THE RAINBOW RESCUE PROJECT: CHICAGO PET PHOTOGRAPHER - Chicago family and pet photographer, Candice C. Cusic

In June of 2023, the team at Candice C. Cusic Photography came together to celebrate Pride month and support the LGBTQIA+ community. Our aim was to increase visibility and recognition for our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and loved ones in a unique and impactful way. Thus, we embarked on a project that had never been done before.

Working in collaboration with Chicago Canine Rescue and Perfectly Posh Paws, we photographed over twenty adoptable dogs. These photos served as the foundation for a Pride flag, and we titled this special endeavor the Rainbow Rescue Project.

The Rainbow Rescue Project symbolizes unity, love, and inclusivity, paying tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community. Through this initiative, we sought to raise awareness and promote acceptance for all individuals, while simultaneously highlighting the importance of pet adoption.

By combining our passion for photography and advocacy, we hope to inspire others to embrace diversity and support LGBTQIA+ rights. The Rainbow Rescue Project stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world.

We encourage you to download and share our Pride Flag! Want to give your fur baby some Pride love? Contact us here!

1 comment

Becca ReedJuly 31, 2023 - 12:36 pm
What a wonderful project!ReplyCancel

Chicago Pet Photographer

“Does she need a ribbon or a string? Because that cheers me up.” ❤️
⠀
During his animal communication session, Wasabi told me he would give Gabriella all of his toys to make her smile. Then he wondered if she needed a ribbon or a string—because those are the things that cheer him up.
⠀
Wasabi came to the studio with his mom, Nori, for The See Hear Love Project™, where animals participate in telling their own stories through animal communication, portraiture and film.
⠀
Nori and Wasabi are available for adoption through SAYv Animal Organization. If their story speaks to you, maybe their forever home is with you. ❤️
⠀
Sometimes love sounds like something enormous.
⠀
And sometimes it sounds like:
⠀
“I would give you all of my toys.”
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.

@sayvanimalorg
⠀
#SeeHearLove #TheSeeHearLoveProject #SAYvAnimalOrganization #AdoptDontShop #AnimalCommunication #AnimalCommunicator #CatAdoption #ChicagoCats #ChicagoPetPhotographer

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“Does she need a ribbon or a string? Because that cheers me up.” ❤️
⠀
During his animal communication session, Wasabi told me he would give Gabriella all of his toys to make her smile. Then he wondered if she needed a ribbon or a string—because those are the things that cheer him up.
⠀
Wasabi came to the studio with his mom, Nori, for The See Hear Love Project™, where animals participate in telling their own stories through animal communication, portraiture and film.
⠀
Nori and Wasabi are available for adoption through SAYv Animal Organization. If their story speaks to you, maybe their forever home is with you. ❤️
⠀
Sometimes love sounds like something enormous.
⠀
And sometimes it sounds like:
⠀
“I would give you all of my toys.”
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.

@sayvanimalorg
⠀
#SeeHearLove #TheSeeHearLoveProject #SAYvAnimalOrganization #AdoptDontShop #AnimalCommunication #AnimalCommunicator #CatAdoption #ChicagoCats #ChicagoPetPhotographer

This is pretty exciting.

**Bored Panda just featured The See Hear Love Project.**

The See Hear Love Project is the world’s only documentary storytelling project told from the animal’s perspective.

Through animal communication, shelter and rescue animals share their own stories, and we create fine-art portraits and documentary films to help them be seen, heard, and adopted.

I’m incredibly grateful to the rescues who trusted us with their animals and their stories:

@onetailatatime
@sayvanimalorg
@reddoorshelter
@hinsdalehumanesociety
@chicagolandpigrescue

**Read the Bored Panda feature:**
https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../

**Watch The See Hear Love Project:**
https://youtube.com/shorts/18yGgXeEX-0?si=xp8lSbNR8OkKkSX8

https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../ See less

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This is pretty exciting.

**Bored Panda just featured The See Hear Love Project.**

The See Hear Love Project is the world’s only documentary storytelling project told from the animal’s perspective.

Through animal communication, shelter and rescue animals share their own stories, and we create fine-art portraits and documentary films to help them be seen, heard, and adopted.

I’m incredibly grateful to the rescues who trusted us with their animals and their stories:

@onetailatatime
@sayvanimalorg
@reddoorshelter
@hinsdalehumanesociety
@chicagolandpigrescue

**Read the Bored Panda feature:**
https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../

**Watch The See Hear Love Project:**
https://youtube.com/shorts/18yGgXeEX-0?si=xp8lSbNR8OkKkSX8

https://www.boredpanda.com/see-hear-love-animal-project.../ See less

The See Hear Love Project™ is the world’s only documentary project told from the animal’s perspective—combining animal communication, portrait photography and film to help animals be seen, heard and loved.
⠀
George wandered into Owen’s backyard one winter.
⠀
And stayed. ❤️
⠀
During George’s animal communication session, I asked him about his life with Owen.
⠀
Then George told me something wonderfully specific:
⠀
“Cookies in bed make Owen happy.”
⠀
Owen’s reaction says everything. 😂
⠀
These are some of my favorite moments in animal communication. Sometimes what an animal shares is profound. Sometimes it’s heartbreaking.
⠀
And sometimes a cat who wandered into your backyard knows exactly what makes you happy.
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
The See Hear Love Project™
⠀
#SeeHearLoveProject #AnimalCommunication #CatCommunication #RescueCat #AnimalStories #PetStories #AnimalCommunicator #ChicagoPets

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The See Hear Love Project™ is the world’s only documentary project told from the animal’s perspective—combining animal communication, portrait photography and film to help animals be seen, heard and loved.
⠀
George wandered into Owen’s backyard one winter.
⠀
And stayed. ❤️
⠀
During George’s animal communication session, I asked him about his life with Owen.
⠀
Then George told me something wonderfully specific:
⠀
“Cookies in bed make Owen happy.”
⠀
Owen’s reaction says everything. 😂
⠀
These are some of my favorite moments in animal communication. Sometimes what an animal shares is profound. Sometimes it’s heartbreaking.
⠀
And sometimes a cat who wandered into your backyard knows exactly what makes you happy.
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
The See Hear Love Project™
⠀
#SeeHearLoveProject #AnimalCommunication #CatCommunication #RescueCat #AnimalStories #PetStories #AnimalCommunicator #ChicagoPets

The See Hear Love Project™ wouldn`t exist without the incredible rescue organizations that trusted me with the stories of the animals in their care.

