Perry Edon III’s website is a gallery of happy dog photographs and their walking itineraries with him. Not only is Perry a professional photographer, but he is also a dogwalker, pet sitter and groomer. “Perry is like family, and we couldn't do it without him. He sends daily updates, photos, and maps of his walks. It really feels like we are there. He's the best and we cannot recommend him highly enough,” says a current Cleveland Park client.  

Perry grew up in DC, and after graduating with a BA in Music Business and Technology from JCSU in Charlotte NC, returned to the city to build his career. “My second love after music is pets, so I started my dog walking and pet sitting business,” he explains, “and uses my iPhone to capture special dog’ moment and share them with my clients. I received so many complements and I decided to buy a camera and teach myself photography. That’s how it started in 2018, and then in 2021 I was ready to incorporate.” 

As a professional photographer, Perry continues to specialize in working with pets, as well as family portraits. “Pets are fleeting presences in our longer lives,” he explains, “and I want to capture them during the best moments.”   

Connecting with the community in Cleveland Park makes his work with pets and photography special. He’s been called the Cleveland Park dog whisperer: “It’s such a dog-friendly neighborhood. You cannot go five minutes without seeing a dog walking down the street. Then we have the Rock Creek Park area close by. Most of the area may be urban but there's a lot of grass everywhere. It’s an enclave in the heart of DC.”  Often when Perry sits in a home with pets, his presence gives his clients great peace of mind when they are away gathering their mail or taking care of their plants .

For the last two years Perry has worked with this magazine as our photographer, capturing stunning photographs of the individuals, families and businesses featured. “I was making a calendar for the neighborhood when I was invited to help with the magazine’s stories. I love meeting new people (and their pets!)” he explains. 

When not working Perry continues to develop his first love, music. He writes his own music and lyrics, and alongside the music he writes poetry. He has a secret long-term ambition to tell horror stories on You Tube. “I’m not trying to make money though -  for me they are passion projects,” he says. 

Thinking about his work as well as his future, Perry concludes: “I'm a connector. I'm a harmonizer. Dogs teach us a lot: how to be patient, to make the most of life, to enjoy the moment, and to love. Today I’m in my 30’s and am fortunate to have a mentor to help me with my business as well as my photography. I know as I get older, I will become a mentor and a teacher too."