Los Angeles-based photographer Grace Chon is fighting stereotypes against rescue dogs — especially black ones — with her two best friends: Zoey and Jasper.
The lighthearted photo series show Chon’s son Jasper posed next to her adopted pooch wearing identical attire, such as matching cowboy hats. In the photos, Jasper, 21 months, flashes a big smile while Zoey, 7, seems relaxed by his side.
This wasn’t always the case. The mixed-breed dog, adopted by Chon in 2007, took some time to get comfortable with Jasper because of her fear of strangers. That all changed when Jasper was 7 months old and Zoey rolled over to ask for a belly rub.
“After that, she warmed up to him so quickly and would be the first to run into his room in the morning when he woke up,” Chon told LittleThings. “Every new moment Zoey and Jasper share is a true triumph for Zoey overcoming her fears and I couldn't be prouder of her.”
The photo series is steadily gaining popularity, having been featured on websites like BuzzFeed and The Dodo. It's become Chon's way to advocate for the adoption of black canines, which face what's been dubbed the "Black Dog Syndrome."
With almost four million dogs entering shelters each year, black ones are much less likely to be adopted and are euthanized at a much higher rate, NBC repored.
One presumed reason for the lower adoption rates is that they don’t photograph well in all lighting. Another is the myth that they’re mean, as they are often portrayed in movies like The Omen and the Harry Potter series.
“I'm just amazed that this fun series of images can also be a platform for something that's so important to me,” said Chon, who owns one more black rescue dog named Maeby Fünke.
See the adorable photos of Zoey and Jasper below and please SHARE this positive series with all the dog lovers you know!
Zoey the dog and baby Jasper have become the best of friends and love posing together for their mom, Grace Chon.
They wear matching outfits like these crowns.
And they have really become partners in crime.
Look at them wearing their red berets.
If you thought these were cute, wait till you get to the next page!
And these huge glasses!
Sometimes they pretend to be astronauts.
Other times they pretend they are in Mexico.
They even enjoy listening to music.
Their adventures continue on the next page!
They make sure to cover up when it's cold outside.
They are always down for a party!
And sunny days are no problem for these two.
Sauna anyone?!
Check out the last four adorable pictures on the next page!
It seems they really enjoy taking trips.
They may live in Los Angeles, but they have love for the East Coast.
Zoey is surely a great running partner.
And she has no problem pretending to be another animal. Who said black dogs weren't the perfect pet?
Please SHARE this adorable photo series with the animal lovers you know!
