Diamonds in the Ruff- My Shelter Dog Project

A little while ago, I posted about my dog, Floyd, and how our vet has informed us that our time with him is limited.  Of course, everyone's time here on Earth is limited and while tomorrow isn't promised to anyone, it was still his words "He has maybe 3-6 months to live,"  which reminded me that all we have is NOW with my sweet Floyd.  So, I have vowed to make the best of his remaining days filled with the things that make him happiest.... too many treats, too many tummy rubs, too many last bites of my dinner, too many kisses, and too many rides in the car, because the very thought of losing him makes me feel like my heart is being ripped out through my throat.  Making our remaining time together as great for him as I can, is just as much for me as it is for him.  It is the least I can do.

(above photo was taken by Erin Nisi, of Erin Nisi Photography of me and my dog, Floyd)

I recently saw somewhere, either on Facebook or Pinterest, an image with a dog and an overlay of a poem by an unknown author.  Given the stage of life we are in with Floyd, the poem, which I have typed out below, has really stuck with me. 

A Dog's Last Will and Testament

Before humans die, they write their last Will and Testament, give their home and all they have, to those they leave behind.  If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask...

To a poor and lonely stray I'd give my happy home;

my bowl and cozy bed; soft pillows and all my toys;

the lap, which I loved so much; the hand that

stroked my fur; and the sweet voice which spoke

my name.

I'd will to the sad, scared shelter dog the

place I had in my human's loving heart,

of which there seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a pet

again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand."

Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held

no joy or hope and give MY place to HIM.

This is the only thing I can give...

                 ...The love I left behind.

THIS is my inheritance! My will and my last Testament

--Author Unknown

I know this would be Floyd's will, too, but while adding another dog to our family is not really an option any time in the near future (we currently have 4), I thought maybe I could help those sad and lonely shelter dogs in another way.  Through my photographs, I could help them find their furever homes.  My photographer friend, Marna, of Grace Wears Fur, does this very thing and she is FABULOUS at it! I messaged her and after a few words of encouragement, I immediately contacted Animal House Shelter in Huntley, Illinois.  

Animal House was so excited that I offered to do this for them and told me I could come out to visit with and photograph the dogs whenever.  Well, that was all I needed to hear-- I headed over there right away and it's been hard to pull my head and heart away from that place.  

And so the birth of: DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF- MY SHELTER DOG PROJECT.  

Below are images of the beautiful, four legged babies who are in dire need of a place to call "home."  Some carry heart-breaking stories of their past and have never been loved or cared for while others were once loved but then relinquished due to family hardships or just because they were no longer wanted.  And then there were some who were someone's best friend, but their master passed.  Regardless of what landed them at Animal House, they are in a way lucky, because they are being cared for and are not on death row, but ALL of them are just begging to be loved and to be given the chance to give their unconditional love to their human companion.  Look deep into their eyes... they all want to be someone's baby.

My hope is that the impact of my images will greatly speed up the adoption rate of the dogs at Animal House Shelter, so that even more lives can be saved.

If you are looking for or have even considered finding a furry companion, please make sure it is a decision which everyone in the house agrees upon and it is a committment you can hold for the entire life of the dog. 

To learn more about any of the above dogs, please visit Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL.

To book a session with Stephanie Kelley Photography, click here

***Up next in our Blog Circle is my ever so talented friend and fellow photographer, Lindsay, of Bella Jackson Originals. Click on the link and go visit her work!***