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
Dale
Jasmine
Kiki
Nemo
Tobie
Maddie
Benny
Mia
Tweety
Austin
Portia
Rock Hudson
Mowgli
Steve
Charlie
Cubby
Godiva
Rusty
Madison
Violet
Helena