Pets are wonderfully therapeutic! I have known the value of this since I was a child and even before as they have been my partners in life. We have had everything from turtles, birds, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even farm animals like horses, goats, turkeys, geese, etc. An intimate relationship between us formed and now I consider them part of my family no matter who they belong to, and I greet them in that way like a long lost friend or sibling.
 |
| It's hard to believe I found this scrawny guy (um, or more appropriately he found me!) in the pouring rain, clinging to my ankle, as I loaded up my boys for school. He was missing an eye and need of some serious love and care. He is one of my success stories as he still lives in his happy home (about 14 years now?). |
If you have any sort of kinship with the animal kingdom, you are going to want to photograph them; and, as I have advised previously with taking portraiture of children, the best and easiest way, for me, has been capturing them in their own element. When we force things to happen or try to set up our own expectations of how we think it should go then we are also setting ourselves up for a bit of a tumble or a learning experience. Pet portraits are no different! Besides, when you don't force things and allow them the space to happen, the results can often be much better than you expected!
These photos that I share today have not all been personally my pets, although they have all been a valued aspect of my life or contributed to it in some small or big way. These are a few I have rescued and placed in loving homes over the years. It seems if you help one, the word goes out and suddenly more come your way in need of assistance! It was my honor and joy to do so!
 |
| Help! I'm being abducted! |
 |
| Found with a momma cat who had a litter with her and was pregnant again. |
 |
| I always did love a good book, especially one with a happy ending! |
