chicago

Chicago’s Open House 2018

Posted October 14, 2018 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

This weekend was Chicago Open House, two days when more than 250 buildings are open to the public for a look-see.

Usually, my friend Dan and I go. We hike all over town to see a few of each of our short-listed sites. Last year it was pouring rain, and we concentrated on houses in the Prairie District. This year, Dan is in Spain (!!!) so I headed out alone with a long short-list that would take me from Edgewater to the Loop via Ukrainian Village. I managed to see six of my eight sites–sacrificing two when I dallied a bit longer than my schedule allowed.

Thankfully, the day was sunny, though cold. I laced up my shoes, dressed warm with layers and hit the road for the first of my many CTA bus / train rides of the day. First stop: That pink building along the lakefront in Edgewater…the Edgewater Beach Apartments.

Edgewater Beach Apartments

The apartments (in “sunset pink”) were built in 1928, as part of a resort hotel complex. The apartment building used to touch the beach, but lost its lake shore status when Lake Shore Drive rudely squeezed in between the complex and Lake Michigan. The hotel part of the complex was demolished in the early 70s. Today, the pink building smiles at the edge of the water, and saves an expanse of perfectly green grass for the neighbors to see–but not use.

*Edgewater Beach Apartments, looking North at the curve of the Maltese Cross design.*

*On the lawn looking north at the Edgewater Beach Apartments. This would have been the view from the demolished Edgewater Beach Hotel.*

The lawn of Edgewater Beach Apartments is to be seen but not used by neighbor buildings — *The lawn of Edgewater Beach Apartments is to be seen but not used by neighboring buildings.*

Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club

Wow. That’s about all I can say. Wow! A room filled with at least a mile of tracks, running a bunch of exact-replica trains, through miniature to-scale villages–and it takes thirty minutes for the train to run the whole track. There are blinking lights, working railroad crossings, train sounds, hills, tunnels, and a bunch of railroad guys making sure it all runs without incident. I couldn’t have been more impressed. And I could have stayed there all day finding all the tiny details–like a truck tire in the midst of being changed, water from the fire department boat, swimmers, rows of farm crops, the Metra clanging sound…wow. Just wow.

*A conductor at the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club touches up the village.*

Trains pass by the parked Ringling Brothers train, and platforms full of tiny people at the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club. — Trains pass by the parked Ringling Brothers train (even the plastic animals should be free to go, you know), and platforms full of tiny people at the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club.

*The Metra clangs through the village at Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club.*

Ukrainian Village and the Holy Trinity Cathedral

I made my way to Ukrainian Village for the churches. First up was the Louis Sullivan-designed 1903 church, the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Cathedral was too heavy of a name for this small and elegant space. I loved the scale here: a pew-less church, intimate, with warm light spilling onto the floor, and a dove over the main arch of the entrance. Of course, there were the icons and the candles too. But after sitting absorbing that amazing light, having a lovely conversation about Louis Sullivan and Richard Nickel with a deacon-docent, and watching Sergei pull the rope that rang the bell for me–“in the name of Jesus”–this place found a way into my heart.

The onion domes of Louis Sullivan's Holy Trinity Cathedral in Ukrainian Village Chicago. — *The onion domes of Louis Sullivan’s Holy Trinity Cathedral in Ukrainian Village Chicago.*

*Holy Water tank and funnel at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Ukrainian Village Chicago.*

A dove of peace Looking up as I entered the main room of Holy Trinity Cathedral. — *Looking up as I entered the main room of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Dove of Peace.*

*The light streams into the main room of Holy Trinity Cathedral.*

Ukrainian Village: St. Nicolas Cathedral

What Holy Trinity had in intimacy, this place had in grandness. The chandelier boasts 480 lights, the gilded altar shines in the front, the stained glass reaches in from 13 onion domes touching the rows and rows of pews. What astounding beauty. So much so that it felt untouchable, and unreachable.

A few of St. Nicolas Cathedral's domes. — *A few of St. Nicolas Cathedral’s domes.*

*The grand and colorful St. Nicolas Cathedral in Ukrainian Village, Chicago.*

*Looking up at the 480-light chandelier in St. Nicolas Cathedral.*

Ukrainian Village: Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church

If Holy Trinity was too small, and St. Nicolas was too big, was this just right for Goldilocks? This church felt old on the inside, but was only from the 1970s. I was struck by the blues, the stained glass rainbows, and the 50 cent candle votives on either side of the altar…oh, and the incense spoon.

Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church's chandelier. — *Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church’s chandelier.*

*Votives in Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church.*

The incense burner, with an incense spoon in Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church. — *The incense burner, with an incense spoon at Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church.*

*50 cent votives in Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church.*

*Another set of 50 cent votives in Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church.*

Last stop: The Cliff Dwellers

After my day of seeing out-of-the-way places, it was a bit of a shock to have to wait for 20 minutes to get to the elevators for the Cliff Dwellers site. Yes, it was a great view of the Lake, Grant Park, and the only time I think I’ve had a good idea of the Art Institute’s footprint.

*The view of Sweet Home Chicago from the Cliff Dwellers place at 200 S. Michigan.*

Check out photos from the 2016 Open House Chicago and from the 2015 OHC. One of these days, I’ll post 2017’s Open House. Last year at this time, life was getting mobile. Stay tuned!

PUPPIES!

Posted October 7, 2018 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

I got a text from Kelly the other day, asking if I could photograph some puppies and their mom. Um, yes! Of course, I said yes.

It was a good day for puppies. Some days just have a drib-drab about them, and I’ve been having a spell of those days lately. But when these five five-week old puppies showed up on my doorstep for their photo shoot, the melancholy scampered away.

Puppies!

Mama dog, Canela, had been rounded up by an animal control officer. The little chihuahua-dachshund-terrier (?) mix was close to her due date, and a call had been made to One More Dog Rescue to help. Canela ended up with a foster mom who doubled as midwife, helping her deliver six beautiful puppies a couple of days later. Two days later, Ash died–he had been the smallest and the only black puppy in the brood. The remaining five caramel and vanilla colored pups are Paprika and Safflower (girls) and Dill, Juniper, and Rue boys. By the looks of the babes, dad had a good helping of Cocker Spaniel in him. They are five-and-a half-weeks old now, and starting to come into their personalities. When they aren’t sleeping, they are chasing mom Canela for milk. Canela kept good watch on her puppies, but she was also ready to play like a puppy herself. All of these sweeties will be up for adoption soon on the One More Dog Rescue site.

