Inspired by New York Fashion Week, the team at Helen Woodward Animal Center decided to show off the chicer-sides of their adoptable friends with a furry fashion photo shoot. The photos, taken by volunteer photographer Ricki Douglas, are meant to display the sweet dispositions of these available pets and encourage potential adopters to see them, not as abandoned animals, but rather, as beloved (and fashionable!) family members.
“There have been numerous reports citing the difference between adoption rates when a great photo is taken of an orphaned animal vs. a photo showing the same animal in less flattering surroundings,” notes Jessica Gercke, PR manager and spokesperson for Helen Woodward Animal Center. “People have a hard time imagining bringing a rescue into their home when they see an image of the animal looking unhappy and behind bars. The fashion photo shoot allowed us to highlight the gentle nature and true beauty in each of these potential pets.”
Ricki Douglas of Ricki Douglas Photography jumped at the fashion shoot idea. Her volunteer efforts, taking weekly heart-warming Pet-of-the-Week photos for Helen Woodward Animal Center, have already seen an increase in turnaround time for placing abandoned animals. “The fashion shoot was a wonderful experience,” states Douglas. “One after another, these amazing animals would come in and just charm us. We laughed and enjoyed them so much. I think the photos really captured their endearing personalities.”
Haute Couture is a thrill on the runway and the latest fashion trend is always in demand, but the true love of a devoted companion is something that will simply never go out of style.
All pets adopted from Helen Woodward Animal Center have been spayed or neutered, have up-to-date vaccinations and microchip identification (registration fee included), and come with a certificate for a free night at Club Pet Boarding. For all of 2012, when you adopt a pet from HWAC, you’ll receive two SeaWorld passes. Limit two passes per household. There are many other pets looking for their new families at the Helen Woodward Animal Center. (858/756-4117, ext. #1, www.animalcenter.org)
