Gay couple who photograph dogs from around the world want to fund canine sanctuary
Founders Michel and Dillon with Gus the cat, Rosie, Maple and Napoleon. (Arf & Wag Studio/Michel Rohner)
Founders Michel and Dillon with Gus the cat, Rosie, Maple and Napoleon. (Arf & Wag Studio/Michel Rohner)
A gay couple who travel the globe taking snapshots of dogs are sharing the photos online in a bid to raise funds for a sanctuary in Peru.
Founded by photographer Michel Rohner and his husband Dillon Beckmann, the project gives people online the chance to share the couple’s street interactions with dogs and their owners.
“Paws Around the World is our global photography project where we offer free, spontaneous portraits of dogs we meet on the streets while travelling,” Rohner told PinkNews.
“We share these moments online to celebrate the universal bond between people and their pets, and to raise awareness and funds for a permanent canine sanctuary in Cusco, Peru.
“The sanctuary will provide safe housing, veterinary care and adoption opportunities for abandoned dogs in the Andes, giving them the chance at a better life. Every dog has a story worth telling and every portrait we share brings us one step closer to building a safe haven.
“Dogs have been a constant source of love, resilience and connection in both our lives. They have an incredible way of bringing people together across cultures, languages and backgrounds.
“Through this project, we want to honour that connection while giving back to the dogs who need it most.”
The couple currently have more than 600 followers on Instagram and one of their recent snaps is of Haku, an 18-month-old miniature schnauzer from the Netherlands.
A comment on their website reads: “We’re not there yet but with every photo, every subscriber, every shared moment, you’re helping us get one step closer.” Donations can be made here.
Research last year revealed that a large majority of LGBTQ+ people felt their mental health was improved by having a pet.
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