Canela chihuahua dachshund terrier dog with big eyes. — *Mama dog Canela with the big eyes is ready to be done with nursing puppies. She’s good at counting the puppies, and her toys.*

Canela chihuahua terrier dachshund mix — *Canela is waiting for a treat, and keeps taking a watchful glance at her sleeping babies.*

And…here are the puppies!

Paprika sitting puppy dog 5-weeks old — *Paprika. This brave little girl was the first to sit for her portrait.*

Paprika laying down puppy dog 5-weeks old — *By frame five, Paprika was bored by the camera, and ready for her nap.*

Safflower 5-week old puppy dog stretches her legs — *Safflower stretches her legs.*

Safflower smiles 5-week old puppy dog — *Safflower smiles for the camera.*

Dill 5-week old puppy standing — *Dill was the only one I heard growl…and only when Rue kept stepping on him.*

Dill 5-week old puppy dog — *Dill poses for his portrait.*

Juniper 5-week old sleepy puppy dog — *Juniper wonders why we woke him up.*

Juniper 5-week old puppy dog — *Juniper. Still wondering about his nap time.*

Rue 5-week old puppy dog standing wagging — *Rue the charmer was finally awake, and ready to rumble.*

Rue 5-week old puppy dog — *Rue was the only one who played…with some dramatic pawing that offset his balance.*

If you are a dog lover, please ADOPT from, FOSTER for, VOLUNTEER with, or DONATE to a rescue group. Ditto for cat lovers. Support Spay/Neuter programs in your city. And please, take great care of all animals.

Links, to read more about: Dog Rescuers, Fostering a puppy, Hospice fostering.

back pack with puppies — *Now that’s my kind of back pack…full of puppies!*

Thanks for looking. If you’re interested in pet portraits in time for the holidays, let me know!

If you’re looking for holiday gifts, please take a look at my Etsy site.

Fostering the puppy, Tig

Posted October 3, 2018 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

A few weeks ago, one of the rescue groups I photograph for texted me: “Carol! We have another puppers…PALEEEEEEEEZ…”

And of course, there was a photo.

I looked at the scared little pup behind bars.

“Honey, can we keep this little one for a week or so,” I asked my husband, out of courtesy.

The next day, a skinny puppy greeted me at my front door when the doorbell rang. Tig marched in to the house, dancing around and stumbling in that awkward puppy way. We marveled at her cement and peat moss colors, her blue-green eyes, her rat tail with the dark grey tip.

She had been dropped off at the shelter a day before because she had diarrhea. Maybe she’d only been gone from her mother and siblings a week? a month? No one will ever know. That part of her story will be her secret. But she didn’t seem to have eaten a good meal in a while. We picked her up–all of 4 or 5 pounds maybe. A sack of squirming bones. We put down food immediately. And she inhaled it.

The rescuers left a bit later–and Tig stared at us with a “Now what?” look. We took her out for a tinkle. “Good puppy!” we over-the-top exclaimed and brought her back in. Five minutes later, there was a puddle in the kitchen and a pile in the living room. Teaching a puppy to do business outside is never easy. It takes time and there will be accidents. We were determined and she looked capable, so no worries. We’d work with her for the next 10 days.

And what a 10 days…everything was all about baby Tig. Feeding her little meals 4 times a day to fatten her up. Cooking rice to mix into her food and hopefully put a stop to the diarrhea. Taking her out every 2 hours during the day, and every 3-4 hours overnight. Waking her up to “Good morning Puppy!” and watching her do her yoga stretches before sashaying out of the crate like a princess.

We laughed at her puppy-ness. At the funny way she ran and lost control on the corners. At the way she couldn’t figure out things like the doorbell, dogs barking on TV, or where we went when we stepped out of the chase and stood between furniture. We laughed when she chased us around-and-around the house, growling like a little lawnmower, and suddenly stopped and dropped on her bed for a nap. She couldn’t do stairs–up or down. We carried her. She figured out “up” later in the week, but down was still a problem for her after 10 days.

puppy looking down steps — *Down is hard!*

Tig was a fiesty, sassy little being. We tried avoiding her needle teeth and the tiny claws. She chewed on table legs, chair legs, people legs, shoes, toes, fingers, beds, the couch. We got her another chew toy. She added that to the repertoire–without dropping those other favorite chews. She tugged on the back of my pants. Hearing “No!” only made her bark at us and have conniptions of nipping and barking with a ridiculous high-pitched voice that only made us laugh harder. This dog was going to be a handful and a half. Timeouts happened when we picked her up. Holding her calmed her down and turned her back into sweet baby TIg again. I didn’t mind holding her–it gave me an excuse to sniff that puppy smell.

Tig in a time-out — *Tig in my lap in a time-out.*

For 10 days, we played, and cleaned up accidents, and fed and fed and fed little Tig. We discovered she loved to lay in the sunshine wherever it fell on the floor or sidewalk. She liked tug-of-war, she preferred to chase versus being chased, she would sit-stay-come for a treat–but only in the kitchen, and trying to coax her down the stairs usually just made her mad. She liked to bite at a stalk of lavender that hung over the sidewalk. Falling leaves had to be chased down and chewed up. She was happy, confident, and crazy and sweet–all at once. Her personality was becoming more and more clear. I felt sad that whoever was adopting her wouldn’t get to see this part of her babyhood.

TIg eats a leaf that crossed her path. — *Tig eats a leaf that crossed her path.*

*Tig wonders about that squirrel on the fence.*

Tig left our house to go on a cross-country transport to her East Coast fosters in preparation for adoption. She will be adopted soon–if not already. I feel lucky to have spent a precious week of puppy-dom with this little sass. It wore me out, wore me down, and ran us out of paper towels. It convinced us that we may be past our puppy-raising prime. And I just want to tell the adopters…I have Tig’s baby pictures and videos for you when you’re ready. I hope you bring each other lots of joy.

