Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs

Striking, emotionally charged, fine art photographs chronicle the lives of approximately 60 once-abandoned dogs, illuminating each one’s journey from a shelter or rescue organization to a loving, permanent home. The ＂before and after＂ photographs illustrate the profound benefits of animal adoption for both dogs and humans alike.

Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs is a decade-long project inspired by Carver’s own adopted Shetland Sheepdog, Biscuit, who had been abandoned on a rural highway, terrified and malnourished. Biscuit’s evolution from a sickly and emaciated shell of a dog to a confident, trusting, and beloved family member positively changed Carver’s and her husband’s lives forever. This set Carver on her quest to examine the lives of other abandoned dogs, illustrating how dog rescue gave these dogs a second chance with completely new lives.

The photographs capture the salient emotion, spirit, and dignity of each dog, despite their circumstances. From Whippets to Jack Russell Terriers and Saint Bernards to Golden Retrievers, along with many mixed breeds, Carver’s book showcases dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, temperaments, and backgrounds, including written narratives, derived from interviews with shelter and rescue personnel and adopters to provide additional context to each dog’s journey.

Carver initially met and photographed each dog shortly after they entered a shelter or rescue organization, and then again approximately a year after being adopted into a permanent home. The juxtaposition of these two photographs is a powerful testament to the transformative experience of dog rescue and adoption. Carver witnessed abandoned dogs that were given entirely new lives and became integral family members as a result of rescue and adoption.

Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs is a tribute to dogs like Robo, Murdock, Mario, and Trucker. The book chronicles how dog rescue and adoption enriches not only the lives of the dogs, but how it unequivocally enriches the lives of their human companions as well. Carver hopes this work compels viewers to consider dog rescue and adoption. This book will appeal to dog and animal lovers far and wide.

Katherine Carver was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was introduced to photography in high school and continued taking photography courses during college and law school. Carver’s first dog, a rescue Shetland sheepdog named Biscuit, inspired her passion, interest, and curiosity about dogs. Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs is Carver’s debut book. Her photographs have been published in international publications. Carver holds a Juris Doctor, with Honor, from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She currently lives in the Washington, DC, area with her husband, daughter, and rescue Shetland sheepdog, Victory.