Local pet photographer turns shelter dogs into models to help them get adopted in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Say Cheese! Wendy Domanski is a pet photographer of WinkFace Photography in Santa Barbara.

And she’ll do anything to get the attention of local shelter dogs looking for a home.

“It is a lot of work … You have to get them to look at you … there’s a lot of noise in the background and you have to keep the costumes on," said Domanski.

Domanski is turning shelter dogs into models.

By dressing them up as Batman or Wonder Woman, the photographer hopes to help them find a forever home, especially given how crowded it’s getting at the Santa Barbara animal services shelter. 

“Oh it’s nuts … it’s nuts! The whole month of October has just been crazy … we waived the fees because we had this huge construction in Santa Maria location so we made this big push to bring all the animals from over there to over here," said supervisor Elaine Allison of the Santa Barbara County Animal Services. “Yes we’ve gotten a lot of calls about the dogs some of them have meet and greet schedules so hopefully this final afternoon of photography and costumes will result in homes.”

In order to give these dogs even more exposure, Domanski is asking the community to vote on the dog and costume they like the best. 

“The dog that gets the most votes of course they’re all winners … and the declared winner gets a day out in Santa Barbara … they get a puppuccino … they get to go to Montecito‘s pet shop and pick out their own toy and treat … they also get a day at the beach," said Domanski.

Those sharing in the contest will also get a chance for prizes as well.

But beyond all the glitz and glamour, Domanski has just one wish.

"My hope is to make it into a fun contest … and get the dogs adopted," said Domanski.

For information on how you can adopt a dog in need of a home, log onto the Santa Barbara County Animal Services at: https://www.countyofsb.org/415/Animal-Services

HALLOWEEN DOG SHELTER COSTUME CONTEST

How the contest works:

The dog with the most votes by midnight on Halloween will win a fun day out of the shelter including receiving a puppaccino from Starbucks, they will get to pick out a toy and treat from Montecito Pet Shop and follow that up with a fun day at the beach.

Those voting for the dogs will be entered into a raffle and may win fabulous prizes including a pet photography session with WinkFace Photography.

They can also win a 1 year dog membership at Elings Park  or C.A.R.E.4Paws "Stay Pawsitive" hoodie.

To view the dogs in costume and vote for your favorite dog and for full contest details please go WinkFace Photography on Facebook or Instagram account:

https://www.facebook.com/winkfacephotography 

or 

https://www.instagram.com/winkfacephotography

Raffle winners for those that have shared the dogs will be drawn live on Santa Barbara County Animal Services Facebook page on Tuesday, November 1st at 11 am.

https://www.facebook.com/santabarbaracountyanimalservices

"I really want people to see that there are so many amazing dogs at shelters right now looking for homes. There are dogs of all shapes and sizes and mixed breeds and pure breeds too. If you look at the dogs in the contest there is even a pure breed Great Dane, German Shepherds, Husky, there are border collie mixes. So there are many great dogs that would love nothing more than a home and family of their own.  All of the shelters are full right now, and I hope everyone will visit their local shelters when they are looking to add a new furry family member into their homes," said Domanski.