Abandoned

Photographer and author Katherine Carver spent the past decade documenting the fate of 59 abandoned dogs. Inspired by her own rescue dog who had suffered from neglect and abuse, Carver photographed each of the abandoned dogs while they were staying at shelters or rescues. She returned one year after they were adopted, using striking black-and-white imagery to convey their emotions and moods in Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs. 

The power and beauty of these photographs resonate on a deep, personal level. Readers witness the transformation of dogs from anxious, confused, and fearful in the shelter environment to content, confident, and full of joy with their adoptive families.

A simple narrative is provided for each dog, detailing their background, behavior, length of stay at the shelter or rescue, and number of times returned. The adoptive families also offer firsthand accounts of their dogs’ strength and resilience, imparting lessons about the power of forgiveness, selflessness, and loyalty. Many adopters speak of rescue dogs never leaving their side and providing emotional support and healing in times of serious illness and grief.

According to the national database Shelter Animals Count, an estimated 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide last year; 360,000 were euthanized. Carver, who is donating a portion of the book’s proceeds to rescue groups, acknowledges that not all the 59 dogs featured in Abandoned found a happily ever after. She honors those who were never adopted, reminding us that they are not just anonymous statistics, but rather individuals with their own stories. 

Abandoned raises awareness about the benefits of animal adoption. Both the dogs and their adopters experience the restorative power of the human-animal bond, manifested in the magic of everyday moments.

Author: Katherine Carver

Publisher: Lantern Publishing & Media

No. Pages: 250

Program Terms: Companion Animals

AWI Quarterly Terms: Review