How to save a dogs life...

[legacy23]

I just came accross this article and I think it's dead on. The pictures of the dogs on sites like petfinder are horrible.

So many dogs are euthanized every year because they can't find a family to adopt them. It's not their fault. With some better picture taking, a few cute poses and accessories, dogs can find a new home in no time.It's true, Dallas pet photographer Teresa Berg has taken it upon herself to "better market" homeless dogs so they can find a family to take them in. Instead of just snapping a random picture of a dog behind a chain-linked fence, in poor lighting and unflattering poses, Berg takes time with each shot, dressing them up and creating pictures of dogs you can imagine on people's mantles. Gone are red-eyed, blurry shots. In are dogs with a soul.The results of her pictures were instant. Every dog Berg took a picture of was adopted and the entire dog shelter as a whole has seen a 100% increase in adoption rates. Berg is now starting to teach volunteers how to take better pictures of homeless dogs. It's a pretty great idea for any professional photographer who wants to give back. [Teresa Berg via CBS via The Daily What]

gizmodo.com/5842278/how-to-save-a-dogs-life-take-better-pictures

[karladbmb]

The article is a little misleading considering if you watch the video, it's about someone who takes photographs for a dachshund rescue, not true death row dogs. The idea of taking quality photos is nothing new, to me anyway...although how many animal controls have the resources?

[RealPitBull]

I agree that good pix are REALLY important...AC shelters like Paterson don't even put their dogs up on websites, let alone take decent pix. (And there's time constraints - those dogs are lucky if they make it 5 days.)

It's an idea for a way to help, though - if you're good with a camera, couldn't hurt to head to your local shelter and offer to be the picture-taker and Petfinder-updater.

[legacy23]

Yea....good points....maybe I can help. I'm not the best photog but I can learn and get better. I think it's also a good idea to get shots that give people an idea of how large or small the dog is. Like have the dog stand next to something to give people some perspective.

[michele5611]

I am sure any help you could give Kev would be appreciated!

[legacy23]

You'd be surprised Michele, last time I tried to help it didn't get me anywhere. I'll try again though.

[michele5611]

Actually not that surprised unfortunately. Try again.......

[RealPitBull]

^ Not surprised either.