Rescue shelter hosts photoshoot for dogs to find homes

The furry photoshoot took place at rescue shelter All Dogs Matter, to help some of their older,or less ‘photogenic’ pooches – get adopted.

A range of dogs, that have been in foster care or housed at the shelter, were treated to a day where they were given some extra attention – as well as the ‘supermodel’ treatment.

Ready for their close ups included 12-year-old Bobby and 14-year-old Brandy, a bonded pair of Yorkshire Terriers, who’ve been looking for a home for several months.

Gentle Zara, a four-year-old Staffie – who was abandoned by her previous owner after having had puppies, lapped up the lens. As well as four-year-old Chihuahua, Snek, previously discarded, but rescued by the shelter.

It comes after research, of 2,000 adults, found that while nearly half of Brits would like to get a dog or even a second furry pal (48%), 58% of those would rather opt for a younger canine friend.

And while 47% would consider adopting, rather than purchasing, 54% of people who’d like a younger dog think it’s easier to train one from a puppy.

Over half (52%) of 18–34-year-olds specifically search for puppies online, and 71% of the same age group admit seeing a cute dog’s image on Instagram or TikTok can prompt them to check out rescue sites.

The pup paw-traits were all captured on second-hand cameras, provided by Wex Photo Video, which has partnered with the shelter to give these dogs another shot at showcasing their personalities – revealing some things are just as good second time around.

Paul Wareham, marketing director at the photographic retailer, which also commissioned the research, said: “All dogs can definitely learn new tricks, especially in a loving home.

“Every dog deserves their moment in the spotlight, regardless of age or appearance.These lovable hounds have got so much to give, so we’re hoping these glamorous shots can help find them a home.”

The study showed 46% of people would feel good about themselves for giving an abandoned dog a second chance at life, with a third (33%) more inclined to choose dogs who have been waiting for a new owner for a long time.

More than a fifth (22%) admit they’re more likely to choose a rescue dog whose photo they liked. While nearly nine in 10 (86%) of younger respondents (18 – 34) were motivated to request a viewing at a rescue centre if they can spot a dog’s personality shining through in photos.

Of those who’d prefer a younger dog, 53% would want to have more years to spend with a pet they’d grown to love and 32% reckon younger dogs have fewer health issues overall, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Ira Moss, founder of All Dogs Matter, said: “We see firsthand how much love and joy rescued, overlooked dogs can bring into a home, but they’re often passed over simply because they don’t have that ‘puppy appeal.’

“This photo shoot has allowed us to show that with a little love and the right photo, all of our wonderful dogs can shine brightly – and hopefully we can find them a new home.”

Paul Wareham, at Wex, added: “Much like a dating profile, pictures tell a thousand words, whether that’s with people or dogs.

“However, in many cases an image can’t tell the whole picture of a dog’s personality, so it’s always worth visiting a centre and meeting a pooch face-to-face.

“If these wonderful photos help even one pup find a home, we’ll consider it a job well done.”