Trish's Shepherds

$8.00 a day doesn't seem like a lot of money, but that's what rescuers are charged to kennel the dogs we save from our local shelter's euthanasia list.

But $8.00 a day quickly becomes $240.00 a month and with ten dogs being boarded, $2,400.00 a month becomes a heavy expense.

These dogs don't stay at a kennel forever, but it takes time to network them, photograph them and set up introductions between the dogs and adopters. When one dog leaves the shelter, his space is taken by another on the euthanasia list.

It's an expense that rarely seems to go away.

It's easy to make a lot of friends when you work in rescue. We already have at least one common interest, so when we finally meet (outside of Facebook) great conversations can sometimes lead to wonderful new friendships. Such is the case with Trish Houlihan.Trish is a regular at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control West shelter. She constantly combs the kennels looking for dogs that need her help. In fact, Trish originally photographed Belle and made sure all of us knew about him.But, her favorite breed of dog is the German Shepherd, and she rescues them whenever she can. "I know they're not for everyone," says Trish "but in the right home with the right owner, they're extraordinary animals."
Right now, she has quite a few gorgeous Shepherds all waiting for new homes. Her monthly kennel bills equal what most of us pay on our mortgage, and the dogs themselves would benefit from fluffy beds and belly rubs in their forever home. "Even if someone isn't ready to adopt," Trish adds "a Foster home for some of these kids would help them so much."So, Trish and I will begin to photograph and videotape some of these beautiful dogs soon. But, in the meantime - if you've been considering a Shepherd as a new addition to your family, let me know and I'll put you in touch with Trish.