Down the stairs is too hard. Pick. Me. Up. — *Down the stairs is scary. Pick. Me. Up.*

Good morning puppy! — *Wakey wakey puppy!*

One More Dog Rescue saved Tig, and they save many more puppy dogs every week. You can read more about the rescuers here on my project page.

Please. Adopt, don’t shop. Foster. Volunteer. Donate. And hug a pup. Even if he/she is not yours. 🙂

Creative Sustenance

Posted September 29, 2018 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

Over the past few months, I’ve been catching up on photo blogs from our travels. I wish I’d made time on the road to have done these blogs real time. But I was too busy enjoying the moments and I won’t let myself regret that. I find myself rolling the question of “what is the purpose of my blog?” around in my head a lot. Why do it? In the end, I’ve come to think of it as my creative sustenance.

Blogging on a regular schedule has been good for me–I’m writing more, doing something with my photos, making videos again, trying to discipline myself by editing with an aimed machete, and self-imposing deadlines to publish. I like thinking about these projects and topics for photography. I like the practice of writing, and shooting regularly. It gives me challenges. I’m trying new things. It gets me out. And in the end, that’s the best part of all.

Yesterday, my friend Debbie and I attended Filter Photo Festival’s Sony Photo Walk workshop. This was a two-hour, free event to sample the newest Sony mirror-less cameras. We checked in early, and checked out our cameras–I had the Sony a7-III, with the 55mm 1.8 Zeiss lens. And a few minutes later, we hit Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on a blustering Fall day.

Now, I’m not a reviewer of cameras. So, you’ll not be hearing any detailed techie stuff. What I can say is this: the camera is crazy lightweight, the focus zones and super high ISO were impressive, it shoots video too, and I loved the pop-out screen and shutter silencer. Net: If I had a few grand laying around, I’d get one, with a couple of those sweet Zeiss prime lenses. Of course, then I’d have to buy a new Mac to fully update Adobe Creative Cloud to read the Sony A7-III cards…and well, this little hobby gets expensive. But I digress.

The point of this was to say that it is good to get out and try something new. I didn’t take any photos that light up my switchboard, but I spent time with a long-time friend, had celery in ceviche, accepted a broken pink rose from a friendly florist, and walked among tourists on a blustery Chicago day. Good stuff. Creative sustenance. I feel energized today.

Thank you Debbie for asking me to go, and thank you Filter and Sony for setting up photo walks to sample cameras!

I’d love to hear how others get creatively nourished. Any tips?

*Ben the Sony guy shows Debbie a camera feature.*

*The Drake Hotel has two of these dripping crystal chandeliers in the lobby.*

Pink rose detail — *We wandered into the Drake Hotel to get out of the rain and smelled flowers before we saw them. The florist gave me the most perfect rose–broken and unusable to him.*

Bride Bridesmaids Michigan Ave Cold Chicago day — *Bride & Bridesmaids near Michigan Avenue. It was 54 degrees and rainy. I’m cold just looking at them.*

*People parked under a construction awning in the rain. Michigan Ave, Chicago.*

*Walking in a Sony group down Michigan.*

Watering the mums in Chicago, Michigan Avenue — *Chicago’s already planted the mums on Michigan! And is watering…in the rain.*

*Debbie and Carol photographing in the mirror in the elevator.*

Details and patterns

Posted October 17, 2016 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

Details make patterns. Choices make habits. Imagining makes art. Believing makes seeing.

It’s been a while since I went out to wander and photograph just for the sake of wandering and photographing. It felt good: stretching my legs, stretching my imagination and shaking off this long strange summer. This was the weekend at Open House Chicago 2016.

Sandstone held to a bell tower with metal band-aids and hair nets. The bell tower survived the Great Fire in 1871, and still wears the blackened crown to prove it. Saint James Episcopal Cathedral.

Six red galeros, hats of dead bishops, streaming from the ceiling of Holy Name Cathedral. Hanging high behind the crucifix carved from one large piece of balsam wood, they wait for the day they collapse to dust and nothingness and return to the ground.

Ornate chandeliers are turned down low to let the stained glass windows tell their bible stories in the 2nd floor chapel of Saint James Chapel at Archbishop Quigley Center.

Ivy climbs and clings to the detail on the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue, in the morning shadow of the Hancock. And in this church, at long last we get to go upstairs to the balcony…and there’s a pipe organ, gentle at first and then lighting up the guests with a loud pounce.

The 5th place was an art house in an old mansion. Giant windows, rimmed in dark wood. Pocket doors and white marble fireplaces in every room. Studios for rent and live models seven days a week. An open studio on the 3rd floor smelled of oil paint as I rounded the final set of stairs up. The old floors were for dancing when this was a home and this level housed a ballroom. Now the wood floors showed wear from drops of paint as artists made their art. At this moment, they were sans model, but they worked as if she were still there. An imaginary model. Cross breezes fluffed papers from the transom windows along the floor where the band used to sit.

The Monroe Building, with Rookwood tiles, and tiles, and tiles, and a working mail chute for the 14-story building. This building and the one across the street, on the north side of Monroe at Michigan stand like sentinels, equal sized gate posts, greeting traffic entering Chicago on what used to be the main thoroughfare.

The chapel in the sky at the Chicago Temple. The highest place of worship above street level. Twenty two floors via elevator, then A through E floors via a cozy elevator, then 31 steps up to this tiny little Sky Chapel. Stained glass windows line the room and limit views of the sky and the surrounding city. The wood is ash, preserved forever from the Emerald Ash Borers that have killed so many trees in the Midwest.

Bell Tower details St. James Episcopal Cathedral — Sandstone held to a bell tower with metal band-aids and hair nets. The bell tower survived the Great Fire in 1871, and still wears the blackened crown to prove it. Saint James Episcopal Cathedral.

Holy Name Cathedral galeros — Six red galeros, hats of dead bishops, streaming from the ceiling of Holy Name Cathedral. Hanging high behind the crucifix carved from one large piece of balsam wood, they wait for the day they collapse to dust and nothingness and return to the ground.

