Marlboro resident Jill Caren knows that a professional image can be the key to getting a homeless animal adopted.
With that in mind, Caren has donated her time over the past 18 months to produce images of dogs that were lodged at the Woodbridge Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Middlesex County.
Caren, who is a website designer and professional pet photographer, will expand on that concept by creating “Dog Days,” a calendar that will feature dogs adopted from the shelter. Caren photographed each of the dogs at businesses whose owners agreed to help with the cause.
“Each month we will profile a different dog that was adopted,” Caren said. “Through my photography work at the shelter, I realized how much good they do and how much it costs for upkeep and care. They are passionate about it and truly care about the animals. Net proceeds [from the calendar sales] will go to the Woodbridge shelter.”
Woodbridge Animal Shelter manager Heather Campione said the funds raised from sales of the calendar will be used to pay for medical care for animals at the shelter and to purchase supplies.
In order to find her subjects, Caren held a “Dog Days” contest for shelter alumni. After all the votes were in, the winning pooches — Neko, Lily, Ginger, Holtzie, siblings Bear and Candy, Charley, Journey, Mia, Suzy Q, Shelby, Max, Pup and Seal, Lily and Murphy — were photographed at businesses around Woodbridge.
The Woodbridge Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is at 195 Woodbridge Ave., Sewaren. Call 732-855-0600, ext. 5007, or visit www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us for more information.
Caren hopes to have the calendar ready for sale by Sept. 15. Each calendar will be sold for $20 and will be available at the retail locations featured in the calendar or online at jillcarenphoto.com.