The healing, beauty, and joy of the animal shelter system
Without volunteers, our nation’s animal shelter system simply would not exist. Volunteers speak for those that cannot speak, pick up the pieces for abandoned animals that have been let down by previous owners or unfortunate circumstances, and do whatever it takes to heal the deepest of wounds.In Finding Shelter, award-winning photographer Jesse Freidin shows the softer side of this story. He witnessed firsthand how many of the volunteers were able to mend their own emotional hurts with the love the shelter animals gave back to them, and how the power of these relationships transforms shelters into places where humans and animals can heal together. This realization propelled him to take a two-year journey across the country to document the tenderness and healing, beauty and joy he encountered within the shelter system. The result is a heartwarming inspiration for people to look differently at how to save shelter pets. In Finding Shelter, Freidin sparks a new discussion about animal rescue and what it feels like to truly love an animal.
“Jesse's portraits beautifully capture the unconditional love between people and their pets. Being in love with four shelter mutts right now, I love that the animals in this book are rescues. If you ever need a pick-me-up, just page through these photos. It's truly uplifting to see joy, friendship, and the best of humanity, including Jesse's work.” –Kristin Bauer, star of True Blood
“People who work in animal shelters are a special breed. In Finding Shelter, Jesse Freidin gives us more than just beautiful portraits of these heroes; he gives us a glimpse of the kindness and compassion that leads one to this work." --Cyrus Mejia, co-founder, Best Friends Animal Society