Saint James Chapel at Archbishop Quigley Center stained glass windows — Ornate chandeliers are turned down low to let the stained glass windows tell their bible stories in the 2nd floor chapel of Saint James Chapel at Archbishop Quigley Center.

Fourth Presbyterian Church ivy — Ivy climbs and clings to the detail on the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue

Fourth Presbyterian Church Michigan Avenue — The pipe organ rings out at the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue

Marble fireplace detail Palette & Chisel — Marble fireplace mantel detail from Palette & Chisel.

palette & chisel live model art studio — Palette & Chisel artists taking a break in the 3rd floor ballroom studio

palette and chisel chicago model art studio — Palette & Chisel: Imagination.

Monroe Building Chicago rook wood tiles — The Monroe Building, with Rookwood tiles, and tiles, and tiles. Muted earth tones in the foyer, just waiting to wow you when you go through those doors.

The Monroe Building Rookwood details make patterns — The Monroe Building, with Rookwood tiles, and tiles, and tiles.

The Chapel in the Sky Chicago Temple — The chapel in the sky at the Chicago Temple. The wood is ash, preserved forever from the Emerald Ash Borers that have killed so many trees in the Midwest.

Stenciling on ceiling of Chicago Temple — Chicago Temple ceiling stenciling.

Dog Rescuers

Posted February 8, 2016 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

Almost 8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters each year, and almost 50% of them will not come out alive. The cycle is horrific. Dogs come in abused, neglected, heartbroken, sick, old, pure-bred–with one thing in common…they are unwanted and unloved. It is hard on the animal-lovers who work for the shelter. It is hard on anyone who loves animals.

What many people don’t realize is that about 35% of abandoned animals are pulled out of shelters by rescue groups. Rescuers go deep into the shelters looking for adoptable dogs. They find foster homes, they provide food and vaccinations and spay/neuters. Their own homes are usually brimming with wagging tails. They sell t-shirts for medical care fundraisers. They network to find just the right family for each dog. They organize transport to move dogs all over the country, to get them to homes where they will be loved and taken care of. Their phones buzz with incoming texts, emails, messages…about the dogs they’ve saved, or about dogs that are urgently in need of a place to stay before time runs out.

Rescue groups operate all around us. Rescuers seem to lead double lives…working full time jobs, raising families and in the background giving the rest of their time, hearts and homes to the dogs they save. It takes a great human to traverse through this bittersweet cycle. Rescuers experience extreme joy when opening a shelter cage to save a dog, only to turn around and have their hearts broken when they look into the eyes of the desperate dogs still in their kennels. And there is pain–anger–when they walk to the front of the shelter, only to see a line of people dropping off unwanted pets. It takes a hearty soul to care so deeply, to do so much, to function so effectively around “humanity” and to give so much of their lives.

This is the story of Kelly and Judy: special souls who are dog rescuers with One More Dog Rescue in this never-ending stream of unwanted and abused animals. View the photos in slideshow to see captions for each. Start slideshow by clicking on the first photo, and then using the arrows to navigate through.

Want to help? Please…ADOPT. FOSTER. DONATE.

Rescuers make life or death choices. Every day. Rescue groups are responsible for saving about 35-40% of the dogs brought into shelters, pulling those considered adoptable and transporting them around the country. But it is hard. There is compassion fatigue from witnessing all the sad, scared eyes, all the life behind those bars. The dogs are desperate for someone to slow down, to look, to touch, to acknowledge that they are alive. 2013.

Rows and rows of metal cages, filled with barking, terrified dogs. Almost half of the dogs who enter a shelter will never make it out. Judy walks the rows looking for the right dogs to fit open foster homes. These trips to the back pavilions at the shelter can take hours as rescuers talk to each other and shelter staff/volunteers and network the dogs across social media. 2013.

Rescue groups go deep into the shelter to look for dogs to save. The back rooms at the shelter are sometimes loud with barking, and sometimes eerily quiet. There are all kinds of dogs at the shelter–pure bred and mutt, small and large, old and young, stray and owner-surrendered. Strays are held for a minimum of 3-5 days in case someone comes looking for them. Because no one is going to come for owner surrenders, they may be euthanized immediately if space is needed. 2013.

Some dogs cower in their cages–terrified, trembling, heartbroken and confused, and maybe shattered forever. These dogs seem to not want anyone to look at them, to see them, matted and dirty. They will not look up and shrink into the corners. 2013.

scarred scared pitbull dog shelter cage rescuer

“Are you ok?”, Judy asks. Judging from his scars, he may have been used in dog fights. Judy walks through the pavilions asking this again and again. Sometimes it is a question. “Are you ok?” Sometimes it was a statement, willing them to be ok when options looked bleak. Even if she spent only a second with each soul–that little moment, a smile, a kind voice…It means everything…to the dogs…and to Judy. This dog, we later learned, did not make it out. He was euthanized to make room for the steady stream of unwanted dogs. 2013.

shelter rescuer contagious flu canine gowns

During the summer of 2015, Canine Influenza ripped through Chicago’s Animal Care and Control. Dogs were categorized by the severity and stage of their illness, and rescuers’ visits to the various pavilions were sequenced from healthiest to sickliest so that the healthy dogs stayed healthy by being visited first. Disposable yellow gowns and rubber gloves were required, and had to be changed between pavilions to lessen the spread of the virus. The shelter had an added layer of sadness–to see the dogs shivering in their kennels, too tired and sick to move, to hear the hacking coughs in the sickest pavilions, to know that most of these dogs were not going to make it out alive. Rescuers continued to do what they could to pull dogs and find fosters who could accommodate dogs who had been exposed to the virus. Rescues had to be isolated for two weeks or more to avoid spreading the virus. 2015.

rescuers temperament test shelter rescuers pitbull dog

Dogs are introduced to other dogs of different sizes, personalities and gender to see how they react. Rescuers hold their breath–hoping for tail wags and play postures. If the dog acts aggressively, he will go back in the cage, with a slim chance of ever making it out of the shelter alive. 2015.

night shelter pit bull temperament test rescuer

After a full day of work, Kelly stops by the Chicago shelter to check in on potential rescues. She leads a Pit Bull out into the yard for a little fresh night air, some exercise and a temperament test. It is estimated that 30-35% of the dogs euthanized are Pit Bulls. Unchecked breeding and the vilification of the breed has led to shelters overflowing with these powerful yet often untrained and frequently abused dogs. 2013.

chihuahuas shelter scared defensive cage rescued dog

At CACC on a Sunday night, we came across these 3 bonded girls. The white one on the left was the designated watch dog…protecting her siblings by positioning herself in front of them, or over them, and snarling like a fierce dragon. The other two seemed to want to say “hi”…but big sister wasn’t having it. As we left the shelter that night, these 3 were getting rescued. The white one had given up being the strong one…and leapt into the arms of the rescuer. Surprisingly, chihuahuas are one of the breeds most often dumped at the shelter. 2015.

