Steven Sable’s Rez Dog Biographies
Arizona photographer Steven Sable‘s travels throughout the southwestern United States led him to some interesting acquaintances and a new personal mission. On the Navajo, Hopi, and Ute reservations he visited, Sable came across a multitude of “Rez Dogs” — stray dogs that live on the reservations without owners, veterinary care, or guaranteed food and shelter. Through his photographs of these dogs (which he calls the Rez Dog Biographies), Sable wants to draw awareness to the plight of the Rez Dogs and raise money for the care of the homeless pups that have touched, and sometimes broken, his heart.
From Sable’s site:
My career as a photographer developed from a serious disillusionment with Corporate America. I was thrilled to have the freedom to travel but appalled at the number and condition of Rez Dogs that seemed to be everywhere. Near the end of 2006, I finally adopted a particularly desperate mutt south of Page, AZ. My fascination with her durability and innate intelligence led to an interest in the Rez Dog phenomena. Soon my trips up North were focused on documenting the dogs. The series of images that became the “Rez Dog Biographies” are simply a tool that I use to raise money to support spay/neuter, adoption, and educational programs directed at ending the suffering. In short, I’ve hired myself as their fundraiser, and so far they’ve been the best bosses I’ve ever had.
You can visit Sable’s site to view the rest of the portfolio and order prints to help support the Rez Dogs.
My favorite is the orange and black dog in the second photo — how beautiful! If only people knew there were such amazing dogs available to them. Thanks for raising awareness!
BB,
A little validation is always a welcome thing.
Thank you,
Steve
How can one order prints? I’ve checked his website, but can’t find the answer…..maybe I’m looking in the wrong place? I did send Steve an e-mail, here’s hoping he replies with the answer.
Jen,
I’m sorry you weren’t able to contact me from my website. For future reference, use 4stevensable@gmail.com. If you’re still interested in prints we’ll get you set up.
Sorry too for the delay in responding – I didn’t know I was on Dog-Milk…
Thanks for the kind words,
Steve
Well, dang. It lets me put the first photo in the slideshow in my cart, but none of the other ones. Hmmm. Wonder what’s up with that? Maybe contacting him directly is the best way to go. Let us know if you find out anything!
Katherine,
Sorry for the delay – I’m told the website is now working flawlessly (their word) – please let me know if that’s not the case.
You can also contact me throug fbpage Re Dog Biographies.
Thanks
Steve
Growing up the rez, “rez dog” referred to any dog that lived on the rez, not only to homeless dogs. But I do admire your work on this problem!
I’ve seen these dogs first hand when I visited one of the parks in the northeast corner of Arizona. It’s heart breaking. I just wish more people would be willing to help.
I understand this as an issue, but how many blog spots do you hear about the current state of North American reserves? Or Aboriginal people and the problems and heartaches experienced by these people on a daily basis. I feel back when anyone harms and tries to inflict pain or undo suffering upon animals, but lets have someone take some photography of the people. Let’s try and find solutions to help whats going on there.
Kris,
Well put, and I agree. My experience, however, is that outsiders are not always welcome and I am undoubtedly an outsider. Simply put, if someone doesn’t want their picture taken I won’t take it.
If helping the dogs is all I can do, it will have to be enough.
Thanks,
Steve