Combining the art of photography with a noble cause, a talented photographer named Christian Shenouda, from California, has embarked on a mission to capture the essence and charm of shelter dogs.
Through a lens that sees beyond the barriers of kennel bars, he skillfully documents unique personalities and stories of many often overlooked shelter pups – all for the ultimate cause of helping them find their forever homes.
This photographer’s extraordinary work is not only showcasing the beauty of these shelter dogs, but also serving as a powerful catalyst for their adoption, ultimately saving many lives.
Saving Lives Through Photography
Ever since Christian adopted his rescue pup, Ray, his life has been nothing but puppy love. He has always felt like Ray was a one-in-a-million-dog, and he wanted people to see how great shelter and rescue pups can be.
Sadly, he lost Ray due to cancer, but his love for shelter dogs remained.
So, he started volunteering at various local dog shelters in Los Angeles, providing them with amazing photos that have helped many of them get adopted.
“All the shelter can really do is take a quick intake photo when the dog arrives. A lot of times that’s the photo that sticks with the dog. It’s not really accurately representing that dog,” Christian told The Dodo.
Christian often compares adopting a dog with trying to meet/date someone (it sounds funny, but actually, he’s right).
If you’re scrolling through a dating app, the first thing you see is the picture and, of course, you’d like to see some good and accurate pictures of the person.
It’s the same for a dog.
“When I lost Ray, I felt like, “it’s gonna take saving a million dogs to fill that hole.” I feel like I’m saving his friends,” Christian said.
One photograph can truly speak a thousand words.
The Power Of Photographs
Christian only needs three things for the perfect photo and those are: a camera, some treats, and a squeaker. Along with treats, the squeaker helps him get the dogs a bit more focused on him, which helps with taking the perfect shot.
“It’s really great to get the dogs out in the yard, out of the kennel, so potential adopters can see them as they might be in their backyard,” explained Christian.
Precisely because of his photos, many of the dogs he photographed were adopted. One of the dogs, named Chelsea, was adopted on the last day that she was supposed to be euthanized.
His photographs are truly saving the lives of many shelter dogs.
Cale, Chelsea’s new dad, said, “I had seen her online on a Facebook group, and I was able to see her. The higher quality video that you can have or pictures you can have, the better chances that these animals have to survive.”
Chelsea now has a warm home to stay in, food, and lots of love – all because of a photograph that Christian took.
“There’s no better feeling than finding out that a dog’s been adopted and that my photo had something to do with it,” Christian said.
I’m sure Ray would be super proud of you, Christian. You are an amazing human being. Thanks to you, these dogs go on to live wonderful lives full of love.
