A close-up of yourself, what's the impulse? How compelling can vanity be? What's the fascination? 
Compassion, responsibility, empathy, caring about something beyond self-interest, 
let's send that 'face' out to the world.
A shelter dog is a living, breathing message.
A life in peril.
A life saved.
You know what they say about one picture.
So I share these selfies, each snapshot a moment in time riding rescue's underground railroad.
Picture that. Oh snap.

January 22 Angelica and I pulled in with food, leashes, collars, towels, a dog house, 2 kennels and 2 igloos (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152166343803624), every inch of the van was filled. We had a long day of walking dogs, grabbing photos & video, sharing play time and treats. We get the pups out of kennels to play and seeing them stretch and romp is our treat. All but one of our play pals have been rescued! 
Abby, Gus, Clifford, G.I. Jane, Crimson, Alfie & Pal, the beautiful big dawgz we met January 6 STILL wait.

Oh, what a difference a day makes. One day it's iron bars and cement floors, then it's palm trees and a pool or Malibu sand. Being so terrified that poking a head out of a shelter cubby is all that courage can muster and just days later, romping with dogs of the rich & famous. 

George is another example of the random nature of rescue. No way to tell which pup will make it out, much less what kind of fate awaits outside shelter walls. The on going story of George is what gives hope to all who care deeply about saving dogs. He was a shrinking violet who caught the eye of a rescuer who came back to sit in his kennel, then coaxed him to crawl out and look at her video camera. He wanted so badly to trust but was far too shy for any but a rescuer to consider taking home. Meaning, he didn't stand a chance. 

Chela's patiently waiting to video was the beginning of timid George's chance to bloom, to be with a foster who's sharing the good life with a fella seized from a hoarding/cruelty investigation. Nothing close to a deck with an ocean view, Stella & Chewy treats and plush doggie beds for resting after endless beach runs. From shaking shelter un-adoptable to beach photo shoot star - different universes. Heartfelt thanks to Paula who brings pups of all ages out of their cages at Los Angeles' West Valley shelter and cajoles cooped up shelter dogs ready to romp into posing for pix that can open cage doors for good (www.pawlapetphotography.com). The photos you see here are a small sample of gorgeous sunset shots that will help Angelica and Tails of the City find George the right home. Beach boy George is a living fairytale.