Dogs and Their People

A MODERN LOVE STORY OF DOGS AND THEIR PEOPLE

Photographs By Grace Chon Text By Vanessa Torres A MODERN LOVE STORY OF DOGS AND THEIR PEOPLE

Photographs By Grace Chon Text By Vanessa Torres Launched in 2008 by art director Grace Chon, Shine Pet Photos has emerged as the top dog in the highly competitive pet photography market. With her ad agency background and deep devotion to her own two dogs, Grace’s defining moment came when she took home her first rescue in 2007, an abandoned street dog from Mexico, that she named Maeby. Two years later, she has added another dog to her 2010: The Year of the Rescue Dog family, and the distinction of being named Los Angeles’ Best Pet Photographer.

Saved! features Grace’s most special subjects: abandoned dogs who have since In my grandparents den in Florida hangs a picture of the beloved family dog, been adopted in to loving homes. Once confined to the cold, crowded confines of Bernie. The yellow Labrador mutt has always been the favorite “child” in our family, a cage, these animals have been saved, and now thrive among the loving families and the faded photo tucked neatly between two panes of glass proves it to any who adopted them. casual visitor. None of the grandchildren warrant prime real estate in the most popular room in the house; we’re relegated to 3x5’s tucked behind aging bottles Previously, books featuring rescued dogs presented them as sort of death-row of Kahlua in the china cabinet. But Bernie gets the wide-angle lens, his soft eyes desperados: sad, longing eyes behind the cold, wire bars of crates and cages; peeking out from the beret they so dashingly plopped on top of his head. Every shivering in the corners, cold, lonely and waiting to be adopted. day they check in on him, ask how he’s doing, and tell anyone who will listen about the local commuters who used to get a kick out of seeing Bernie sit in the window, Our dogs have been there, done that. They’ve had the benefit of adoption and are wearing his hat and waiting for my grandfather to return home from work. now shining examples of their orphaned community. Our imagery showcases the true beauty of the animal-human bond, the sheer joy that dominates that relation- Bernie passed away in 1980. That photo made the move from the house in New ship, and the love affair that begins when their eyes meet across a crowded shelter. York to the condo in Florida. HOA laws strictly forbid pets, so they are now a pet-free house. But, the photo stays. Untouched. Dusted regularly. Stared at often. Saved!’s subjects are light years away from the scraggly, skinny, nervous creatures they appeared to be at the shelter. Their fur is silky, their teeth white, their ears Exactly thirty years later, the rest of the country has caught on to the idea of clean, and their eyes, glowing. To remember them as poor, desperate, clingy capturing that single moment in the life of a pet; preserving for posterity that daily animals does them a disservice. That was a temporary condition; this is their true nap by the back door, or that funny post-meal face rub. It’s a moment frozen in essence. time, now documented on film, and not just in fuzzy, fading memories.

What began as a sort of kooky idea for the pet obsessed has become a very The Humane Society of the United States estimates that animal conscious choice for pet lovers who know that today is a moment worth capturing. shelters care for 6 to 8 million dogs and cats every year in the For those who consider their animals an irreplaceable part of the family, high-end United States, of whom approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized. photography truly captures the essence of Man’s Best Friend. This amounts to about 11,000 animals being put down every day.” DOG’S NAME: Mama

