When Traer Scott read an article about satos, the stray dogs of Puerto Rico, the photographer found herself gripped by the plight of these homeless dogs. After the success of her first book, “Shelter Dogs,” Scott was able to revisit the subject that had captured her attention several years before. In early 2007, Scott traveled to Puerto Rico and Mexico to work with animal rescuers and organizations, and at the end of the experience found herself with a second book, “Street Dogs.”
Scott’s poignant introduction to the book sets the stage for the beautiful portraits and outdoor photographs that follow. She explains, “I could write volumes recounting endless anecdotes and stories of success, heartbreak, exhilaration, and exhaustion that I, and the people who worked so harmoniously with me, experienced during the making of this book. But in the end, it is the job of the photographs to communicate what I can’t even begin to explain in words.”
And true to her word, through her photographs Traer tells a haunting story, not just of the 34 named dogs she includes, but of the many anonymous dogs in the book, and the thousands of other strays in Puerto Rico and Mexico living on streets, in dumps, and anywhere they can find a scrap of food.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of “Street Dogs” goes to the World Society for the Protection of Animals. “Street Dogs” is on sale now.