Sarah Beth Photography | Minneapolis Saint Paul Minnesota Dog & Pet Photographer | Studio Pet Photography | Joy Sessions » Distinctive, artful pet dog and cat portraits in studio and on location. Voted Best Pet Photographer in the Twin Cities 2010 and 2011.

Our Rescue of the Month for the merry month of May is the always-fabulous Pet Project Rescue. PPR was started in response to the needs of street dogs on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. After visiting Mexico on several occasions, PPR founder, Maia, knew she had to do something to help. She’s partnered with Isla Animals Rescue, and works to bring adoptable dogs here to Minnesota, where people have the means and desire to give them loving homes. Pet Project also does incredible work locally, funding spay/neuter clinics, trap and release programs for feral cats, and they are an approved rescue to pull “bully breeds” from Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. PPR is a 501(c)(3) foster-based rescue, striving to match the right animal with your needs and family situations. They’ve built a strong reputation, and are proud to be able to fund as many programs as they do, including something that I particularly love, the “Lukas Project.” Named for an amazing boy who led a tragically short life, the Lukas Project provides for terminal animals to live out their days in loving, permanent foster homes. This compassionate program allows for otherwise un-adoptable companion animals to receive veterinary care, to know love and warmth (sometime for the first time) before they pass. I recently photographed two Lukas Project participants, and it fills my heart to know these people who give their all to provide a comfortable life for these loving, grateful creatures.

I work with a lot of different rescues, and there’s just something about Pet Project Rescue that speaks to me, that calls me to action and sparks me to do something. They’re still quite active in the Mexican street dog scene, and help out with spay/neuter clinics when they can. Maia asked me to accompany them this past November, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. You can read about my experiences here, but know that it was an intense, eye-opening experience that I hope to do again soon. Our favorite images from that clinic will be on display and available for purchase at PPR’s 4th Annual Fundraiser this coming Saturday, May 4th. Along with drinks, appetizers and live music, you can bid on amazing silent auction items, like a full studio session + print credit from yours truly! (these don’t come along often, people!) :)

I’m so excited to be a part of this group, and I hope to see many of you at the event on Saturday!

Our foster features this month are Meg and Lea. Meg is a cute little blue “pocket pit” who’s super pretty and loves people. She’s local, from Minneapolis Animal Control. Seriously, she’s adorable.
Lea is straight off the streets of Mexico! She’s energetic and has the most amazing underbite. Her freckles are wonderful, and she LOVES tennis balls! Crazyballface, anyone?
If you’d like to make a donation to Pet Project Rescue, click here for more info. And be sure to “like” them on Facebook for all the up-to-date happenings!