OWNER’S NAME: Kim Warren

DOG’S AGE: 18 years old

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA

After going through the emotionally draining experience of fostering an ill and elderly dog, rescue volunteer Kim Warren vowed she would wait before taking in any other needy animals. That is, until a casual surf through Facebook one day revealed a case she couldn’t ignore. Several friends had posted about a dog that just been turned in to a local Los Angeles shelter. She was old, sick and a perfect candidate for euthanasia. Mama had been dropped off by owners who simply didn’t want to care for the aging animal. “She was missing a lot of fur, had horrible teeth and cataracts in both eyes. She was stiff and arthritic,” remembers Kim. She was also incontinent and senile. Kim wondered if the two would ever really bond because of Mama’s constant state of confusion and unease about her surroundings. She began taking the little dog with her everywhere and soon, Mama’s spirit began to lift. “Because she was senile, she didn’t show a lot of affection, but every night when I came home from work, she would wag her little tail.” Despite her host of physical and mental limitations, Mama showed the world her engaging little personality. In addition to collecting a wardrobe of pink, frilly dresses to keep her 5 lb frame warm, she also had exclusive access to her own little buggy, which Kim used constantly to help tote Mama around town. She and Kim also participated in Race For The Rescues, an annual 5k Run/Walk to benefit non-profit rescue organizations. Despite having to be carried the majority of the way, Mama did indeed cross the finish line to a cheering crowd calling her name. During this photo shoot, Mama exhibited the grace and spirit of a dog, well, one third her age. “It was almost like she knew it was all about her. She was happy, angelic and serene.” Exactly one month later, Mama passed away. “It’s a privilege to be with these little guys during their last moments. And to know that you’ve contributed to helping them pass in a loving and respectful way… Mama is the reason I continue to take in hospice fosters and I know she’s with me as each one comes into my life.” Here’s to you, Mama. FACT Mama is the lucky owner of a pretty pink stroller to ride in during her sunset strolls- but she always prefers to walk! DOG’S NAME: Noodle the Poodle

OWNER’S NAME: Christine Hill

DOG’S AGE: 4 years old

LOCATION: Palos Verdes, CA

No stranger to animal rescue, Christine Hill and her husband had already adopted two dogs when Noodle came into their lives. Like many pet owners, it was the death of one beloved family dog that spurred this family to seek out a “replacement.” Losing what Christine refers to as her “forever dog” (a Golden Retriever named Fozzie Bear) to cancer, was devastating. The family’s other dog, Cookie Monster, did not take it well either. Depressed and lonely, Cookie went completely grey and the Hills new they had to do something. In order to help Cookie cope with the death of his brother, the Hills decided to bring some new, albeit, low- maintenance life into their home and decided on a bird. It was only after they took home the canary that they learned exactly why the caged bird sings. The male bird sings as a means to attract a partner, and will keep singing until it finds its perfect mate. As soon as it does, it will fall silent and never sing again. Horrified at the thought of this poor canary’s unrequited love song, the Hills immediately rushed out to find him a mate, finally tracking down a pet store that carried the elusive female canary. On her way out of the store, bird in hand, Christine spotted a large dog stuffed into a cage in a back shed. His big legs folded under him, he sat despondent in the 100 + degree heat. Christine’s gut told her to act fast. “I immediately asked the owner how much she wanted for that dog. She said, ‘$1000.00.’ I offered her the $400 I had in my wallet.” The woman accepted and Christine left with a six month old poodle. The dog had been kept in a cage its entire life; he had never been on a walk or run through a yard and as a result, he could barely use his legs. Within a week of arriving at his new home, however, the now named Noodle the Poodle began to recuperate, running, playing and eventually going on hikes with his new family. Within six months, he had doubled in size. At four years old and 100 lbs, Noodle is now one happy-go-lucky guy and a great addition to the Hills menag- erie of animals. Noodle joined Cookie, the two canaries (who quickly multiplied), and a coterie of horses and goats. The Hills have since rescued Paddington Bear, a 125 lb Maremma Sheepdog. Oh, and then there are the Hills’ two little boys, ages 4 and 2, who have found their own use for Noodle. “Unfortunately, he’s also become the dress up dog. He just looks so good in everything.” FACT Noodle the Poodle lives in a house designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright along with his friends Paddington Bear and Cookie Monster. DOG’S NAME: Boo Boo

OWNER’S NAME: Chris and Taryn Doe

DOG’S AGE: 2 years old

LOCATION: Playa del Rey, CA

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Phasellus non eros eu lacus ornare varius non id justo. FACT Boo Boo loves to go to the beach- but hates sand. She and her sister Lucy like to people watch. DOG’S NAME: Monkey

OWNER’S NAME: Lu Parker

DOG’S AGE: 2 years old

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA

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Phasellus non eros eu lacus ornare varius non id justo. FACT Monkey’s Mom is an Emmy award-winning television news reporter and his Dad happens to be the Mayor of Los Angeles! Shine Pet Photos As Seen In: FOR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS VISIT SHINEPETPHOTOS.COM