Hi! My name is Rachel Cooper and I’ve been a volunteer shelter photographer since February of 2009. I photograph many of the adoptable cats and dogs at the SPCA shelter in Lakeland, FL (www.LoveMySPCA.com), as well as their special events, and I help out with visitations, etc. whenever I can.

All my life I’ve been an animal lover and I’m so glad that I am able to use my hobby of photography to help homeless pets have a second (or in some cases, third) chance at a forever home. The work certainly has its challenges but the rewards just can’t be beat! There is just no pet more grateful or more loving than a shelter pet and every time I walk through those doors and see all those big, sad eyes looking up at me… I remember that there’s no other place I’d rather be.

If you’re thinking of adopting a new pet, please consider a shelter pet. And if you’re wondering what it would be like to work with animals, try volunteering at your local shelter. I’ll bet they’d love to have you!

“My goal in life is to be as wonderful as my dog thinks I am.”

                                                                                ~Toby Green