A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

You can tell a lot about a shelter by the way it represents animals in its care. Shelters that care, even those that are regrettably high kill - shelters that care take the time to photograph dogs and cats so that you can see the wonderful faces, and get at least some sense of personality and best qualities. Many shelters allow volunteers to take flattering photos, if the shelter itself doesn't have the resources on its own.

Devore Animal Shelter had steadfastly refused volunteer offers to take dignified photos of its dogs and cats, despite numerous complaints about the terrible quality of the pictures it takes of dogs and cats available for adoption.

The great injustice of this heartless approach is that these dogs and cats have less than a week to be adopted or rescued, and the only chance they have is being seen on the website or in networking emails. The shelter photo is their only hope - and Devore continues to churn out carelessly taken, out of focus photos.

Dixon was a 6 year old Shepherd mix who came to Devore as part of a hoarding case. He had lived a life of neglect, just one of many dogs his owner had but couldn't properly care for. Dixon's one chance at a better life was being seen on Devore site, or in networking emails. His photo was his one opportunity to show the world he was worthy of love, of life.

Devore couldn't be bothered to take a clear shot of his sweet, grey muzzled face. Dixon did not make it out of Devore alive. Shame on you, Devore. This dog deserved better.