For the last two years, I have been photographing dogs wearing costumes that I made from post-consumer recycled materials - discarded newspaper, beer boxes, paper plates, plastic cups, etc. - as part of a pet portrait series called Paper Hats.

The goal of Paper Hats is to show that all anyone or anything needs to shine is a second chance. Whether it’s a foster dog who was dealt a rough start or a newspaper circular printed only to be never read, that with a little love, patience, and creativity it could be something amazing.

When we started the series, we were initially working exclusively with fostered and homed dogs from an organization called Bella's Bully Buddies. Bella's is a 501c all volunteer operated nonprofit rescue and foster group that specializes in finding homes for American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, and other blockheaded pups.

Many of whom are sprung from high kill shelters and shelters located in municipalities that do not allow "bully breeds" to be adopted out. While the series has since expanded to include other breeds, we remain committed to helping these poor pups find homes.

Proceeds from all Paper Hats print sales benefit Bella's Bully Buddies. Prints are available for purchase at the link below.

More info: k9rt.com | puptrait.com