There are many volunteering opportunities at Rescue Ranch. Volunteers can assist with daily clean up, as well as dog walking, fostering, transporting, and more. Then there are those, like Bill Chesney, who find creative ways to help, by combining their love of dogs with a favorite hobby or passion.
Meet Bill and Diana Chesney
Bill and Diana have been volunteering for about three years, walking dogs, helping out at events, and, in Bill’s case, taking dog pictures.
The Chesneys are also adopters. Nessie, a lovely GSD, went home with them in 2020. Later, they added Flores to the family. He came from a litter rescued during the 2021 Lava Fire.
Bill’s images have been a valuable asset to Rescue Ranch. We’ve use them for online bios, Dogs of the Week, social media, and articles. In recent months, he’s taken his photography to the next level while simultaneously helping to socialize dogs!
I asked Bill about how his process has evolved over time. “I’d be doing batches of ’em [dogs], like anywhere from six to 10,” he replied. He went on to explain that it was sometimes difficult to really showcase their unique qualities. To bring out “the best side of the dog,” as he put it.
So, he set up his own small home studio. “That’s been real fun. Kind of experimenting with flash photography, off-camera flash and stuff. It gives you a way of isolating the dog. It’s a complete rip-off of Vince Musi who’s a National Geographic photographer [and also] photographs dogs. He’s got an Instagram page that’s worth looking at.” It’s hard to argue with the results.
Photo studio field trips for Rescue Ranch dogs!
Now, roughly every week, Bill takes a dog from the Adoption Center to the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store ,where they hang out and socialize. Then it’s off to Bill’s home studio for a photo shoot before returning to the Ranch.
The outings not only lead to beautiful photos, they have tangible benefits for the dogs. Take Chase, for example, a friendly, affectionate, available dog. He allowed AliCarmen to give him the full spa treatment for his big day without protest, but seemed a little uncertain at times. The hectic shelter environment can be overwhelming to the senses.
The Thrift Store’s welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere is well-suited to rescues in need of a break and low-pressure socialization. Initially a bit guarded, Chase began to relax as staff and visitors showered him with love. Soon he was just basking in the attention. As they left for Bill’s house, he was a happy and smiling pup.
Chase’s photo session was a success!
As a bonus, here are some shots of Bill’s latest subject, Rango, who also happens to be one of our Dogs of the Week along with lovely Radar.
Volunteering opportunities
If you’d like to give some time to a worthy cause, please consider Rescue Ranch. There are so many ways you can help, you’re sure to find something that suits your schedule, lifestyle, and interests. Learn more.
