The Faces of Rescue by M.J. Photography

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

For so many of us, we love animals so much that it’s sometimes unbearable to see them suffer.

Yet, with loving something that hard comes the duty to protect and care for it.

So when the lovely Mandy of M.J. Photography got in touch with me about a recent pet session, I actually replied asking to share this beautiful shelter session at the Morristown-Hamblen Humane Society in her home town of Morristown, TN.

Because these faces show the reality for so many dogs across the world. So full of love, and just wanting to find someone to bestow that love on.

I wish I could say every single one of these faces was adopted and now lives in a warm, happy home. But the reality is we don’t know. The reality is every day dogs like these find themselves in shelters. Some are lucky to be adopted, some are not.

So, why not share these beautiful faces and Mandy’s tips below to encourage everyone you know to consider a rescue pet as their next family member.

It will change their lives for good.

From Mandy of M.J. Photography:

The many faces of adoptable pets pull on my heartstrings!

In 2013 we adopted our own little pup, Addie, from our local shelter.

She has brought so much joy into our lives with her funny antics and always enthusiastic outlook. More often than nought, she is the center of attention in our home. Adopting her was one the best decisions we have ever made.

When people think of adding a pet to their family, they often turn to breeders or pet stores.

Unfortunately, that means many pets at local shelters get overlooked and often times forgotten about.

There are multiple benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter, consider these few noteworthy points:

1) You save a life. Hundreds of thousands of animals are euthanized each year because shelters simply don’t have the space, funds, and capacity to house each animal until they’re chosen for a permanent home

2) Shelter animals make great pets. Shelter housed pets are usually already trained because they’ve been a victim of circumstances, they’re socialized among other pets, and they make excellent companions for someone of any age.

3) The cost is minimal and purposeful. Adoption fees are typically very low and in turn, you help support a great cause in your local community.

4) Improve your life. Owning a pet provides you with a sense of responsibility and compassion, and shows you the unconditional love our animal friends can have for their caretakers.

5) You can find any kind of pet. Most people go to shelters to seek out a dog or cat for their household, but many will find abandoned rabbits, horses, reptiles, hamsters, and many other loveable pets who also need a good home.

I encourage you to seek out your local shelter and look into adopting a pet! It will change your life for the better, I promise!

ABOUT M.J. PHOTOGRAPHY

Mandy Elliott, owner of M.J. Photography, is a pet and potrait photographer in eastern Tennessee.  She often volunteers photographing local pet events and advocates for a pet friendly community.  When she isn’t behind the camera, you will find her blogging over at www.turquoiseave.com, spending time with her husband and rescue Jack Russell, scrapbooking, or traveling.

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