Pop Up at the Dog Food Bank

You know what? I’m guilty.  I, like so many others, have been feeling that pandemic self-pity. I’ve had international contracts fall through, I couldn’t go to the gym for a year.  The past year and a half hasn’t been easy. This weekend I was reminded how good I do have it, because I got to spend a day working with the Humane Society International Canada.  

This amazing organization has been providing pet food banks this entire time. What’s a pet food bank?  Glad you asked -- because I didn’t know either.  Pet food banks are designed to help pets stay with their loving families, even when their owners are experiencing financial hardship. Not only does the Humane Society give these families food (which they can sign up to receive every two weeks!), but they also supply pet beds, collars and toys.  Small things your dog or cat might need. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Dog portraits aren’t exactly a ‘need’”.  Well… you’re right, they aren’t. However, these dogs are loved. These owners love their pets as much as any owner I’ve met in my studio, but people visiting this food bank can’t afford dog portraits.  But I love taking photos of dogs – they are valuable and worthy. 

The day of the photoshoot had its fair share of challenges. Originally they set me up against a wall, with full sun.  EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER’S NIGHTMARE. Please, I know non-photographers think sunshine is great for pictures—but I live for a day of light cloud cover.  Lucky for me— there was an extra tent! So, we set it up and I got to work. To be honest, these pups weren’t all that different to shoot than my usual two-legged subjects.  After the lighting— my biggest struggle was with the long line, I wasn’t able to really play with the pups as much as I normally would to put them at ease.  

I have to say Persha was the most exciting dog for me.  I LOVE huskies and have never had the chance to photograph one before. I didn’t get the “call of my people” howl like the one you see on TikTok, but this pup was calm, even quiet… which I’m sure is exactly how her owner was hoping she’d behave.

I can’t imagine being in a position where I might have to take my favourite ‘good boy’ to a shelter because I could no longer afford kibble— to lose a family member even though you were doing your best in an impossible situation. Humane Society International Canada is doing amazing work.

 I am so grateful they asked me to be a part of this weekend and I hope, if you can, you’ll consider donating to this incredible program to keep dogs and cats with their loving families during this challenging time. It was a pleasure for me to bring these pet owners a little pleasure and joy through photography.