Seeing the images that were being shared during the media coverage of Michael Vick's arrest of these poor dogs and how they were treated, made me so angry and broke my heart at the same time. Although I followed the coverage, I didn't know what I could to do help. 

Then 2008 through 2010, I became obsessed with the show DogTown on National Geographic, filmed at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab Utah. This show was fantastic, not only because what they do for 100's of animals but specifically what they did for the Vick dogs that were brought there. So, in July of 2010 I decided to volunteer there and got the opportunity to meet some of the Vick dogs that were still living there. Most had been adopted to great homes and had even became Canine Good Citizens. While volunteering I was lucky enough to meet Lucas (RIP). Lucas was court ordered to spend his life at BFAS and he wore the special red collar showing that only staff could handle him. Lucas had the scars of his past life all over his face. However, I stood right in front of him speaking to his handler while he wagged his tail so hard his whole body shook. I watched him give kisses and love to his handler and then jump into a golf cart sitting shotgun with that big Pit Bull smile on his face. That is when I realized how special and forgiving these dogs are and deep down I knew I would rescue one of these misunderstood dogs one day.

In Oct of 2010, the documentary Beyond the Myth had a screening here in Atlanta. (if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it) I got to meet my second Vick-tory dog, Hector. The sweetest most adorable little man, dressed in his fancy tuxedo, accepting love and pats from complete strangers. (Hector 4/7/2007 - 10/27/2014 - RIP sweet boy) Another wonderful example of the resilience of these wonderful animals. 

One month later Nov of 2010, I became a proud Aunt to a beautiful blue pibble named Maurice (or the Space Cowboy as we like to call him) who my sister rescued from a shelter that was going to be shutting its doors. Once I met this big goofy love bug with his cinder block head and his penchant for hamming it up in front of a camera...I was convinced there is more to these dogs then the media portrayed.

Sept 2013, I started volunteering at Fulton County Animal Services, taking photos of dogs that needed homes to help them get adopted. Living in the city of Atlanta, I know how lucky we are because we do not have breed restrictions, however there are restrictions in surrounding areas. We do see a lot of pit bulls get adopted out of this shelter, but there are still so many more that need homes. So one day in early Dec I happened upon the most pitiful face on the shelters Facebook page. We named him Charlie Brown and as of Dec 31st, 2013 he officially became a member of our family and my hunch back in 2010 became a reality. (more on Charlie Brown later)

As they say, when you adopt the breed you adopt the cause. I started to become more involved in Pit Bull advocacy in the Atlanta area. Then I heard about the One Million Pibble March to end BSL nationwide put on by Rebecca Corry and her Stand up for Pits Foundation. My sister contacted me and said she was going, my girlfriend Angie who lives in the DC area (and had recently rescued a pit bull) was going , so I booked my ticket.  It was an extremely moving day and Rebecca challenged us to start local and to educate. This is how Shine A Light ATL came to be....I found a lot of meaning in the Martin Luther King Jr. quote: 

So that is my goal with this project, take my love of photography and passion for rescue and make those shadows disappear. My hope is that through images and the stories of the people who have rescued their best friend/family member(s), it will help educate those who are still in doubt about this wonderful type of dog. They are just like any other pet out there, they are special.