Kelly takes Betty Page back into the shelter after a brief and brisk winter day walk around the grounds. Construction had begun to update kennels in the Chicago Animal Care and Control facility. The new kennels are larger and the pavilions have more natural light. However, during construction, there are fewer open kennels for homeless dogs. 2015.

peep matted shaved stitches blind rescuers

“Peep” came into the shelter with one eye dangling. Judy and Kelly committed to her rescue immediately and her eye was removed in emergency surgery. The next day, her painfully matted hair was shaved. A few weeks later, Peep lost her other eye to infection. When she healed, Peep was adopted. She is now living happily ever after with a family who adores her. 2014.

Kelly stands in the hall at Chicago Animal Care and Control. She is making final arrangements for foster homes for these two lucky dogs who will walk out of the shelter tonight with her. The Pekingnese will go to a breed-specific rescue group. The dignified little dog standing was grossly underweight and had been shaved to treat his dry skin and matted hair. He had been surrendered by his owner in very poor condition. Four months later, he is still getting healthy in a foster home. 2015.

Betty Page peers out of Judy’s car. She had just been rescued from the shelter by Kelly, and is keeping an eye on her savior. Kelly and Judy are both texting to see who has space for Betty Page tonight. If no one does, Judy will take her home for the night. Judy and Kelly pull 2-4 dogs a week from the Chicago shelter. They meet in parking lots near animal hospitals or pet stores to coordinate and move the dogs to available foster homes. 2015.

Hilde left the shelter with just a generic standard issue rope cord. First stop was a pet store to get her very own collar and leash, toy and treats and a stash of food. Rescues do everything to get a dog into a good foster home. They want and need successful and repeat fosters. Fostering gives a dog a chance to get healthy, get socialized, and learn house rules. Fosters and rescues pay close attention to dogs’ personalities and needs so that potential adopters enter into the arrangement with no surprises. 2015.

Otis is a pet shop boy. Ruby is a rescue and is a little mentally askew. Some rescue groups take only the healthiest and youngest animals from the shelters to control costs and to prevent having unadoptable dogs. Other rescue groups take the dogs that speak to their hearts and may specialize in a certain breed, or the seniors, or the physically handicapped. 2013.

Rescuers have an intense, all encompassing love of dogs. Their homes are often full to the brim of wagging tails, clicking toenails, water dishes and crates. 2013.

stacked dog crates cages garage rescuers

Dog rescuers collect crates…from donations, yard sales, pet supply store sales, etc. The crates are bleached and readied for trips to the shelter or weekend transports. 2015.

Kelly takes one dog out for a run in her backyard while she checks emails, texts and social media posts for rescue-related information. Rescue is a daily, hourly, constant occupation for rescuers. Everything is about the dogs, for the dogs. 2015.

Every weekend, dog rescue teams move dogs across the country in a series of one to two hour relays. Why transport the dogs? Some areas of the country don’t have as many unwanted dogs and so the dogs pulled out of Chicago’s shelters have a better chance of being adopted elsewhere. Sometimes dogs are going to a breed-specific rescue in another state. Dogs travel with their paperwork and specific instructions for feeding and caring for them on what may be 2 to 3 days of 12 hour drives in a series of cars. Transporters have prearranged meeting places to switch the dogs from one car to another, and walk and feed/water them before getting on the road for the next leg. For transporters, it’s a time to meet one another and enjoy the 3-10 dogs they transport. For the dogs, it’s life saving. 2013.

transport transfer poop grass dog rescuers

There are strict rules during transport to ensure the health of the dogs. Puppies are often “no paws on the ground” if there is any chance of parvo. Dogs just out of the shelter can have many problems including worms or stomach/bowel issues due to stress and change of diet. Rescuers, transporters and fosters are diligent in monitoring the samples in order to treat any sickness. 2013.

Rescuers often have a lot of dogs in their homes. Some are theirs, some are fosters, some are only passing through for a night or two. There are rooms designated to isolate new guests who may be sick or scared. There are crates and cages for private time. And everything needs to be cleaned between occupants. 2013.

Judy and Kelly look at a place on a rescued bulldog mix. Although they both work in marketing, Judy and Kelly have enough experience with rescue that they can quickly identify health issues and can better work with the vet clinics who donate time and treatments. 2013.

Two groups made a 160 mile road trip to meet in the middle of Indiana. Traci and her friend/friend’s son came from Ohio with a couple of old boxers who had been rescued by Judy and Kelly the year before. Mr Belvedere had been frail and malnourished when he was pulled from the shelter. After almost 2 years in his hospice foster home, he is pleasingly plump and happy. Though he had not seen Judy and Kelly since his rescue, he recognized and greeted them with zeal at the meeting place in the empty parking lot. He will live out his life with his foster. 2015.

Avery entered the shelter as a cruelty case, with all of her legs broken and toes crushed. While Avery’s casts were on, Judy carried her outside several times a day and made sure her movements were restricted so that her young bones could heal. Sadly, almost 3 years later, Avery is still available for adoption. http://www.adoptapet.com/pet/11244516-brooklyn-new-york-american-pit-bull-terrier-mix

“Peep” came into the shelter with one eye dangling. Judy and Kelly committed to her rescue immediately and her eye was removed in emergency surgery. A few weeks later, Peep lost her other eye to infection. She was adopted and lives happily ever after with a family who adores her. 2014.

