Dog selling his photos to help master
Abbott is a Jack Russell terrier who was found roaming the Mexican War Streets last July 4. Neighbors of Sarah Higgins called her to see if she wanted to adopt him. Sarah’s dog Ansel, named after Ansel Adams, had recently died.
Sarah took him on a try-out and kept him and has relied on neighbors to walk him when she cannot. Sarah has suffered from interstitial cystitis, an incurable and painful bladder condition for which she needs an upcoming surgery without the health benefits to pay for it.
Abbott’s been taking photographs to help her, although it wasn’t her intention when she attached a Mr. Lee’s Cat Cam on his collar to sell his photos to help her pay for her surgery. She had seen the pet camera on Animal Planet and, as a passionate photographer herself, ordered one for him.
The camera shoots at random and Abbott has taken thousands on his walks in the neighborhood and in Allegheny Commons Park, including the ones shown on this post. A lot of dog bums later, Sarah has curated the amazing photos into a photo exhibit "Shutterdog," that opens tomorrow night at the Buena Vista Cafe, 1501 Buena Vista St. (www.bvcoffee.com)
It starts at 6 p.m. and will include a raffle to win the opportunity for your dog to wear Abbott’s camera for a day and tote bags to put the photos in.
“The images he comes up with are so beautiful,” she said. “It’s hard to believe the world can look this good 12 inches off the ground. It gives you a different perspective on the world.”
Sarah’s friends have helped organize the show, which will include food and beverages and pupcakes. Some photos from a dog’s eye view will be placed low for little people to see.
If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to see the world as a small dog, here’s a chance to see Abbott’s work and help Sarah get some relief. Here are links to check out more of Abbott's and Sarah's work:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grainypix/ and his facebook is http://www.facebook.com/?sk=apps#!/pages/Abbott-the-shutterdog/125728364135182