The tide appears to be turning. Although pictures of heartbroken animals peering out of cages will capture your heart with sadness, they may not necessarily attract potential adopters. None of these animals want your pity - they just want a family and a home.
They don't want to make you sad, but to make you smile. They want you to realize they will make wonderful family members and bring you happiness, laughter, and unconditional love.
They want you to focus on their future, not their past.
This is the approach that Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) and other shelters are taking. They believe it is important to showcase shelter animals in a bright light through photos, flyers, and positive bios, and they say it's creating much more interest in their animals.
Because finding homes quickly is the goal of all shelters, they'll embrace anything that helps them accomplish it. Photography has become a powerful tool in reaching that goal.
Potential adopters want to meet the happy, tail-wagging dog or affectionate, playful cat who is anxious to go home with them. They picture a fun, enjoyable life with this pet instead of taking on the sadness of what appears, in some pictures, to be a depressed animal.
Since there is nothing wrong with shelter dogs who are very adoptable, why present them in a way that might turn potential adopters away?
But this all takes time and manpower to work. ACCT is asking for photographers and volunteers to take part so every animal is given an opportunity to leave the shelter for home. Any photograph is appreciated and better than none, so don't be afraid to snap away and get some great shots yourself!
Jamielynn Storch, a part-time professional photographer (check out her website here), along with Peggy Jackson and others, has combined her passion for photography and her love for animals by donating her free time to making a difference.
Jamielynn recounts, "I had been wanting to take photos at a shelter and honestly was having a hard time connecting with one, but ACCT had a whole volunteer promotions team ready and waiting for me, which was great.”
We have used several of hers, and Peggy Jackson's, amazing photos, for our Today's Awesome Adoptables.
The promotions team, however, needs regularly scheduled photo shoots. They meet on Sunday mornings to photograph new dogs and cats and are requesting volunteers to photograph, write bios, or handle dogs to make it a quicker, easier process.
If you love photography and animals, they welcome you to email acctpetfinder@gmail.com to help these dedicated volunteers. A beautiful photo could make all the difference.
Click here to visit Philly Urgents Facebook page to view many other deserving animals looking for homes, and if not from this area, always check your local shelter or rescue when looking to add a new furry friend to your life.
Thanks for reading!
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Email story ideas to amylynne83@gmail.com or diane586@verizon.net.
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