The Frustrations behind the Photos...

​July has felt like an insane month. Most days I have been unable to keep up with the animal intake. As of this morning, 105 dogs and 121 cats have come into the shelter this month alone. Each time I get caught up on evaluations, heartworm testing and postings, more dogs come in. Each time the front door opens, there stands a citizen with more cats or surrendering their “beloved” pets. Each time a kennel is emptied by an adopter or rescue (or sadly, by euthanasia), it just can’t remain empty through the end of the day.
 
This morning, and several other mornings over the past 3 weeks, I came in early to get some “glamor shots” done for a few of the dogs not getting interest. I know once we open the doors to the public and the officers hit the road, more and more animals will come in.  So today I left home before the sun came up and made my 45-minute journey from Athens. I was able to get some good glamor shots of a few dogs.  

​“Sydney” is a somewhat fearful and submissive Anatolian Shepherd mix that was picked up stray out in the country covered in ticks; “Banner” is a super happy puppy that should have been noticed and adopted by now; and poor “Venus”, a beautiful and well behaved Retriever mix who has stolen my heart (I love the older dogs), just isn’t getting rescued, probably because she has heartworms.  But perhaps the new photos will help these three make it out.  Unfortunately, we also just got in a handsome, young German Shepherd Dog and a super-cuter terrier puppy. Yes, they will both get lots of attention from adopters and rescues, but will overshadow “Sydney”, “Banner” and “Venus” for yet another day. 
 
I have emailed our Facebook volunteer several times this month that I was ready to quit this job and hike the Appalachian Trail for the rest of my life. But alas, I have a wife and two daughters, so completely checking out of real life isn’t an option.  So I must continue to slug it out here. Thank God for the relief I get through photography, journaling and running. Photography is a passion that brings me into a world of focus and escape.   And one other comforting thought:  winter will come along soon and things will slow down… I hope.