Mar 26

Mar 26 Shayan Asgharnia and the dogs of RESCUE FROM THE HART

It's funny how we connect through instagram these days and with photography it seems to be more often than not. The work of Shayan Asgharnia has spoken to me in profound ways and now that he donates his time to shelters photographing dogs, the Sizzle in me had to reach out and inquire about this latest project. I asked him how he was drawn to this particular project and this is what he said, "Looking for a personal project, I started photographing animals the same way I shoot portraits of humans. After meeting stylist and Rescue From The Hart volunteer and foster, Nicole Schneider, I decided to shoot portraits of rescue dogs in hopes of finding them the forever homes they deserve.

Much like photographing people, each dog comes with its own personality requiring its own approach, but it couldn't be done without the lovely volunteers of Rescue From The Hart. With the trust of their fosters and the loving hands of everyone on board, we capture the beauty and true personality of each loving creature.

It's hard not to just say "I'll take them all," but we'll keep doing our part until someone out there says, "I'll take that one.""

Rescue From The Hart is a 501c3 non profit Los Angeles dog rescue dedicated to saving abandoned and abused animals from local shelters and the streets and ultimately finding them loving forever homes. We are known for their viral rescue videos and stories of saving severely abused/neglected dogs and giving them all they need to go on to live a happy and healthy life.

This two year old Chiweeni (chihuahua doxie mix) is as lovable as he is long. He bonds quickly to all he meets and has even learned to leap into the arms of his foster dad. . He loves to cuddle and sneak kisses in between playing with his furry comp… — This two year old Chiweeni (chihuahua doxie mix) is as lovable as he is long. He bonds quickly to all he meets and has even learned to leap into the arms of his foster dad. . He loves to cuddle and sneak kisses in between playing with his furry companions. Leo's ideal home would have his human around a lot as he can get lonely easily. His idea of a perfect day would go something like this: wake up, kiss human, eat a bit, kiss human, cuddle human, play a bit, kiss human, walk a bit, kiss human, romp a bit, kiss human, eat, kiss human…ok, you’re getting the picture.

This 6.5 year old chi reminds us that big love can come in a small package! He came to us with a terrible fungal infection on his skin, 8 teeth rotting in his mouth and a cyst on his eye blocking his vision. With proper medical care and surgery from… — This 6.5 year old chi reminds us that big love can come in a small package! He came to us with a terrible fungal infection on his skin, 8 teeth rotting in his mouth and a cyst on his eye blocking his vision. With proper medical care and surgery from a few specialists, Robby feels like a whole new boy! And his way of saying thanks is by snuggling up to his human friends. Robby is a little shy when he first meets new people, but he quickly warms up and becomes a loyal companion. He’s good with other dogs, and like to pretend to be the king of all the dogs he hangs with, regardless of size.

Rescue From The Hart specializes in saving dogs with major medical issues that most other rescues can’t or won’t take on. Dogs that would otherwise not have a second chance. We share each dog’s journey from sickness to health (both physically and mentally), and along the way we educate our social media followers about the neglect and abuse happening with pets all over our country. The first step to solving any problem is acknowledging that you have one. By sharing the stories of those we save, Rescue From the Hart demonstrates how countless animals are victims of circumstance and thrive when given a second chance - thus inspiring others to join our efforts and effect change.

This 11 lb long haired chi mix came to us emaciated (at 6 lbs) after living on the streets and completely paralyzed . She was covered in sores from dragging herself along for who knows how long. X-rays showed that Spirit had been shot and had a .22 lodged between two vertebrae. Surgery was not an option due to the location of the bullet, so Rescue From The Hart sent Spirit to full time rehab at Two Hands Four Paws. After eight weeks of therapy, including acupuncture, laser, massage, swimming, underwater treadmill and physical rehab, Spirit now is able to spinal walk (and run)! She’s one of the happiest pooches you’ll ever meet and incredibly playful. Her best pals include an 80 lb german shepherd who she wrestles with for hours on end! We believe Spirit to be roughly one years old, as she still has a ton of puppy energy.

This 2 year old leggy terrier came to us from a high kill shelter just hours before he was scheduled to be euthanized. With a badly injured eye (from an unknown cause), he had no vision in it and the swelling was causing him serious pain, so we had an eye specialist surgically remove it. Sparrow gets around just fine with one eye and man does he loves to play! Whether it’s engaging in tug of war with human friends, or chasing his dog pals at the park, Sparrow is one of the happiest dogs you’ll ever meet. And when its time to settle in, he is a world class snuggle bug.

At just over a year old and 14 lbs, Brutus is believed to be a maltese/terrier mix. He’s a happy go lucky boy that wants to play and flirt with everyone he meets. Within moments of meeting new dogs, this guy is dancing in circles and trying to lead a game of zoomies! If you’re looking for fun in a small package, Brutus is your guy!

These boys are quite the odd couple! We believe them to be some sort of Corgi/Border Terrier mix and they’re roughly 2 years old.  We don’t know but they’re completely bonded. Both are super friendly and have enjoyed going through formal traini… — These boys are quite the odd couple! We believe them to be some sort of Corgi/Border Terrier mix and they’re roughly 2 years old. We don’t know but they’re completely bonded. Both are super friendly and have enjoyed going through formal training to learn proper leash manners and house manners. We are looking for a home where these two boys can live together and dazzle their people with their adorable comedy routine. And haven’t you always wanted a dog named Bacon??

This 5 year old, 11 lb min pin mix quickly earned the nickname “Flirty Gertie” amongst all her friends. She doesn’t really care if you are a boy or a girl, she will fall in love with you and think you’re perfect just the way you are.  She … — This 5 year old, 11 lb min pin mix quickly earned the nickname “Flirty Gertie” amongst all her friends. She doesn’t really care if you are a boy or a girl, she will fall in love with you and think you’re perfect just the way you are. She enjoys human and canine companionship and is easy to befriend. Once she gets to know you she will let you take it up a notch and pick her up and may even insist on a doggie massage. Any respectful girl wants to get to know a person before she gets too close.

Do you love the beauty of strength, and a rainbow at the end of a massive storm? If so, then this 56 pounds of pure love, three year old, American Bulldog may just be your soulmate! Storm is mighty in strength and stature as his name would suggest yet is a big goofball with soulful eyes who will be your absolute best friend given the chance. Storm is an active dog who loves to hike and would be an awesome adventurer with a seasoned dog handler. Even though this guy was rescued off the streets in pretty rough shape, he immediately responded to human companionship and is oh so eager to please – especially if you are offering a treat! Storm will impress you with his tricks and is great with dogs of all sizes with a proper intro. He needs a great leader who can continue working on his training to help him fulfill his calling as a breed ambassador. Just look at this guy! He is ready and waiting to be a part of your very active lifestyle.

Shayan has his own rescue pup Moosh, pictured above. "I met Moosh at the Downey Shelter in LA County last July. She's my first dog. I went in keen on an 8 year old poodle I saw on Instagram who was terrified and shaking, but she had a commitment to adopt already and has a loving home now (I follow them on Insta). Moosh shared the same kennel, so it was meant to be. She's appx. 3 years old."