Is there anything that compares to the look of euphoria on a dog’s face as he rides in a car with his head out the window? I remember duplicating the gesture as a kid, and the way the wind rushed at me left me breathless. I can only imagine that for a dog, whose nose can detect a million scents all at once, it must be like watching a roller coaster movie in Smell-O-Vision. No wonder they always look so happy.
For L.A.-based photographer Greg Cohen, that look of euphoria was an impetus for a project that would turn out to have an important mission. According to Cohen, he was inspired by the way dogs seem so present as they ride in cars, “tongue out, nose in the air, wind in the face … complete freedom … worry or regret are nonexistent.” It’s a state of mind Cohen strives to achieve more often in his own life.
But then something awesome happened. The images began inspiring people to adopt, so Cohen started working with shelters and rescue organizations to promote dog adoption, with the hope that as more people become exposed to his photos in galleries and online (like you are right now), more people will be inspired to rescue a dog.
Check out more of Cohen’s work at his website.
What do you think? Do you find the images compelling? What’s your favorite thing about them? How does your dog inspire your art?
Photos via Greg Cohen and used with express permission.
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