Atticus kisses Judy. He once was a rescue. Now, Judy belongs to him. She adopted him and he graciously shares his home with a stream of fosters. 2013.

Now and Then – Ravenswood Gardens, Chicago

Posted February 3, 2016 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

ravenswood gardens chicago corner brick wilson rockwell

Now and Then – Ravenswood Gardens, Chicago. Old brick street marker at the Southeast corner of Wilson and Rockwell, Chicago.

Old brick street marker at the Northeast corner of Wilson and Rockwell.

ravenswood gardens chicago corner brick rockwell eastwood

Old brick street marker at the northeast corner of Rockwell and Eastwood.

Old brick street marker at the Southeast corner of Eastwood and Rockwell, Chicago.

Old brick street marker at the Southwest corner of Eastwood and Rockwell.

Old brick street marker at the Southwest corner of Wilson and Rockwell.

Old brick street marker at the Northwest Corner of Wilson and Rockwell.

Southwest corner of Wilson and Rockwell.

ravenswood gardens chicago corner brick windsor rockwell

Old brick marker at the Southwest Corner of Windsor and Rockwell.

Old brick street marker at the Northwest Corner of Windsor and Rockwell.

Fifteen brick structures mark the entrance to the streets of this 100+ year-old neighborhood near the river. These sentinels stand in pairs, trios or quartets along Rockwell between Montrose and the el tracks at Rockwell. Some have planters on top, others a concrete ball resembling a bed knob. They mark the streets of Ravenswood Gardens, a community planned in 1909 by William Harmon. Photographed on film with a Seagull and a Rolleicord. Now and Then – Ravenswood Gardens, Chicago

Details…They don’t make them like they used to!

Posted October 19, 2015 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

At this year’s Open House Chicago, sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, I went to see the interiors of buildings not normally open to the public. And what struck me most were the rich details…the ornate little extras, little treats for the eyes built in to the old spaces.

Whatever happened to those days of craftsmanship? When those little flourishes mattered? Now it seems that buildings are mundane. Character has disappeared in favor of efficiency, productivity, mass production and bottom lines.

Nope. They don’t make ’em like they used to!

Staircase spiral steps chicago motor club — In the Chicago Motor Club building (now a Hampton Inn), there is the muraled map of the old U.S. highways and parks, some exquisite– picture grandma’s-silver –detail around the elevators, and a wavy curve to the staircase in that same smooth silver.

Union Carbide hard rock virgin old dearborn bank building — A view of the Union Carbide Building (built in 1929, now the Hard Rock Hotel), supposedly built to resemble a champagne bottle with gold foil at the top…as seen from the Old Dearborn Bank Building (built in 1928, now the Virgin Hotel).

oriental palace theater chicago — Built in 1926, this place is lusciously FULL of ornaments…Isis, seahorses, cats, jesters, plush red seats and elaborate lanterns and chandeliers.

Chicago model miniature — An accurately scaled model of Chicago made in plastic…right down to the Bean.

Elevator floor indicator santa fe building chicago — Elevator floor indicator in the building that houses the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Fine arts building elevator chicago — The Fine Arts Building elevator…still manually operated, with a grated door and up/down bulbs, these elevators make the smoothest sound.

stairwell fine arts building chicago — Practicing violins, pianos and voices echo through the stairwell of this old building, still an artists community, just as the Chicago’s Fine Arts Building was meant to be.

lyre banister knob stairwell fine arts building chicago — Well worn and appropriately detailed banister knobs in the stairwell of the Fine Arts Building in Chicago.

File Gumbo fiddle violin maker — At the William Harris Lee & Company stringed instrument shop in the Fine Arts Building Chicago. Seeing these workstations where violins, violas, cellos, and stand-up basses are lovingly carved and brought to life was a highlight of the day! And who knew that a little File Gumbo spice is built-in?

violins cellos whlee stringed instrument makers — At W.H. Lee & Company, Violins, Violas and Cellos wait. Fine Arts Building in Chicago.

At the midpoint of the Filter Photography Festival

Posted September 27, 2013 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

I’ve taken a couple of weeks off from “the career” to focus on my photography…this week a series of short workshops, seminars and presentations by Filter Photography Festival and next week an intensive workshop with National Geographic photographer, Sam Abell, in Santa Fe.

Dogs at dawn. Workers and waiting at dawn. Havana Cuba. — Dawn in Havana Cuba. Dogs, workers and waiting.

At the mid-point of Filter’s 4 days, here are the things sticking in my head:

1) Filter is about ART. Photography as ART. It’s eye-opening to see the constructed projects that may begin with photos (the artists’ or someone elses’) but certainly doesn’t end with the photograph. For some, there’s washing out bits with bleach, or putting the photo onto plastic and warping it, or cutting precise little holes in exact spots to add meaning. It’s also photography with WORDS. The metaphors explained. Artist Statements to bring the viewer along…how did the idea happen? what’s the process? what does it mean? what to see? what thoughts should ride along with the photo when you view it?

2) The PRINTs. LARGE prints. On RICH papers like bamboo, kozo or deckled rag. Portfolios brought in boxes and displayed on tables. Eric Joseph from Freestyle pointed out that when we were in the darkroom years ago, “the paper mattered.” It was an important decision in the darkroom. We had our favorites for their warmth or texture, or cool smoothness….Ilford, Oriental… But somehow with digital printing, paper was forgotten. He was at Filter to remind us, to show us…to let us feel and see the differences…(and yeah, to sell us papers). It worked. I’m convinced.

3) Kelli Connell’s 23 questions for portraiture. A technique to question yourself…quickly and periodically…to see themes and threads through which you view the world, and photograph from. Wow. More on this later.

4) Debbie Fleming Caffery’s sweet and sassy southern voice. I can hear it still. Her workshop was to be on sustaining long term projects, but instead turned out to be more of a portfolio review. I showed up with glossy and puny Walgreens prints expecting to use them only to give an idea of my work…my project that needs sustaining…and articulation. I felt like I was a day late and a dollar short. Regardless, I learned a lot from listening to the dialogue of the others…the Artists. For example, making selections to tie themes or colors or moods together. The self-published books, and again the papers and the printing processes. The possible sources for more knowledge, more photos, more words (or videos) to add to projects. And the outlets…ideas for my big question of “What do I DO with the projects?”

