Faces of Rescue - 2014

Kuna - AZ Happy Tails
Kuna - AZ Happy Tails

An estimated 3-4 million animals are euthanized in US shelters each year – that’s nearly 10,000 animals killed every day. They were unwanted, abandoned, surrendered, unclaimed, lost, forgotten and never made it out of the shelter.  That is the heartbreaking reality.

Animal rescue organizations all over the world are working hard to save homeless animals in their communities and reduce that number down to zero.  Everyone involved in animal rescue dreams of the day when adoptable animals are no longer euthanized.  It will be a glorious day!

Below are a few animals of the 594 I photographed in 2014 – 594 animals who were given a second chance thanks to the dedicated and compassionate people of:

Arizona Animal Welfare League
AZ Happy Tails Animal Rescue
Forgotten Angels of Arizona
Friends for Life Animal Rescue
Mayday Pit Bull Rescue
Panacea Animal Rescue
Pee Wee Pals Animal Rescue
Prussian Snailhound Dog Rescue
RESCUE

It’s an honor to take photographs for these organizations.  I have broken down and cried over their sad and heartbreaking stories of rescue. But I have also cried tears of joy over the happy endings and laughed at the goofy and funny animals that have appeared in front of my lens. It’s odd how the things that bring you the most joy, also bring you the most pain.

We can end euthanasia in this country by being smart, respectful and honorable guardians of the animals in our care. Please spay/neuter your pets and ADOPT through your local rescues.  Every time you adopt an animal, you free up space so another one can be saved.

Fletcher

Fletcher

Dale

Dale

Jasmine

Jasmine

Kiki 

Kiki 

Nemo

Nemo

Tobie

Tobie

Maddie

Maddie

Benny 

Benny 

Mia 

Mia 

Tweety

Tweety

Austin 

Austin 

Portia

Portia

Rock Hudson 

Rock Hudson 

Mowgli

Mowgli

Steve 

Steve 

Charlie

Charlie

Cubby 

Cubby 

Godiva 

Godiva 

Rusty 

Rusty 

Madison 

Madison 

Violet

Violet

Helena 

Helena