Thank you for believing in an idea that was a little different, for opening your doors, and for introducing me to some truly unforgettable animals.

I`m so excited to share the latest sizzle reel for The See Hear Love Project™.

Every featured animal received a documentary film, fine-art portraiture, and an animal communication session designed to help people connect with the individual behind the adoption profile.

My hope has always been simple: to tell stories that help more animals find forever homes.

Thank you to every rescue, foster, volunteer, adopter, and supporter who has been part of this journey. This is only the beginning.

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Avalanche wasn`t interested in being the center of attention.
⠀
He just wanted to be close.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Avalanche`s full story.
⠀
"I don`t want
⠀
to be alone."
⠀
— Avalanche
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueRabbit @reddoorshelter

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Avalanche wasn't interested in being the center of attention.
⠀
He just wanted to be close.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Avalanche's full story.
⠀
"I don't want
⠀
to be alone."
⠀
— Avalanche
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueRabbit @reddoorshelter

Dama arrived at the studio in a wheelchair.
⠀
That was the first thing I noticed.
⠀
It was also the least interesting thing about her.
⠀
What I remember is her determination.
⠀
Her curiosity.
⠀
Her joy.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Dama`s full story.
⠀
"Maybe I`m not a misfit.
⠀
I just have more to love."
⠀
— Dama
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog

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Dama arrived at the studio in a wheelchair.
⠀
That was the first thing I noticed.
⠀
It was also the least interesting thing about her.
⠀
What I remember is her determination.
⠀
Her curiosity.
⠀
Her joy.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Dama's full story.
⠀
"Maybe I'm not a misfit.
⠀
I just have more to love."
⠀
— Dama
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog

I created The See Hear Love Project to help animals like Blanca.
⠀
Painfully shy. Dumped on a road before the rain came. Nervous around strangers. Ears down. Tail tucked.
⠀
For those new to the project, these are not carefree, well-adjusted animals. Many have experienced neglect, abandonment, fear, or loss.
⠀
Sometimes we only get one photograph when they truly relax.
⠀
Thankfully, we only need one.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Blanca`s full story.
⠀
Special thanks to @sayvanimalorg for bringing Blanca to The See Hear Love Project.
⠀
"All I want
⠀
is to feel loved and safe."
⠀
— Blanca
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog

View Instagram post by cusicphoto

13 0

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I created The See Hear Love Project to help animals like Blanca.
⠀
Painfully shy. Dumped on a road before the rain came. Nervous around strangers. Ears down. Tail tucked.
⠀
For those new to the project, these are not carefree, well-adjusted animals. Many have experienced neglect, abandonment, fear, or loss.
⠀
Sometimes we only get one photograph when they truly relax.
⠀
Thankfully, we only need one.
⠀
Please visit my page to see Blanca's full story.
⠀
Special thanks to @sayvanimalorg for bringing Blanca to The See Hear Love Project.
⠀
"All I want
⠀
is to feel loved and safe."
⠀
— Blanca
⠀
Seen. Heard. Loved.
⠀
#TheSeeHearLoveProject #SeenHeardLoved #RescueDog

One of the best things about photographing Ramona is watching everyone react to a pig in the building.

People stopped.

They smiled.

They took selfies.

One gentleman asked if I could wait so he could FaceTime his girlfriend because she loves pigs.

The hardest thing about photographing a pig is that pigs don`t stop moving.

Ever.

This portrait worked because Ramona kept walking in circles, allowing us to see her body and face at the same time.

Not shown: Ramona chewed up the paper backdrop on set. Her pig squeal echoed through the studio—loud, proud, and impossible to ignore, just like Ramona herself.

"Thank you

for saving my life."

— Ramona

The See Hear Love Project combines professional photography and animal communication. Each portrait is paired with one of the most powerful messages the animal shared during their communication session.

Seen. Heard. Loved.

@chicagolandpigrescue

#TheSeeHearLoveProject #RescuePig #SeenHeardLoved

View Instagram post by cusicphoto

130 6

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One of the best things about photographing Ramona is watching everyone react to a pig in the building.

People stopped.

They smiled.

They took selfies.

One gentleman asked if I could wait so he could FaceTime his girlfriend because she loves pigs.

The hardest thing about photographing a pig is that pigs don't stop moving.

Ever.

This portrait worked because Ramona kept walking in circles, allowing us to see her body and face at the same time.

Not shown: Ramona chewed up the paper backdrop on set. Her pig squeal echoed through the studio—loud, proud, and impossible to ignore, just like Ramona herself.

"Thank you

for saving my life."

— Ramona

The See Hear Love Project combines professional photography and animal communication. Each portrait is paired with one of the most powerful messages the animal shared during their communication session.

Seen. Heard. Loved.

@chicagolandpigrescue

#TheSeeHearLoveProject #RescuePig #SeenHeardLoved

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Our location

Located in downtown Chicago.

1821 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622

By appointment only

info@cusicphoto.com

Available for travel internationally, for pets & family photography, and education for photographers. Send us a note for details or reach us by phone at 312-248-2939.

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