CHILLIN WITH THE DOGS, A PORTFOLIO BY MELANIE ACEVEDO
There is nothing I love more than friends reaching out to me with their rescue stories. Not only does it give me great joy, but it is the most aspirational way to reconnect with old friends and colleagues and share about our commonality - LOVE FOR ANIMALS. SO, it was with great pleasure that I heard from friend and photographer Melanie Acevedo who wanted to share her pics and story about her dogs and their role in the home.
"Our little dog Strawberry came from Social Tees in NYC. She came with her name, and who could change a name like that? We got her as a puppy last Easter. Squirrel, our big boned beauty, was actually bought at a pet store as a puppy, even though she is a mutt. We had tried to adopt a small breed puppy for about 6 months, yet kept hitting a wall of rejection from the shelters we approached. I don't regret having her, but I do regret buying her, when there are so many homeless dogs.
Adopting an animal is the only way to go in my opinion, but that being said, a lot of places make it almost impossible for you to do so, which can add to frustration and lead to giving up. We know that shelters are only trying to protect their animals, but sometimes, it can prohibit a dog from going to a really great home, like ours!
My daughter Violet, 14 yrs old, says that "having animals to love means you're never alone". My son says that they are "the best for Hugabaloos". All I know is that these dogs are our family, and our friends, and the greatest source of comfort that I have ever known. They sleep with us, they hang with us, they play with us. They show you what unconditional love really is.
My kids adore them. They love to give them baths while they are in the tub too, which yes I know is gross, but whatever, they LOVE it! And there's always a shower to wash off in afterwards!!!!
I really think kids need to be brought up with animals in the house. It teaches them so many important lessons about responsibility and compassion. Their relationships with these animals will be with them their whole lives, and help to shape the kind of people they are becoming."
Check out more of Melanie Acevedo's photos on her instagram or on her website.
