Colorful Future for These Golden Valley Pets

Oscar the Labrador had more than 50 BB shot wounds when he arrived at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley. And even though he was missing an eye, Oscar found a loving home. This year, stories like Oscar’s are captured in the Humane Society’s first-ever calendar.

The Humane Society and St. Paul-based photographer Melissa Miroslavich combined pet photos and success stories with annual data to create the keepsake that will reach donors, volunteers and humane society staff. The calendar doubles as the Animal Humane Society’s annual report.

“Working with the Animal Humane Society is very important to me personally, as an animal lover, and professionally, as a photographer,” Miroslavich said. “I hope that donors will hang the calendar in their homes and offices and be inspired to continue to support the humane society all year long.”

The calendar idea sprung from the humane society’s need to highlight adoptive success stories, report data and keep donors engaged year-round. “The calendar was the perfect solution for these specific needs,” Miroslavich said. “It beautifully celebrates the stories of different animals.”

Idea generation for the project began last August and photography started in the fall. “The calendar experience went very smooth,” Miroslavich said, reflecting on the challenges of photographing unpredictable animals. “The biggest challenges were the quick cats that like to hide under furniture. You have to know when to capture their authentic expressions.”

As the owner of two dogs and a cat, Miroslavich is no stranger to pet photography, or the humane society. She owns her own business, Miroslavich Photography, and specializes in photographing pets, among other things. Miroslavich started working for the humane society in early 2010 when she photographed two beagle brothers, Bert and Ernie, for Animal Tracks Magazine. Miroslavich was inspired by their story—both dogs were shot in the hind legs and found together in rural Iowa—and since then she has photographed several stories and covers for the magazine.

“I have been photographing pets since starting my business,” MIroslavich said. “Each animal is different and I meet with owners in advance to discuss their pet’s personality. I feel like [pets] are integral members of the family.”