Shelter Dog Reacts to Being Told She’d Be Prettier if She Smiled

Evalin, a shelter dog living at the Humane Society in Tampa Bay, became an internet sensation after a quirky photo shoot she did with Adam Goldberg, a pet photographer who runs AGoldPhoto Pet Photography in Tampa, Florida. The photo shoot was part of Goldberg’s Second Shot Adoption Photo Program, which was designed to increase adoption rates by capturing endearing images of shelter animals and, therefore, melting the hearts of would-be adopters.

Evalin’s photo shoot is said to have begun smoothly. She seemed friendly and followed commands, especially when treats were involved – at least at first. However, Goldberg unwittingly made a noise to get the dog’s attention, which startled her.  The sound caused her to cower and become uncooperative overall. So, respecting Evalin’s comfort, Goldberg decided not to push for more shots. Lucky for him, he had already captured the perfect shot of Evalin giving a humorous side-eye.

Goldberg recalled, “After looking at the photo, my assistant Kelly and I brainstormed the caption, ‘You’d be prettier if you smiled,’ to be a social commentary on what you should never say to someone. Kelly said that women hear it all the time.” Sure enough, the photo and caption have resonated with people online.

Goldberg shared the photo and a behind-the-scenes video on TikTok, where it quickly garnered attention. Comments flooded in, cheering on Evalin’s expression and the message it conveyed. Goldberg, who blamed himself for Evalin’s unusual pose, found out that she had a fractured upper canine tooth, which could have been the cause of her unwillingness to smile.

Despite the hiccup, Evalin’s unique photo shoot highlighted her charming personality. Goldberg hopes the viral moment will lead to her adoption, emphasizing her friendly nature, command-following ability, and the need for a secure environment due to her tendency to spook easily. Evalin’s story and her unforgettable photo serve as a testament to the power of a good picture in changing lives.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping and use this amazing pet adoption search tool by WildWatchers to find shelter animals near you!

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.

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