Each month, I host a Foster Photo Day as a free resource to help local fosters and rescues have access to professional imagery to help their pups be seen (and hopefully) adopted.

The goal is to give harder to adopt pups, such as the ones listed below, an edge in standing out among the millions of animals available for adoption.

These dogs are usually, but not always:

Older (usually 3 years of age or older)
Might have medical needs
Potentially have some kind of behavioral issues, like reactivity or needing to be the only pet
Are a restricted breed, like bully breeds
Are black in color (Black dogs are much less likely to get adopted in the shelter in a very common phenomenon called Black Dog Syndrome)
Or have just been overlooked for one reason or another
Have been in foster for a significant period of time; typically months, if not, years

Since the inception of this program back in October of 2021, we’ve photographed well over 300+ pups in foster across the Triangle through multiple rescues.

If you’d like to learn more about Foster Photo Day or register your own foster, you can do so here. This initiative is open to any and all rescues across the Triangle that have dogs in foster that need professional imagery at no cost.

If you want to learn more about our Mission to help reduce animal overpopulation and homelessness in our state, read more about that here.

You can also support our Rescue Photography with a monetary contribution or pick up something for the pups off of our Rescue Photography Wishlist!

Without further ado, here are the adorable pups I had the pleasure to meet and photograph as part of our August Foster Photo Day! Feel free to share their profile or this post with anyone you know that might be looking to adopt.

Want to give more visibility to your business and help dogs in need? Consider becoming a Rescue Lens Collective Business Sponsor. Learn more about our new rescue sponsorship program here.y-sponsorship

CAPONE - WAKEGOV PETS

I'm a silly, playful, and fun-loving guy who will keep you entertained with my delightful antics. You'll be pleased to know that I'm both crate and potty trained, making me a well-behaved companion. However, I should mention that I prefer to be the only dog in the house, and I'm most comfortable in a home with adults - so no kids, please.

I absolutely adore going for walks, and I'm always up for a good cuddle session or some playtime. Chewing on bones is a favorite pastime of mine, and I'm a sucker for treats. You'll find that I'm smart but a bit hard-headed, which can make life with me quite an adventure. Trust me, I'm even cuter in person! If you think I might be the one you're looking for, don't hesitate to ask to meet me. I can't wait to become your best friend and fill your life with love and laughter!

MEET CAPONE

HATTIE - HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE

This 1.5-year-old spunky sweetheart is packed with personality in a petite 35-pound frame. Found as a stray in January, she’s made incredible progress in her foster care—building trust fast and showing just how affectionate and loyal she can be. She’s happiest when she’s by your side.

Hattie is full of playful energy and always ready for her next adventure—but she’s just as happy curling up for snuggles after a good romp. One of her favorite hobbies? Being your little shadow. She’ll follow you from room to room just to stay close. She’d be a great fit for someone who works from home, but she’s also perfectly content in her crate when left alone.

She’d make an awesome running or hiking buddy and would thrive with an active, dog-savvy adopter who can give her structure and continue her training with patience and consistency.

While she has had positive experiences with other dogs in the past, she’s recently had a few setbacks. For now, we’re recommending she be the only dog in the home while we continue working with a trainer to help her to best set her up for success. With time, structure, and the right match, she may be able to live with other dogs again.

Hattie is ready for her forever—could it be with you?

MEET HATTIE

BUCKET - WAKEGOV PETS

Your handsome, sensitive sidekick with A+ ears and a heart just waiting for the right human.

I'm a young, medium-sized, neutered, up to date on vaccines, mixed breed mystery wrapped in cuteness. I've got medium energy-enough to enjoy walks and brain games, but also totally down to snooze next to your desk while you work from home (seriously, I'm an excellent coworker).

I'm smart, treat-motivated, and working hard on my leash manners and reactivity. New things can be a little overwhelming, so I need slow introductions and a patient person who'll help me feel safe and supported. The good news? You won't be doing it alone-my adoption includes FREE private training for as long as you need to help us both succeed.

I've got prey drive, so small animals are a no-go. I exhibit barrier reactivity towards other dogs, but in the play yard, I played well with confident girl and boy dogs. Because I'm sensitive and still learning to navigate the world, I'm looking for a home with adolescent+ aged humans (no small kids, please) where I can settle in at my own pace.

With the right person, I'll be your loyal shadow, cuddle buddy, and snack enthusiast. If you believe in shy guys with soft eyes, I'm ready when you are.

MEET BUCKET

BANDIT - DURHAM APS

Bandit is the total package: equal parts couch companion and playtime partner. Currently in a foster home, Bandit enjoys the best of both worlds—napping like a pro and engaging in fun, friendly workouts with his 60-pound pointer mix foster sister. He enjoys playing with dogs and he leaves my cats alone. He’s completely housebroken, very food-motivated (bring on the treats!), and has a special fondness for lounging in a kiddie pool on hot days. This sweet guy loves to show affection—he’ll either crawl into your lap (yes, all 80 pounds of him!) or gently rest his paws across your legs, just to be close. Bandit is looking for:  A loving home, soft places to nap, tasty meals, and humans who don’t mind a little (okay, a lot of) cuddling.

Bandit’s heart has known loss—his beloved owner passed away, and with no family nearby to care for him, he found himself in the shelter, where he struggled. Now thriving in a foster home, he’s ready for his second chance with someone who will treasure his big heart and mellow spirit.

MEET BANDIT

JIVE - DURHAM APS

Looking for a best friend who’s equal parts snuggle bug and playmate? Say hello to Jive, a stunning brindle Boxer mix with a personality as vibrant as his coat! This sweet guy is 5 out of 5 stars as a roommate—friendly, loyal, and always down for a good time.

Jive is a total love bug who thrives on connection. He adores people, gets along great with other dogs, and is even working on his cat etiquette (he’s a quick learner!). He lives for toy time, especially if there are others around to join the fun. Whether you’re going for a walk, cuddling on the couch, or tossing around a squeaky toy, Jive is all in. Ready to dance through life with Jive? He’s waiting to meet you!

MEET JIVE

YARDSTICK - WAKEGOV PETS

Yardstick, named for his 3 feet, is the cutest baby tripod ever! He is a young pup, and busting with puppy fun energy. Though he is a recent tripod, it does not slow him down at all. He loves to run, play, and soak up all the attention. He loves his doggie siblings. He is very near potty trained and already crate trained. He is treat and affection motivated, so training is easy. He is looking for a home that will understand he is a tripod and may need a little extra help with stairs and with some basic things as he grows and gets stronger. He is the sweetest little guy, and gives the most puppy kisses. Please reach out to his foster if you think you may be his forever home: hickeym08@gmail.com.

MEET YARDSTICK