My name is Tiffany Shanks. I like to tell stories with my photography. My approach

is candid – examining relationships while noting life’s humor. I started recognizing

the value of capturing relationships when I photographed my dog of fifteen years,

Rocky. His trust in me made him a willing practice subject. Shortly after my mother

was diagnosed with breast cancer. My father was right by her side. I saw first hand

how the strength of an honest relationship could heal. I began photographing my

parents and they quickly moved from subjects to collaborators – working with me

to show the truth of their experience. This collaboration inspired future projects,

like Footprints of Friendship, which demonstrated the connection between dogs

and their owners. Since then I have also discovered a passion for working with

rescue shelters and therapy animals. Approaching my work with compassion and

appreciating the humor that helps us navigate challenges has made all the differ-

ence in my life and forever impacted the way I photograph.

HenryHenry is a therapy dog at one of the Henry Ford hospitals. He

has worked visiting patients throughout the hospital since it first

opened, almost 3 years ago.

Animals and humans have a very strong bond. This bond has

a healing power and therapy dogs provide a great deal of love

and comfort to ailing patients.

Therapeutic Riding, Inc.Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is a volunteer based non-profit organization that

has been around since 1984. They provide therapeutic riding to children

and adults with disabilities. This therapy develops physical, cognitive, and

emotional capabilities and enhances self-esteem.

Footprints of FriendshipThe way an owner interacts with a dog to get them to sit and stay demonstrates

the trust between the pair. Each owner used a different method to get their beloved

dog to sit – treats, commands, petting, and toys. Observing this process I noticed

how the dogs paws danced around their owners feet. It seemed the interaction of

the paws and feet mimicked the unique personalities of the two.