I was excited! Today I would get to photograph my friend Paul and his three dogs… King, Bella and Charlie. Paul and all of his dogs hold a special place in my heart. All the dogs are rescue dogs. Bella and Charlie are Winnipeg Animal Services alumni dogs… so our connection is tangible. King was initially a foster through Manitoba German Shepherd Rescue. It was evident soon on that King had actually found his forever home.

Paul himself is a special person with a deep love and connection with all things canine. He is well known in Winnipeg for his generous heart and for the many rescue dogs he has helped in their journey to finding good homes.

Charlie is the oldest of the crew and thought to be a Malinois mix. When Charlie and Paul first met, Charlie was a young, unruly, hyper dog whose future was uncertain. The luckiest day of Charlie’s life was when Paul walked into Animal Services and took him home as a foster dog. Charlie’s life changed forever that day… and all in a good way.

Next came sweet Bella, a hefty gentle soul who somehow found herself at Animal Services as an unclaimed stray. Once in the adoption program, we at W.A.S. wondered why she was continually passed on by. But then we knew… she was waiting for Paul. We could not have been happier when Paul decide to keep her as his own. Some things are just meant to be.

The latest member of Paul’s crew is King, a goofy, happy Shepherd mix who loves life and is more than ready for any new adventure.

These truly are three great dogs … and Paul is the main reason why. Sadly it has recently been determined that Bella has bone cancer and her prognosis is guarded. My heart breaks for Paul. There simply are no words … only hugs and prayers.

Thank you Paul for your kind heart and for all the work that you do in the world of rescue. Charlie, Bella and King are prime examples of the potential that can be realized in a rescued dog!!

“Rescue dogs aren’t broken, they’ve simply experienced more life than other dogs. If they were human, we would call them wise. They would be the ones with tales to tell and stories to write, the ones dealt a bad hand who responded with courage. Don’t pity a rescue dog. Adopt one. And be proud to have their greatness by your side.” ~ author unknown