Love Dogs? Get Shelter Puppies
Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies. - Gene Hill
The holidays are coming; know a dog lover? Written by Michael Kloth and published by Merrill, Shelter Puppies is short on words, but it abounds with beautiful pictures of puppies. It’s ideal for the coffee table—even people with whom it is difficult to deal will melt when thumbing through its pages.
Beginning with his own history with dogs, Michael Kloth’s introduction encourages adopting shelter dogs and discusses important aspects to consider when you think you want a dog. The photographs in Shelter Puppies were not created for the book; they are portraits of puppies that were used to publicize their availability for adoption.
Shelters and rescue groups often list dogs and cats on the ‘net and in local papers, including a photo of the animal that does it no justice. Sometimes grainy, sometimes out of focus, often taken from too great a distance, the pictures convey very little about the animal and some could serve as mug shots. Kloth is a a fine art photographer; looking at his pictures of dogs convinces us that animals not only experience emotions, but they also have souls (if we’re not already convinced). The photos also increased the puppies’ chances of being adopted. (Sadly thousands of puppies are “put down” or “euthanized” every day in the United States.)
Living with three shelter dogs and three shelter cats predisposes me to loving Shelter Puppies, but I don’t see how anyone could resist these adorable, young dogs. In addition to the striking photos, Kloth includes a chapter on photographing puppies and a collection of thumbnails prints accompanied by each dog’s adoption details. A portion of the proceeds from sales of Shelter Puppies will benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Should you be inspired to visit a local animal shelter or rescue group after viewing these fur babies, you will find that kennel runs with puppies attract the most visitors. While you’re there check on some of the adolescent and senior dogs, too. They are all starved for human companionship, and you would be amazed at how grateful they are for a little attention.
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