Hey - Why don't you adopt a shelter dog, Mr. Blog Photographer?

That's exactly what I did, actually.  I adopted my American Pit Bull Terrier, Hattie, from Animal Care and Control in San Francisco in 2004.  The positive influence and joy she has brought to my life (and others) is one of the reasons why I created this blog.  There are so many of these dogs I photograph at MCAS that I wish I could adopt as well.  I still remember their names - Betsy, Dudley, Stanley, Lacey, Jude, Misty, Ciara, Junior, Penny, Alex, Katie, Jada...the list goes on.  They are truly wonderful dogs.  I think there is a common misconception that dogs at the shelter have ended up there because they have done something wrong or are somehow defective.  Make no mistake: these dogs are here because a human being made mistakes and their mistakes involved an innocent dog.  Shelter dogs have often endured many trials and tribulations and have still persevered and found a way to prove that they deserve a second chance - something they shouldn't have to do in the first place...but they humbly do it anyway.  That's more than any fancy breeder-bred dog can say.  And so I'd like to reiterate, I dedicate this blog to you, American Shelter Dog.  May the people come to their senses and treat you better.  Please remember, when you see a photograph of a shelter dog and they look a little serious, concerned, or anxious - remember that they're going through a hard time and that they're hoping for a better day.  Below you'll find some photographs of my dog, Hattie, from her shelter days and now.  I wanted to show you how things change, how times get better, and how you can be a part of that beautiful transformation by adopting a shelter dog.