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Actress Katherine Heigl and her dog food company, Badlands Ranch, have joined forces to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. Their latest venture, “Best in Show,” is a photography exhibit hosted at Fotografiska New York in the heart of the city. Featuring more than 150 works from a diverse group of over two dozen photographers, this exhibit showcases the beauty, charm, and unconditional love that animals bring into our lives.
The exhibit includes an array of photographs, from candid shots of beloved family pets to fashionable portraits that capture the essence of each animal’s unique personality. The collection even boasts the work of renowned photographers such as William Wegman, known for his whimsical Weimaraners, and Gerrard Gethings, famous for his pet doppelganger pictures. This delightful display runs through January 27, 2024, and is set to be a joyful experience for animal lovers of all kinds.
Sophie Wright, Fotografiska New York’s executive director, emphasized the importance of photography in conveying the joy, mutual love, and the simple pleasures of companionship. “Best in Show” beautifully exemplifies the potential of photography to portray the profound connections we share with our animal companions. Heigl and Badlands Ranch have taken this opportunity to give back to the animal community by ensuring that $1 of every ticket sold during the exhibit’s run goes directly to the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, a nonprofit committed to finding homes for shelter animals.
For Katherine Heigl, animals have always held a special place in her heart. She is a proud pet parent to seven dogs, three cats, and two guinea pigs. Heigl’s early exposure to her mother’s profound love for animals ignited her passion for furry friends. “It fosters it in you, I think. When your parents are real animal people, you become a real animal person,” she explains.
The “Best in Show” exhibit is not just about showcasing the charm and diversity of our pets; it serves a deeper purpose. Heigl hopes that visitors will be inspired to contribute to the cause of ending pet homelessness. Her message is clear: “I want people to look at these photos, appreciate this art, and let it remind them that there’s another dog just like that one in the shelter waiting and running out of time, and let it inspire them to get involved.”
Addressing pet homelessness involves more than adopting animals. Shelters and rescue organizations welcome a wide range of assistance, from donating blankets to providing foster care for pets in need. Jessica Brooks of Second Chance Rescue, a U.S.-based animal rescue group partnering with the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, emphasizes the importance of collective Support. “There are so many little things that you can do, like volunteering with a rescue to drive a dog from the shelter to its foster home,” Brooks says. Rescues, she emphasizes, are overwhelmed, and every helping hand counts.
We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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