While volunteering at shelters, Traer Scott was asked to take photos of the dogs she was working with for records and for Internet adoption sites. Scott writes in her introduction: “As my files grew, I realized that many of the dogs whose pictures I had in my archives never made it out alive. … I found hat no matter what, I couldn’t bring myself to delete their photos, which were in some cases the only record of their existence.” A few months later, Scott began creating the beautiful and honest portraits seen in Shelter Dogs.
Below is the photographer’s statement.
This is a series of portraits that resulted from loss, frustration and opportunity. A few years ago, I began volunteering at a local animal shelter where I aided in socializing and training impounded dogs. These animals had been abandoned or lost by their owners. Some had been badly beaten or severely neglected. Others had simply been handed over because of inconvenience. Being a photographer, I was soon asked to begin taking photos of all the dogs for record and internet adoption sites. As my files grew, I realized that many of the dogs whose pictures I had in my archives, never made it out alive.
Despite our efforts, many great dogs had to be euthanized simply to make room for the dozens more brought in every week by animal control. I found that no matter what, I couldn’t bring myself to delete their photos, which were in some cases, the only record of their existence. A few months later, I decided to begin creating true portraits of these dogs.
From day one, I conceived of the project becoming a book; a body of work which would help document some of the beautiful, intelligent animals I meet at shelters…A group of 50 or so that would represent the millions who die each year in animal shelters nationwide. When people view these images, they are often locking eyes with a captivating being which has been cast aside or abused, often left to die.
Most shelters I have visited are under-staffed, under-funded and overcrowded. Dogs are caged, surrounded night and day by the deafening barking of other frightened dogs. Some are let outside only once or twice a week. They try desperately to catch the attention of anyone who walks by. Many become extremely distraught and panicky, constantly pacing, chewing and clawing at the cage. Some even begin harming themselves.
What amazed me most when I began to look back at this series, was the intense emotion, dignity and sometimes humor that I saw in each face despite the circumstances in which they were forced to live.
Every photograph in this series was taken while the dog was impounded in an animal shelter. Some found good homes, others were euthanized.
Traer Scott
Traer Scott, a fine art photographer with a background in portraiture and fashion, was raised as an only child in a house full of animals. A menagerie of cats, wounded wild animals, birds, snakes, and dogs were her most constant childhood companions. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her husband and two beautiful rescued dogs.
Merrell Publishers is the publisher of Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott. Merrell is donating 50 cents on every copy of Shelter Dogs sold to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ®. Of that donation, 100% is allocated for national outreach programs of the ASPCA.
Shelter Dogs
Merrell Publishers;
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1858943523
