Guinnevere Shuster - Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth

Introduction

My passion for shelter and rescue dogs started at sixteen, when I picked up a stray dog on my way to work. I ended up adopting the year-old, silver-coated Australian shepherd mix after no one claimed her from the local animal control. I named her Dandelion, my heart dog and soul mate for five years. Dandelion saw me into adulthood before the playful pup was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer. A leg amputation was followed by failed chemo treatment, and five months later we spent Dandelions last week on the Oregon coast with our toes dug deep in the sand watching the moonlit waves.

I have worked and volunteered with all sorts of animals from dogs to horses to giant African millipedes and even emus. I studied photography, digital i maging, and the fine arts in college. As a junior in college I was encouraged by a fellow student to volunteer my time photographing homeless pets at the local humane society. I quickly fell in love with photographing shelter animals and my weekly volunteering efforts turned into a full-time career.

To date, I have photographed over 6,000 shelter animals. I hope that photographing shelter animals in a unique and positive light will not only result in their adoption but also will encourage those who have never considered adopting a pet to check out their local shelter or rescue.

Guinnevere Shuster, December 2015

At ten years old, Zepher landed at the shelter when his owner lost his home. This aged-to-perfection Lab was a real people pleaser who got along great with everyone he met. Zepher also had a love for tennis balls, swimming, and leisurely walks at sunset. His happily-ever-after moment happened when he met a new family to spend his golden years with. Adopted 10/10/15

Koda ended up at the Humane Society of Utah when his former owners decied they no longer had the time to care for him. This athletic two-year-old German wirehaired pointer wooed potential adopters with his golden eyes and charming personality. It all worked out for the charismatic Koda, who landed in his dream home. Adopted 8/04/15

Good things come in small packages, and Skunk was no exception to this rule. The seven-year-old mixed-breed pup was smart, lovable, and well mannered. Staff at the Humane Society of Utah enjoyed every moment with this boy, who transferred in from another shelter. It didnt take long for someone to see all the spark and joy Skunk could bring to their home. (Maybe they even renamed him.) Adopted 10/06/15

This knockout is Abby, an eleven-month-old shepherd mix who found herself at the shelter when her owners landlord gave her the boot. She was smart, loyal, and a bit leery of strangers but warmed up to people after just a few minutes of attention. She found her best friend. Adopted 9/11/15

Two-year-old Bliss, an Old English sheepdog, was a big girl who took her herding duties very seriously. A bit too seriously for her former family. Big, goofy, and in need of an experienced owner, Bliss was part of a special program at the Humane Society of Utah designed to help place dogs that needed a little extra training and understanding. She found her perfect match, who drove all the way from California to get her! Adopted 10/05/15

After being surrendered because his owner had too many animals, Diego, a nine-month-old pit bull terrier, knew he had to turn on the charm to compete. If his smile, wink, or puppy dog eyes didnt win you over, surely his uncontrollable wiggle-butt would. It worked. Diego was out of the shelter in two days! Adopted 7/02/15

With puppy dog eyes that could melt your soul, Ruffian got another chance at life after transferring in from an Idaho shelter. You would never guess this big boy was only two years old; after all, he acted like a true gentleman. Ruffian knew a couple commands, walked nicely on a leash, and did well with the other dogs he met at the shelter. Of course, it didnt take long for someone to fall head over heels for this lovable Lab. Adopted 10/10/15

Atticus, a seven-month-old Saint Bernard, was surrendered because his owners did not have the time to take care of him. The jolly giant was well trained, lovable, gentle, and great with people. Naturally, families were lining up to adopt this humongous pup. Adopted 8/31/15

Rudy came to the shelter when his former owners ran into some problems. This three-year-old shih tzu was a sweet and petite fella who enjoyed the mature crowd. Rudy knew his worth as a canine king; he just wanted to be treated like royalty. After spending a little time in a foster home, he found a home of his very own! Adopted 10/15/15

Owner problems landed Calypso, a year-old husky blend, at the Humane Society of Utah. With a heart of gold, Calypso was eager to please and ready to learn. She was an energetic pup looking for a family that could keep up. She found one! Adopted 10/02/15

Whats that saying? Sugar and spice make everything nice? Spice certainly wouldnt argue! This adorable six-month-old pit bull terrier puppy came from a California shelter looking for her second chance at life. Its no wonder this little cupcake found her forever home in a very short time! Adopted 9/30/15

Boomer, a year-old black Lab mix, was surrendered to the Humane Society of Utah for having more energy than his former owners could handle. Bursting at the seams with goofy and excited playfulness, Boomer just needed an active family that could keep up. He found one! Adopted 7/28/15