The overwhelming response…that I’m hearing across Filter Photo Festival: GET YOUR WORK OUT THERE. Enter contests, print large and show in festival portfolio reviews, be active in social media, blog, and JUST DO IT. Make your own exhibits. Be tenacious. Make connections. And keep on shooting…keep on creating.

Heading out for Day 3. But first, a dawn walk with Charlie on this gorgeous Fall morning. Let the day begin.

“Are you ok?”: Giving hope to shelter dogs

Posted September 3, 2013 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about going with Judy early one morning to transport 10 rescued dogs on a 60 mile segment of their journey to Minneapolis. A rescue mission that felt good…happy…exciting. I had held a parvo-surviving puppy. She was lucky to be alive. Lucky to be out of the shelter on that sunny day and lucky enough to be healthy and on her way to a rescue. I felt her little heart beating, felt her tiny breath–felt her sigh as she gave in to a few minutes of sleep. I was happy and full of hope holding that little dog…so, so full of hope.

Later that day, after the transport was complete, we went to animal control…a place where hope is hard to feel. This is the place where almost half the dogs who walk in never come out alive*. This is the place where so many people who love animals have the sad job of collecting unwanted, lost or abused dogs and cats. This is the place where volunteer doctors and staff work tirelessly to save animals, and yet have to euthanize many healthy and treatable animals simply because there is no more room. This is also the place where rescuers go to begin their work, where saving a dog begins. They identify dogs for rescue, posting and sharing snapshots to network the many homeless faces, hoping that just maybe someone somewhere will fall in love and they can pull a dog out of there. Rescuers go to Animal Control often, especially when they know their fosters have room to squeeze in just one more.

The place is a maze of “pavilions”, rooms separating the animals into those ready for adoption, those being held as “evidence” for court cases, those in medical care, or those simply doing their time in hopes that someone will come looking for them before their 5 days are up. There are no outside windows in these rooms full of cages. The rooms can be loud with echos of barking, crying dogs. Or the rooms can be silent…like the air has been sucked out of the place, like dementors have been there.

Today, we were there to look for a couple of dogs that had been posted online for potential rescue, to temperament test another. I followed Judy and her scrap of paper with the cage numbers. All those sad eyes on us. All the life behind those bars. Some of the dogs desperate for you to slow down, to look, to touch, to acknowledge that they are alive. Other dogs cowered in the cages, terrified, trembling, lost and confused, and maybe broken forever. These dogs seemed not to want anyone to look at them, to see them, matted and dirty, shrinking into the bright orange tile and concrete corners.

It is hard to witness. I tried to concentrate on photographing Judy with the dogs, on learning what she was looking for when she studied their paperwork. I followed her–her golden ponytail, her scrap of paper with the cage numbers, her voice. And I watched her…I watched her muster her spirit, her smile, her hope in this hard place. I watched her giving hope to each of those shelter dogs. “Are you ok?” she asked each of them with a smile. “Are you ok?” Sometimes it was a question. Sometimes it was a statement, willing them to be ok when options looked bleak. Whatever it was, even if she spent only a second with each soul–it mattered. That little heartbeat of a moment, a smile, a kind voice…It means everything…to the dogs…and to Judy.

It is a cruelly hard job for animal lovers to work in this place, to remain hopeful, to not give up at the sheer magnitude and the never ending streams of needy faces. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the dogs.

"Are you ok?" — “Are you ok?”, Judy asks. Judging from his scars, he may have been used in dog fights.

Reading this dog's kennel card while he waits — Kennel cards tell you a little bit about the dog’s history…maybe a name, maybe a former address or where he was found, maybe a bit about his tolerance of other dogs, cats or children. The cards also tell you how much time he has left.

130803_7140 — Pearl was scared and angry. Judy waited, talking to her about nothing in particular.

130803_7177 — This smiling baby watched me as I watched Judy…After 30 minutes, Judy was still trying to convince Pearl to come out of her cage. Pearl would eventually get out of her cage for rescue, though this would not be that day.

130803_7079 — One of the aisles of cages, in one of the many pavilions at Chicago’s Animal Care and Control.

130803_7183 — “Unknown” name, found at an “unknown location”. Matted, dirty, terrified. This dog had 2 microchips and was waiting for the owner(s) to be identified and notified.

130803_7159 — Aisles of cages, and always…always…a waiting face.

130803_7146 — Judy noticed this mama had painted nails. “Who polished your nails and then abandoned you here? Where are your babies?”

* Most current (2011) Asilomar Accords records from CACC: “Jan 1 holding 863 dogs. Thru 2011: Took in 11,115 dogs. Adopted out 943, Transferred out to rescues/other organizations 3,407, Returned to owner 1,355. Euthanized/Died in care: 5,477. Dec 31 holding 793 dogs.” (corrected math on records shows 796 dogs remaining.) Please see www.asilomaraccords.org for more information on shelters in your area.

Transporting Rescue Dogs

Posted August 11, 2013 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

Ever wonder what happens with the dogs saved by rescue groups? Transporting rescue dogs gives many a better chance of adoption or foster in a new state. Almost every weekend, hundreds of rescuers move these precious souls miles in 1-2 hour bits of travel. It’s an incredible network, and a feat of organization and determination, and sheer love for the dogs.

Last Saturday, I rode on a dog transport with Judy, picking up 10 dogs in Merrillville, Indiana and driving them to Itasca, Illinois. This was just one leg of their 8-9 hour journey from Indianapolis to Minneapolis.

I arrived at Judy’s just after 7 a.m. as she was configuring the van with her crates and cages. Like a Tetris puzzle, she arranged the crates to maximize the space and to make sure there would be enough separation for the parvo survivors we would soon meet. There was a smell of fresh laundry–bleach maybe–from the clean padding, beds, and towels lining the cages. Some towels were strategically placed on top of the cages under the air vents, so no dog would get blasted with the AC. Behind the driver’s seat was a bag of slip-leads and collars, some towels, baggies, water dishes and water.

