IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Pets

Eye contact: Mesmerizing images of elderly animals

Fine-art photographer Isa Leshko captures images of older animals to explore her own feelings about aging and mortality.

/ 14 PHOTOS

In her book "Allowed to Grow Old," photographer Isa Leshko examines issues of aging and mortality that are common to all living creatures.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Petey

Petey, an Appaloosa horse photographed at age 34, stares down Isa Leshko's camera lens with friendly curiosity.

 

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Blue

Blue, an Australian Kelpie rescue dog, was a companion for 21 years.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Abe

Abe, a 21-year-old Alpine goat, was surrendered to a sanctuary after his guardian entered an assisted living facility.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Ash

This broad-breasted white turkey named Ash was photographed at age 8.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Handsome One

Handsome One, a 33-year-old thoroughbred horse, got surrendered to a sanctuary when he retired from racing.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Ash

This 8-year-old broad-breasted white turkey was a factory farm survivor.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Violet

Born with her rear legs partially paralyzed, this potbellied pig named Violet was surrendered to a sanctuary because her guardian could not properly care for her special needs. Isa Leshko photographed Violet when the pig was 12 years old.

 

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Phyllis

Phyllis, a 13-year-old Southdown sheep, was farmed for wool for the first eight years of her life before being surrendered to a sanctuary.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Sierra

Sierra, a 3-year-old White Holland turkey, was rescued from a commercial hatchery that supplies turkeys to factory farms.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Red

Red, a 14-year-old mixed breed rescue dog, is pictured in foster hospice care.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Blue

Blue, an Embden goose, was photographed at age 28.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Rooster

This rooster was a factory farm survivor.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press

Teresa

Teresa, a Yorkshire pig photographed at age 13, was rescued en route to the slaughterhouse.

(C)Isa Leshko / University of Chicago Press
1/14