Summer Project # 4 - Update - Service Animals & CNIB

PHOTO PROJECT # 4 - UPDATE - SUPER SERVICE ANIMALS & CNIB

My summer project # 4 is of course, service animals and the visually impaired.  This casting call much like the others, is open ended until August 31, 2011, so that it will enable me to do a photo shoot with as many people as possible, and work around everyones summer fun schedule's the easiest.  All those who do the shoot will receive digital copies of their photographs & they will be entered into a photo book that will detail in one -  some amazing and hopefully also a variety of service animals and the amazing things they can do, as well as, in the second, a day in the life of those who are visually impaired (both those with and without service animals).  

I send this casting call SOS out to all those who work with, train or have a service animal.  This includes:  K-9 Police, Airport Security Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Medical Assistance Dogs, Search & Rescue Dogs, Military Dogs etc.  I really would like to get as big of a range as possible!  The call is also, to those who are visually impaired as well.  

Proceeds from the first book will go to help out local Service Animal Groups and the second will go to the CNIB.  

The qualifications for this shoot is simple:  1) you must live locally  2)  You must either work with, train or have a service animal or/and be visually impaired and 3) if you are under 18 you must have a parent/guardian present for the shoot & sign the release forms.


This project is special to me as my dear friend Kelly is visually impaired and my cousin is blind as well.  He has been most of his life and is now working with his second service dog.  His first, Layla helped inspire him to create new laws in regards to Service Animals if they are harmed/attacked while working.  I know first hand the amazing things these wonderful animals can do and I'd like to help them raise some awareness about what they do & some funds as well, so more people who need them can receive one or in some cases, the aid of one in our hours of need. 

CNIB & Service Animals - Summer Project # 4

CNIB  & Service Animals

My cousin, Hy, has been blind most of his life.  He has also changed laws for those with vision impairments and service dogs as well in the US, something that has inspired many Canadians here who work with Service Animals to try to get incorporated into Canadian Laws as well.  I also know many really fantastic Service (and SURF-ice) animals that do so much in their community - above & beyond caring for and tending to their "Hoomans".  Every day we also have many service dogs to thank for our safety!  Service Animals also help out with things like Search & Rescue,  are K-9 Officers, Military Personal and more!!!  So I would like to do something to help them out this summer as well for all that they do to help those with vision impairments and other disabilities as well!  You can check out some of these amazing Service & SURF-ice dogs on my Causes I Support Links on my blog!  To name a few of these amazing pups:  Kona, Ricochet & Stacey Mae are some of my facebook FUR-einds who are constantly inspiring me! I encourage you to check out their pages as well! 


To help with these I would like to do a photo project taking various photographs of service dogs, in training and at work, and their "hoomans"  they watch over, as well as those who have vision impairments.  This compilation, I am hoping to put into another book & possibly also calendar with as many funds raised going to the CNIB & local service animal charities as possible.  (As before I say as much as possible due to the fact there will be some cost in publication & distribution - I will not personally be seeing a dime of this money it is all for charity).  Anyone who is willing to pose for these shots be you a service animal group or someone with a vision impairment, please contact me on my fan page and let me know.  It is not a paid model shoot -but you will get copies of all photos that you are in.  


I would also like to do a fundraiser as well, again I am not clear on all the details yet it is still an idea, and I am open to all suggestions and help in accomplishing it as well!  I am thinking of doing an event in the park where we can have some service animals present and show their skills, have the CNIB out to share their information and maybe even a few speakers & Donation bins out as well to raise money for this great cause!  Anyone who's interested or knows someone who would be interested in taking part in this event please be sure to contact me!  I am thinking maybe end of July or early August doing this event but I am open to ideas!