We had a list of the passengers to expect…

1. Shelby – Poodle-x, 9y F(S), 30 lb.
2. Goofy – Pomeranian, M(N), 5 lb.
3. Maltese – F, 8 lb.
4. Juno – Terrier, F(S), 30 lb.
5. BeaglePup – 10 weeks
6. Lil Bit & Skittles – APBT puppies, 8 lbs. each
7. Frenchie – 10 weeks
8. Dexter – 4 months
9. Puppy – 8 weeks. WILL TRAVEL IN OWN CRATE

The list also told us the that these dogs were traveling with health certificates, collars and that all were up-to-date on shots. There was an updated e:mail with more specifics on the meeting places for each of the 7 legs of the journey and who would be receiving the dogs upon arrival in Minneapolis. We pulled out of Judy’s driveway around 7:20 a.m. with the crates, the list and the sunshine, headed to meeting place #1 in Merrillville, Indiana.

We arrived a little early to the parking lot where we’d make the transfer from one car to another. A text let us know that Tara and Gwen were 10 minutes away, coming in 2 cars from Indianapolis. While we waited, Judy reminded me to be careful not to touch another dog after touching a parvo-survivor puppy. The parvo-surviving pups would also have to take their potty breaks in a different place.

And then, they arrived! Two cars pulled up, on either side of Judy’s van. Introductions, hugs and brief chatter as we jumped out to make ready for the transfer. I think I laughed and cried at the same time as Gwen’s hatchback opened to reveal a carload full of dogs looking back at me. The next 30 minutes was a whirlwind…get the dogs out, walked, watered and then situated in Judy’s crates and car.

Puppies! These pooches have just completed the first leg of their 8 hour journey. Lil Bit and Skittles (on the left) have survived parvo.

The belongings of a Pomeranian named Goofy. Goofy's person passed away 2 days prior. Life shattering change, maybe eased by traveling with familiar things. — The belongings of a Pomeranian named Goofy. Goofy’s person passed away 2 days prior. Life shattering change, hopefully eased a little by traveling with familiar things.

Switching crates/cages and cars. Everybody gets a walk and some water.

Handsome :) All dogs have a tag with their info. Calling them by name earns you a tail wag and if you're lucky a little kiss. — Handsome 🙂 All dogs have a tag with their info. Calling them by name earns you a tail wag and if you’re lucky a little kiss.

Shelby/Peaches and Frenchie getting situated in the next car. Waiting for the other dogs to finish their walks.

Jema is a parvo survivor. I got the honor of riding shotgun with this puppy in my lap...but Judy gets a hug first. — Jema is a parvo survivor. I got the honor of riding shotgun with this puppy in my lap…but Judy gets a hug first.

After all the walks, after all the crate moves, Judy and I got back in the car with our passengers. Lucky, lucky me–I got to ride with Jema in my lap! This little girl was recently spayed, and a parvo-survivor. She tried so hard not to sleep…she wagged her tail and smiled at Judy, at me, at the dogs in the back, at the scenery out the window and for a few minutes chewed on my hair. And those of you who know me, know that I was in heaven holding this little happy and curious girl with her sweet puppy smell. Everyone settled in. Some stared out the window–and I wondered what they were thinking, their lives so changed. Some slept peacefully, despite the one who cried and voiced her opinion about a few things.

On the road. Some are too excited to sleep and stare out the window.

We arrived in Itasca to meet the next 2 cars who would take these babies on to Rockford, Illinois. Once again, walks, water and a transfer of crates and cars.

Stop #2. Getting situated in another crate, another car for the 3rd leg of the journey.

Judy puts Goofy into Nancy's car. Shelby/Peaches will be riding shotgun on this leg of the trip. — Judy puts Goofy into Nancy’s car. Shelby/Peaches will be riding shotgun on this leg of the trip.

It was only in the last few minutes that I realized how bittersweet transporting days were, as we petted and hugged these lucky dogs one last time. Saying our goodbyes, and wishing them safety on today’s journey and much love and happiness for the rest of their lives.

Transporting rescue dogs, from August 3, 2013.

Want to know more? Check out these websites for dog transports–and donate, volunteer, foster or adopt–anything and everything helps:

http://www.everydogcountsrescue.us/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Liberty-Train-and-Rescue/161898060592344

By the way, I had planned to write a little more about Avery, the beautiful pup who had 17 broken bones. Shortly after I met her, she had her last two casts removed. I plan to see her again soon and get some additional photographs and details. So, more to come. Thanks for your patience!

Hot dogs!

Posted July 19, 2013 by carol.fletcher@rocketmail.com

We have had a mind-numbing heat wave in Chicago this week. And the heat is still here… It was muggy and oppressive even before the sun came up this morning. So to refresh you and make you smile on this hot and humid Friday, here are some hot dogs cooling down.

As a reminder, if you’re hot, they’re hot. Careful on the burning sidewalks. Try turning on dog-level fans to stir the air. Make sure everybody’s water dishes are full–yours included! And for god’s sake don’t sit in a hot car for longer than 1 second! Happy Summer Friday everyone!

Traveler, dog lover, photographer, writer

chicago

Chicago’s Open House 2018

Edgewater Beach Apartments

Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club

Ukrainian Village and the Holy Trinity Cathedral

Ukrainian Village: St. Nicolas Cathedral

Ukrainian Village: Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church

Last stop: The Cliff Dwellers

PUPPIES!

Puppies!

And…here are the puppies!

Fostering the puppy, Tig

Creative Sustenance

Details and patterns

Dog Rescuers

Now and Then – Ravenswood Gardens, Chicago

Details…They don’t make them like they used to!

At the midpoint of the Filter Photography Festival

“Are you ok?”: Giving hope to shelter dogs

Transporting Rescue Dogs

Hot dogs!

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Edgewater Beach Apartments

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Ukrainian Village: St. Nicolas Cathedral

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Last stop: The Cliff Dwellers

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Puppies!

And…here are the puppies!

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