LETHBRIDGE – Two Southern Alberta women partnered up with a pit bull rescue shelter on Saturday to help get rid of the stigma that they’re a breed of dogs that are vicious and mean.
Iris Krosse came across a photographer on Facebook who had done similar photos in the United States, called “Flower Power”, and knew it was something her and her friend Jessica Van Dyk could do together.
“I talked to her and said, ‘Hey, would this be something you’d be interested in doing? If I did the flower crowns and you did the photography?’ and with her being out of the business for a while because of having kids she said yes,” Krosse said.
“We met up and decided to do it with Prairie Pit Bull rescue because they are huge in the area. They loved the idea and we set a date and there it went.”
Prairie Pit Bull Rescue is based in Lethbridge and they take in surrendered pit bulls, as well as rescues from areas that have a breed specific legislation that bans certain breed of dogs, like pit bulls, from being in the area. Natalie Kent, co-founder of the shelter, said she hopes the photos will help show how loving these dogs really are.
“You know, people are going to think what they are going to think. But if anything, we changed the minds of the people who were helping us today,” Kent said.
“Get out there, put your hands on them, look at the pictures… they’re just like every other dog.”
It was quite the production, all for one perfect shot. Some of the dog models were easier to photograph than others.
But, all things considered, Van Dyk said her hope is for people who see the photos online do more than just share them with their friends.
“I hope people get out there and adopt some of these dogs, because they need homes,” Van Dyk said.
“There are so many that are getting euthanized and they deserve a chance. I really hope people can just see the light in their eyes and take some home,” Van Dyck said.