THE PHOTO BOOK PROJECTS

Four dog photo books celebrating deaf dogs, rescue dogs, puppy-mill survivors, and pit bull type dogs

After adopting her deaf dog, Sadie, and learning that many dogs are put down each year for being deaf, Melissa created a photo book to raise awareness and to educate people about deaf dogs. While volunteering at her local shelter, she started a second book — this time on rescued dogs. Before long, what began as a one-book project became a four-book project. Melissa crossed the country several times, photographing dogs in nearly every state, in living rooms, basements, garages, doggie daycares, pet boutiques, dog-training facilities, parks, and more for her photo books.

The books (Deaf Dogs, Rescued in America, Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs, and Puppy-Mill Survivors) all raise awareness about the pet overpopulation problem in the U.S., encourage pet adoption, and promote kindness and compassion toward animals. Melissa has since created calendars, notecards, and a print series based on the dogs in the photo-book series. Her books won a total of six independent publishing awards.

The new Rescued in America project, for cats & dogs, launched in 2026. Check out the Sessions page for photo shoots in your area.