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Washington Animal Rescue League annual Rescue Me Gala at Union Station in Washington, DC

In January, after completing a mandatory orientation, I began volunteering as a dog walker for the Washington Animal Rescue League. I bought the official volunteer T-shirt that matched my avocado-green 50 cc Buddy, riding down to the shelter located on Oglethorpe Street in DC  (conveniently close to my house in Takoma Park) a couple days a week. One afternoon, I overheard the development office staff discussing the Rescue Me Gala, a major fund raising event held annually at Union Station. I got an instant mental picture: a black tie event at one of Washington’s landmark historic sites, guests bringing their four-legged, tail-wagging, squirrel-chasing, hole-digging, leg-humping best friends as their +1. Sensing an opportunity to make some good pictures, I offered to photograph the event (after all, it’s what I do for a living) pro bono.

Portrait taken during WARL Rescue Me Gala at Union Station

WARL was happy. I made some nice pictures, so I was happy. At that point, I realized I could probably better assist this non profit organization, whose mission statement is to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Re-home, by donating my time and expertise as a volunteer photographer, rather than as a dog walker. Besides, I barely had enough time to walk my own three dogs, or even clear the backyard of the organic antipersonnel mines they deposited every day.

Here are some of my favorite photos taken this year for the League:

Korey, one of WARL's Animal Caretakers holding a pit pup

Katie, a German wirehaired pointer mix at five months of age. It's a good thing she was quickly adopted out, because I'm a total sucker for this type of scruffy dog.

Cassie, a sweet little trerrier mix whose owner, Dr. Shari Barton made a generous contribution towards the purchase of a new rescue van

Corina, a malamute - terrier mix and Miss July of the WARL 2011 calendar

Heidi, a hound mix rescued from a particularly egregious hoarding case in Mississippi and the 2011 calendar's Miss November. Heidi received months of medical attention and behavioral rehabilitation from WARL's staff of veterinarians and animal behaviorists before being adopted by one of the League's employees.

Tesla, a kitty with some behavioral issues linked to a medical condition that was diganosed and remedied by League vets (photo used for the 2011 calendar).

Cats cavorting in the cat room at WARL. This is cat heaven.

Dr. Janet Rosen, one of WARL's amazing vets examining a puppy. The photo will be used in an adoption brochure handout.

Conway didn't make the final edit for the calendar, but this guy was one of my favorites. As much as I love dogs, I especially love the underdog. Like Heidi, the dog treated for sarcoptic mange, Conway got kicked around some by life.

To learn more about the Washington Animal Rescue League, visit them online at www.warl.org

For those who love dogs and contemporary photography, check out Martin Usborne’s essay, Mute: The Silence of Dogs in Cars published earlier this week on Burn Magazine