Our Models - Every story will touch your heart.
Noki the rescued cat as she appears in one of her cards!
Elliott in his favorite bed.
Zanny having a catnip break.
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I photographed the beautiful Noki, Elliott and Zanny in mid 2014. They are all the cherished rescues of good friends Deborah and Nick. Noki is a calm, loving and playful cat. As a tiny kitten she belonged to a family that refused to have her spayed because they wanted their children "to witness the miracle of birth." Unfortunately, it was winter and she was kept outside in the cold where other cats bothered her. A neighbor kindly fed her and brought her in out of harm’s way, but couldn't keep her because one of their children was allergic to cats. Elliott lost his battle with diabetes shortly before Christmas, 2014, but he had a long and wonderful life, even though it didn't start out too great. Elliott, named after T.S. Elliott, was rescued along with his brother, Ezra, when they were small kittens weak from dehydration. They were found on the campus of Santa Clara University. Deborah, a true animal lover, took them in even though she already had quite a few cats. The problem of feral cats on college campuses is sadly quite common. According to college officials, these animals are often abandoned by students who believe that someone else will adopt them. Young people need to be educated about the huge problem that un-neutered animals pose. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate. Zanny was rescued by Deborah when the kitty and her three siblings were far too young to be away from their mom. The four tiny kittens were in a plastic bucket being carried by young children who were trying to sell them at a flea market. Although people told Deborah that she shouldn’t buy the kittens, she felt sure that the kittens would die without her help. People who rescue animals can feel conflicted about the possibility that they may be enabling more irresponsibility by taking in unwanted animals. Could this act of kindness just encourage these kids to want more kittens to sell? Truly, we never know what effect we have on the people who treat animals like a commodity. We do know, however, the effect that we will have on that particular animal which is all too often being given its last chance for survival. It is estimated that one cat and all of her resulting offspring will continually reproduce, multiplying to over 400,000 animals in only seven years! Please be an advocate for animals by making sure all pets are spayed and neutered, and be an advocate by re-educating people who have no idea what "one litter" can do! There are literally millions of cats and kittens who are homeless through no fault of their own; many of them never find the home they deserve. Adopt your next superstar at your local animal shelter! |
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This is one of the beautiful rescued cats belonging to our dear friend, Lynda, another one of Kanab, Utah's dedicated animal activist. Lynda rescued RJ fifteen years ago in California when a box of obviously abandoned kittens were found in the wee hours of the morning by a friend of hers who was a vet tech. The tiny four week old kittens weakly cried out for help and just by luck, this kind soul happened along. Lynda already had two aging cats, but she agreed to take two of the kittens the following week, once they received their shots and their health exams. RJ is such a loving and friendly cat. The notion that cats are aloof is quite a misconception where he is concerned - as a matter of fact he is an adorable little ham!
There are literally millions of cats in need of loving homes, yet they are less likely than dogs to ever be adopted. Please help to prevent the tragedy of pet overpopulation by making sure all pets are spayed and neutered, and adopt your next superstar at your local shelter. |
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This is Asher. Marlene photographed him in mid 2014 but he was very reluctant to trust her at first. He is an adorable eight year old Yorkie rescued by National Mill Dog Rescue. Mary Lou, a long-time animal defender and good friend adopted Asher from this organization. She also volunteers with them in order to help save animals who are victimized by greed and cruelty. Yorkies and other small breeds command exorbitant prices in today’s “designer pet” market while the breeder dogs spend years in filthy cramped cages with no exercise, health care or socialization. These animals are naturally fearful of human interaction; however, they can be rehabilitated with loving patience and care.
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To photograph him in a less stressful way, it was best to ignore him for a while to play with Mary Lou's cats. When he became curious, he was able to overcome his very understandable fear. Once puppy mill rescues learn to trust, their devotion can be unshakable, a quality that Asher has already demonstrated during his few short months of freedom. Puppy mills can be stopped by educating the public to never buy pets that are sold in pet stores and on the Internet. Breed rescues are a way to adopt a specific breed and still save a life.
This is beautiful Noki, a calm, loving and playful cat. She is another wonderful Kanab rescue. As a tiny kitten Noki belonged to a family that refused to have her spayed because they wanted their children "to witness the miracle of birth." Unfortunately, it was winter and she was kept outside in the cold where other cats bothered her. A neighbor kindly fed her and brought her in out of harm’s way, but couldn't keep her because one of their children was allergic to cats. Deborah and Nick, who have rescued many cats over the years, gladly adopted her about three years ago and they have loved every day they have spent with her as part of their family.
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Cassidy was found on the streets of L.A. by staff members from Best Friends Animal Society, located in Kanab, UT. He had been picked up, probably by an animal control officer, and sent to a high-kill shelter where he was rescued. A video of him was made and somehow routed to Cathi, who works at Best Friends. Apparently, it was truly love at first sight! A few days later this sweet dog arrived in Kanab, thanks to the Sanctuary's Pup-My-Ride program.
Cathi recalls that on arrival, Cassidy was dirty and matted with several teeth missing. It appeared that he had been on the streets for quite some time. Also, one of his front legs just dangled. The leg had been injured by an old fracture and couldn't be repaired, requiring amputation. |
Cathi says that Cassidy has no limitations in spite of his missing front leg. "Dogs live in the moment, so immediately after his surgery he was moving around just fine. He is the spunkiest little guy ever!" Of course, if you haven't guessed by now, he's named after Hop-a-Long Cassidy. Please don’t hesitate to adopt a special-needs pet if you are able. They are not aware of limitations, only possibilities.
