Renowned dog photographer, Anna Szabó, has donated proceedings from a recent photoshoot to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which has set up an emergency relief initiative to support organisations through the crisis.
The donation from Szabó, who fought coronavirus earlier this year, will go towards charities and organisations who work to support dogs, but have been hit by financial and operational struggles in light of the crisis.
The KCCT said it has received “numerous” applications for its emergency relief fund, with 30 organisations so far recognised as those which “most urgently” needed the help.
Recipients of funds include breed rescue organisations, as well as general smaller animal and dog rescues, such as Tag Pet Rescue i or K-9 Rescue and Remedy. The funding has been used to cover veterinary bills for dogs in their care, pay for food and kennels and cover transport fees.
Szabó is a “passionate” dog photographer and lover, and was this year commissioned to take the cover photographs for the daily catalogues at Crufts 2020. In 2019, she won the Pawscars Photographer of the Year.
Szabó said: “I decided to organise photography projects in Sweden, with help from my friends in the dog world there, to raise funds so that I can give something back to dogs.
“I am a great admirer of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s work and its dedication to abandoned and sick dogs, the work they do with rehoming charities and also the many health projects they support. Its work makes the dog world a much better place and I hope my donation inspires others to help those in need.”
Revd. Bill King, chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust said: “We are very grateful for Anna Szabo’s donation as well as all other contributions we received through our website and our appeal in Our Dog’s newspaper.
“So far the Kennel Club Charitable Trust Emergency Relief Initiative fund supported by Our Dogs has awarded more than £90,000 in grants to various dog rescue charities.”
“Seeing those important organisations – which work very hard to save lives of dogs every day and give many dogs second chance at life – face difficulties during the pandemic was very difficult.
“We know how important funding is for those smaller organisations and we hope that support they received through our Emergency Relief Initiative will help them get through these difficult times and keep up their excellent and important work in the future.”
