Pet photographer Liz Stavrinides’ Miracle Dogs project began with an idea to celebrate rescue dogs and the people involved with saving them. Pairing family-style portraits of canine saviors (including a sprinkling of celebrities) with the often heart-wrenching stories behind the rescues, the book strikes a warm and tender note.
In celebration of the publication of Miracle Dogs, I spoke to Liz about some of her favorite tales, photos and characters from the book, and about increasing awareness of rescue animals. I also got the scoop on her own two pooches.
Dogster: When did the idea to create Miracle Dogs come about?
Liz Stavrinides: This has been a project that has been in my heart for a long, long time. Having rescued my own dogs and after coming in contact with so many rescued dogs through my photography, I was compelled to give other dogs who have not been so lucky, including those still living in shelters, a voice.
What was the most heartbreaking story you came across while putting the book together?
Each story is so touching and heartfelt that it is very hard to pick just one. But the story of Fiona [a single-eyed dog] stands out because of her miracle journey from tragedy to triumph.
What were Chevy Chase’s dogs like?
Chris was sweet and gregarious and loved having his picture taken! He loves Chevy and has a hard time sharing him with the other dogs. Cody was also very sweet and loving, but let Chris have the spotlight.
What was it like profiling ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass for the book?
Lance is such a genuine person and so kind. The love he has for his dogs shines through him.
Which ‘N Sync song do you think would make the best anthem to listen to while reading Miracle Dogs?
I think the best ’N Sync anthem song would be “This I Promise You.”
This book also includes Hoda Kotb’s dog. If the dog could host his own TV show, what would it be like?
Taking after his pet parent mom, Hoda, and after his namesake, Blake Shelton, I think he would have a music and dance variety show. And his friend Goobers would be his co-host.
During the making of Miracle Dogs, were there any of the dogs that you were secretly tempted to try and bring home yourself?
I have to say I fell in love with all of them!
What would you like people to get out of reading Miracle Dogs?
I hope that Miracle Dogs will encourage and inspire people to open their hearts to rescuing an animal or donate their time and or resources to help or foster an animal in need.
Finally, do you have any dogs yourself at the moment?
Yes, I have two beautiful rescues. There’s Jack, a handsome Wheaten Terrier mix, who I adore beyond words. Jack will be 14 in February. And then there’s my sweet Enzo, a Poodle mix, named after Enzo in The Art of Racing in the Rain. We are a pretty inseparable duo!
You can check out more information about Liz Stavrinides’s Miracle Dogs (and purchase copies of the book) online.
Read more interviews on Dogster:
- We Chat with Veteran Actor Dabney Coleman About Our Favorite Subject: Dogs!
- We Chat With Bill Berloni About Training Dogs on Broadway
- Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls Talks About How Dogs Have Influenced Her Life and Music
- Menswear Dog: The Official Dogster Interview
- We Interview Sophie Gamand, The Photographer Behind the Wet Dog Book
