My dogs...... sort of

[kundalini]

Some of you may know (and may be tired of this), but for the others out there, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I usually go twice weekly and get just over an hour to photograph new arrivals to put up on Petfinders.com website. The premisis to is get these lovely animals to loving homes. Sometimes it is heart-wrenching, especially as Spring comes around. Spring generally means an influx of animals and there are three determinates for keeping the animals housed. Agression, health and space. This is a kill shelter, so finding homes is paramount.

Here are a few of the dogs I've had the pleasure to spend some time with this month.

Jack
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/16308-Jack-1.jpg


Buddy
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/16449-Buddy-2.jpg

Stevie
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/16229-Stevie-1.jpg

Imeril
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/16113-Chick-Magnet-1.jpg

Princess
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/16079-Princess-3.jpg

Smucker
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/16275Smucker-2.jpg

Bob
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/kundalini2737/14973-Bob-4.jpg



I guess the purpose of this thread is more of a reminder than a gallery. Please be a responsible pet owner and spay or neuter your pet. If you are in the market for a pet, please have a look at you local shelter. Every dog I have spent time with, have been wonderful and are only looking to be loved.

Thanks.

[spiffybeth]

i want buddy to be my friend.

[Rolleimaniac]

Beautiful animals...This recession is takin' its toll on pets as well as their human companions; not getting a whole lot of pub. I hope they all find good homes.

Brad

[Rozari]

These are gorgeous! I love the close ups. And how did you get Bob to wink? Too cute. (I'm a former shelter employee. I've actually wielded the "Needle of Death". Not a fun way to make a living). My hat is off to you for your contribution!

[MissMia]

Such cute pups! It's a wonderful thing that you are doing. I'll take Jack. :)

[Antarctican]

Oh man, these are tearing my heart out...each one has such pleading/trusting eyes saying 'take me home'. Stevie's shy looking expression is so sweet. What lovely animals, and your shots have all captured a bit of their personality. You must get a lot of satisfaction in trying to help them all find homes.

[kundalini]

Thanks folks.

It is a passion for me. I know better than anyone that these shots will never be "pet portraits" and are purely snapshots, but I do what I can. The biggest problem is getting them away from you. I usually only get to spend 15-20 minutes with them and click off 30-40 snaps. I don't have toddlers any more (thank gawd), but trying to get a decent shot is a challenge to say the least.

I look at other photos from others that post on the website, and I get a sense of satisfaction. I'm not saying mine are far superior, but I get "in" the kennel run with them rather than shooting through the fenced gate.

Thanks for your comments.

[kundalini]

Oh man, these are tearing my heart out...each one has such pleading/trusting eyes saying 'take me home'.
You know it girlfriend. It does play havoc with the heartstrings, going in each week and knowing that deserving animals are still there. Time is the impartial judge.

[Aggie]

didn't recognize the id, but the dogs i recognize. At least the way you photograph them.

Ever do cats? I have three fluff balls at home. One got majorily sick/hurt Sunday and had to be rushed to the animal hospital. She got her ear all sewn up following a hematoma being removed. But since i've been sick I couldn't keep up with her long hair. She had all these hair mats (she's himilayan) and they kept growing no matter what I did. So while they had her out, they gave her a bath, and figured it was time for a buzz cut. I've got to take a pic of the indignity that was done to her. She looks like a drwoned rat with furry feet ahd head. I might even break down and use my darn digigizmo for it.

[Artograph]

Awwww...they are so sweet...every one of them. I hope they find good homes!!!!!

[doenoe]

i just quit working at a shelter, wednesday last week was my last day there. I was there 1 day in the week, but i just got a new job. That takes more of my time and i couldnt fit the shelter in there anymore. Shame though, was a nice place to work.
Anyways, great pics. You ever shoot pics from a lower angle? Like the same hight as the dogs? I normally like animal pics better when they are shot from a lower angle. But maybe you dont have enough room for that.

[kundalini]

You ever shoot pics from a lower angle? Like the same hight as the dogs? I normally like animal pics better when they are shot from a lower angle. But maybe you dont have enough room for that.
Thanks Daan. The shelter has been under a "No Movement" policy for quite a while now because of parvovirus has been found. It's tough to get rid of since new animals arrive daily and may be carriers themselves. The "get acquainted" rooms and courtyard cannot be used.

Everyone has to gown and glove before coming in contact with any animal. The kennels are large enough for the dogs, but trying to keep them away far enough to get the shots can be a bother. Of course, some are so nervous they won't hardly look at you. I do try to get more on their level when possible. It doesn't work out sometimes.


(http://picasaweb.google.com/brerdesignsphotography/16255Devon?authkey=Gv1sRgCMDysPnggrCQFQ#5317164347 121489378)

[Chiller]

These are bloody awesome. I looked a few days ago, but my watery eyes would not let me reply. I wish I could bring everyone of these dogs home.
Thank you for being you man and doing what you do. All these pooches ask of us is love. I hope they all find what they are looking for one day.

[Seefutlung]

I'm with Chiller, I'd like to adopt every one. Good job on the photos and the volunteering.

Gary