These images are from a rescue dog shoot I did at the Sandton SPCA in January, I thought I’d repost them along with a few of my thoughts about why rescue dogs are my absolute favourite and why I so passionately champion the cause for adopting dogs from shelters.

Despite rumours to the contrary, you’ll often find pure breed dogs at shelters.  I’ve seen Saint Bernards, Labradors, Dachshunds, Jack Russells, Wiemaraners, Ridgebacks (do I need to go on?) at the Sandton SPCA and if you can’t find your breed of choice at your local shelter, google and you’ll find an animal rescue organisation that does.  If, like me, you’re happy with a mix breed dog, you’ll be in heaven at a shelter.  I was at the Sandton SPCA today and there were at least 20 LBJs and BBJs (little brown jobs and big brown jobs).

My experience of rescue dogs (there are three in my house) is that they somehow know that they were saved and spend the rest of their lives trying to show how grateful they are.  I’m sure on some level Jeremy, my dachshund from Sandton SPCA, is showing how much he loves me every time he pees on the side of my dining room table and my washing basket and my camera bag.  All jokes aside, my rescues are super loving, friendly and an utter joy to spend time with.

I can’t imagine living in a home without dogs.  Alfred and I have five dogs in total and whilst sometimes it’s nice to have a break from the chaos of always having furry beings around you, we both start to miss them after a day of being away.  Being constantly escorted to the bathroom, kitchen (their favourite spot), bedroom, lounge, garden, studio and garage is nice.  It’s very difficult to feel lonely when you have dogs.

I think one of the best things about dogs is that they are totally free of judgement and quick to forgive.  The forgiveness bit is probably one of their weak points that we as humans abuse horribly, however, anyone who has adopted a shelter dog with a traumatic background will attest to their ability to bounce back once they are shown some love.

Dogs get excited about everything.  You can go out for 5 minutes or 5 hours and get the same level of greeting, how wonderful.  So having dogs is a bit like having your own fanclub and who doesn’t want that?

By adopting a dog from a shelter (or maybe two dogs if you have space) you are saving a life.  It’s as simple as that.  Polish your halo, improve your karma and de-stress (stroking dogs reduces stress levels) with a four legged best friend.

 Please consider getting your next dog from a shelter, it makes a difference not only to the dog you adopt, but the one who takes its place also gets a chance of a new life. This little meme sums up dogs for me and why I adore them.

For every shoot booked with me that includes a dog, I’ll donate R250 to the Sandton SPCA.  Please get in touch with me to find out more.