Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs

Katherine Carver pursued Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs for over a decade. She was inspired to examine the lives of shelter and rescue dogs after learning that Biscuit, a Shetland sheepdog she and her husband adopted, had been abandoned on a rural highway. Biscuit's transition from a sickly, emaciated shell to a beloved family member inspired Carver to examine the profound transformation abandoned dogs experience when given a second chance.

In this book, Carver has documented similar transitions for approximately sixty abandoned dogs. She presents poignant fine art photographs of her subjects as they navigate shelter and rescue networks on a quest for a permanent home. The photographs capture the salient emotion, spirit, and dignity of each dog, despite the dog's circumstances. Dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, temperaments, and backgrounds are included in the book. Carver also includes narratives based on interviews with rescue personnel and adopters to provide additional context to each dog's journey.

Carver initially met and photographed each dog in a shelter or rescue environment shortly after his or her abandonment. She then photographed each dog again, approximately a year after being adopted into a permanent home. The juxtaposition of these two photographs is a powerful testament to the benefits of dog rescue and adoption. Carver witnessed abandoned dogs that were given entirely new lives and were transformed into integral family members as a result of dog rescue. Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs is a tribute to these dogs. The book chronicles how dog rescue enriches not only the lives of the dogs but how it unequivocally enriches the lives of their human companions as well. Carver hopes this book compels viewers to consider dog rescue and adoption. This book will appeal to dog lovers far and wide