Some college courses change students’ lives, but one art student's photography class changed the lives of some lucky pups.
Erin Einbender, 30, was in an entry-level photography class at the Art Institute of Chicago when she decided to merge two of her passions: art and animals.
“I had started volunteering at a dog rescue called One Tail at a Time,” Einbender told TODAY. “And I decided that I wanted to take a photos of the rescue dogs.”
Before they’re adopted, the shelter makes sure that the dogs are spayed or neutered.
To Einbender, some of the dogs seemed a little glum as they were healing.
So she decided to decorate the dogs' recovery cones, which are used to keep the animals from hurting themselves post-surgery.
“I decided I wanted to bling out the cones to help them get adopted,” Einbender said.
“So I did this photo shoot, and it was amazing because some dogs you could see a change — some even seemed to model.”
She spent about $200 on crafts from the art supplies store Michael's to make the bedazzled cones.
Einbender says the day she shot the photos not only lifted the pups’ spirits, but the volunteers’ spirits as well.
“So far every single dog has been adopted,” said Einbender. “I got to involve the community, which is great.”
In total, Einbender helped eight dogs find their forever homes.
Word of the project got out, and other Chicago shelters have contacted her about art projects to help get their dogs adopted.
She’s been contacted by the Chicago Animal Shelter to help brainstorm ideas that could help their animals find forever homes.
“I would love to reach out to other charities and have a craft day,” said Einbender. “I just did this because I love dogs and I want to help them.”
We can’t wait to see her next project!