In 2015, a wide-eyed Labrador Retriever puppy from our own Overlook Mountain Labradors family made her debut on a very special stage—the cover of The Dogist: Photographic Encounters with 1,000 Dogs. This wasn’t just any dog book. It was the first book by renowned photographer Elias Weiss Friedman (better known as “The Dogist”), and it quickly became a New York Times bestseller[1].
Gracing that cover was Overlook’s Lola. With her head tilted, Lola charmed readers around the world, helping to contribute to the joyful spirit of the book. Little did we know that one cute Overlook pup would become an ambassador for the Labrador breed on a global stage.
Celebrating Lola and The Dogist Legacy
When The Dogist was published, the book launched a dog-loving phenomenon. Friedman’s project—a street-style photo blog devoted to dogs—already had over a million followers by late 2015[2]. The book’s release propelled The Dogist from an online sensation into mainstream recognition, cementing its status as a touchstone of modern dog culture.
Today, The Dogist has grown into a social media community of millions of fans worldwide[3]. That first book’s cover image of Lola remains an iconic snapshot of why we love dogs. We’re humbled that one of our pups could play a part. The sight of a sweet Labrador puppy on the cover encapsulated everything The Dogist celebrates—authenticity, warmth and the timeless bond between dogs and people. It even inspired at least one family to choose a Lab of their own “because of the cover of [the] first book”[4]. Hearing how Lola’s photo moved others reminds us that great dogs have a ripple effect: they spread joy, inspire companionship and bring people together.
Purpose-Driven Breeding
At Overlook Mountain Labradors, we have always aimed to produce Labrador Retrievers of outstanding health, temperament and beauty as optimal family companions. Every breeding decision—including the pairing that produced Lola—is made with care and conscience.
Health Comes First: All our sires and dams are screened for genetic soundness and sound structure. This is so their puppies can lead long, healthy lives.
Temperament is Equally Paramount: We select for the classic Labrador disposition—a friendly, trainable and eager to share love.
We Cherish the breed’s Natural Beauty: From a hearty, athletic build to that soulful expression that melts hearts.
Lola posed in that photo in New York City, shows her confidence and warmth. For us, seeing her sit so trustingly for the camera emphasizes that early socialization and loving upbringing make a difference. A well-bred, well-raised Labrador will greet the world with tail-wagging optimism. Lola did exactly that on a bustling sidewalk, winning the photographer’s attention and, eventually, the world’s.
Honoring a Joyful Legacy of Great Dogs
We have a deep appreciation for the dogs who are the guiding lights of everything we do. Our role as breeders is that of stewards—we nurture each puppy’s potential, but it’s the dogs themselves who go on to create magic in people’s lives. Overlook’s Lola happened to create a bit of magic in front of a camera lens, and the honor of her being on The Dogist cover will forever be a highlight. In our hearts, the greatest honor is knowing that Lola grew up to be a beloved family member.
The Dogist’s global success showed how one photograph can capture the soul of a dog and spread joy across cultures. Each Overlook Lab carries the timeless, joyful legacy of great dogs. This is whether gracing a book cover or snoozing at a child’s feet. We remain grateful toThe Dogist team for celebrating dogs in such a positive light, and for inadvertently shining that light on little Lola.
As we continue our work at Overlook Mountain Labradors, we do so with renewed inspiration. Lola’s moment in the spotlight reminds us that every puppy in our care has the potential to bring extraordinary joy to someone, somewhere. Our commitment to breeding Labs with purpose and integrity only grows stronger, knowing that when you follow the dog’s lead, wonderful things can happen. We’re excited to keep producing healthy, happy Labrador Retrievers who excel as family companions. Celebrity or not, each puppy is raised with the same love and dedication. It’s all for the love of dogs. We’re honored to be part of their journey, from our mountain home to the big wide world.
Sources
[1] The Dogist by Elias Weiss Friedman. Artisan, 2015. Listed on The New York Times Best Sellers list, 2015.
[2] HuffPost. “Meet the Dogist: A Day in the Life of a Man Who Photographs Dogs.” https://www.huffpost.com/entry/meet-the-dogist_b_8583468
[3] Linktree for The Dogist. https://linktr.ee/TheDogist
[4] The Dogist, Instagram Post, Nov. 10, 2017. Comment: “We decided on a chocolate Lab because of the cover of your first book.”
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