I've been a resident of Coppell, Texas for over twenty years now and while I've been a financial supporter of our home town rescue, Coppell Humane Society (CHS), for a lot longer, I started lending my camera to them when I launched Penny Whistle Photography in 2014.

From my start photographing a litter of puppies in a backyard in 2014, through dozens of fundraising photo day events at the Coppell Farmers Market over the years, to the fine art pet portraits that I create for them today, I've helped raise thousands of dollars for the rescue as well as help dozens of animals find their furever homes with that one special picture that reaches out through the screen and touches someone's heart. 

Coppell Humane Society's mission is to serve homeless, needy companion animals in the Dallas- Ft. Worth metroplex and surrounding communities. They accomplish this through rescue, rehabilitation, and permanent placement in suitable homes; while striving to reduce their numbers through public education. Achievement of their mission depends on honoring, valuing, and supporting the efforts and contributions of our volunteers, donors and adopters.

The rescue started in 1989 with a team of two women who went to a local shelter, took a few dogs to a neighborhood store parking lot and tried to get them adopted. If they were not adopted, then the women took them back to the shelter; the rescue has grown quite a bit since then!

Today, their team is a network of foster homes and volunteers that rescue both cats and dogs. These animals are usually at high risk of euthanasia at the shelter due to rampant overcrowding and just need some more time. The rescued animals live in homes with families where their health and behavior are monitored and they receive individualized medical attention and/or training.

Over the years I've made so many friends at the rescue. People that I truly enjoy spending time with and who have helped me on my photography journey whether it's providing an extra set of hands for a puppy photo shoot or bringing their furry charges into the studio to indulge one of my hair-brained schemes like "let's swaddle kittens!". 

If you'd like to support the important work of CHS, please visit the donation page of their website but first, I hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane of one photo per year representing my friendship with Coppell Humane Society.  

(click on any image to view full screen)