ACN : Day Three

My third day out with ACN was, thankfully, pretty calm. A lot of straw and chow going out alongside fliers and information about the upcoming vaccination clinic. It seems that no matter how often you see these animals, your heart never stops feeling it. I'm lucky because I have a filter that goes between the subject and me. It's when I get home and look over the photos from the day that I'm really impacted. That's exactly why I go out.

In the following (and preceding) photo(s) : High-hanging tires too small for swings are a sign of potential dog fighting.

Packing straw for the day, stuffing dog houses, infected eyes, really small cages, really big chains, mange, emaciation, compassion, fright, aggression and happiness.

A couple more things. Sorry, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audio Slave/Temple Of The Dog), the grass isn't greener where the dogs are shitting. And to those who think it's really cool and bad ass to have an enormous chain and lock around your dog's neck...

You're morons. You're filth. You're scum. Period.

Let's see how you would like to have a padlock and 20lbs worth of chain smash against your body every time you need to use the bathroom, clean up, eat, drink or walk.

Back on the streets next weekend.

Grace Centers Of Hope Boogie Bowl

After about two hours of disco and costumes, I had run out of wind. I quickly came to the realization that I really need to stick with making photos of things that I really care about. Otherwise I get a whole bunch of snapshots and no photos are really made.

Anyhow... A few from the madness at the Grace Centers Of Hope Boogie Bowl event :

ACN : Day Two

Today after discussing the project with a couple of photographers I realized something very important. Though I do care, very much, about the animals that we come upon, I cannot get involved. I need to remember and stay focused on the fact that I am there to make photos. I'm glad I realized this early on, not four months down the road.

That being said, more dogs were helped today. More straw, chow and affection. The more I go out, the more I want to stay out.

Here are some frames from the day :

If you're thinking about getting an animal, PLEASE go to a rescue. There are so many animals in need of good homes. Don't support breeders and mills.

Michigan Animal Adoption Network

And if you've got that animal already... Sit on the floor, play with them and love them.