Conformation.  Her most recent canine matriarch, PWD Kohl (1991-2006), earned special heart recognition over the years for her intelligence and adaptability.  On at least two occasions, Kohl rescued Deborah Lee from humbling stupidity.  Locking Kohl and the keys in an office, it was Kohl who located the keys inside the office and brought them to the window to a grateful Deborah Lee.  And, again when keys were locked within a running automobile, it was Kohl who pawed the release button to open the car window for a very anxious and pleading human. Kohl passed her smarts on to two litters.  At home all of the Riley dogs are given retrieve and courier duties, including responsibility for shoes, mail, phones, dog bowls, TV remote controls and stairway dispatches.

Deborah Lee is a retired 30 year veteran with the Norwalk, Connecticut, Police Department, last serving in the Patrol Division at the rank of sergeant.  She lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, Thomas, a retired police lieutenant, and a crew of Best in the World Portuguese Water Dogs.  Her other two businesses, K9-CanDo Leadership Training  and Canine Water Sports also keep Deborah Lee busy.  Memberships include the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Portuguese Water Dog Club of America and the Nutmeg Portuguese Water Dog Club.