A new project is looking to capture the special relationship between an adopted pet and its forever family.
The series is Timmins photographer Katelyn Malo’s idea.
With two rescue dogs at home and a desire to work more with animals, she is aiming to showcase how pets rescued from the Timmins and District Humane Society settle into their new families.
“I felt like doing something that would be meaningful to me and meaningful to (the shelter),” Malo said.
Instead of a staged photo, her vision is to have candid images of the animals in their forever home – from a dog sprawled on the bed or a cat sunbathing on its human’s shoulder. It will be accompanied with a little story and shared on the humane society’s social media accounts.
The documentary-type series is still photographs, so you won’t have to talk on camera about your story. Malo is looking for people who will be really open with her though.
She expects it will take at least an afternoon to capture each story, however the time that it will take depends on the subjects.
For OSPCA agent Chelsey Romain, the photographs will help break the stigma of what shelter pets are.
She has rescued dogs and cats from the humane society, often because nobody was taking them home when they didn’t fit into the mould of what some people see as the perfect pet. Each rescue has found its place at her house, and has a unique story.
“This is an amazing opportunity for those of us who have got the chance to live with an adopted animal and see what it brings to a home,” Romain said. “It’s great to share those stories.”
The photographs that Malo takes will be available to purchase after, with the proceeds going to the humane society.
TDHS manager Alicia Santamaria is already passionate about being part of the community, and having people like Malo reach out is helping to bring even more awareness to pet adoption.
“I was happy to receive a call from Katelyn about this fantastic idea. I think it’s going to be really positive for pet adoptions in the city,” Santamaria said. “Having partnerships like this gives us a further reach in the community.”
Malo hopes to start the sessions in January.
To apply to have your photographs taken for the project, send an email to [email protected]. The email should include a big of your adoption story, a picture of your pet and what its name was at the shelter.
