Memento Mori: Haunting images of dogs, in photos taken moments before their deaths
For two years, Yun-Fei Tou has been photographing dogs heading to meet their deaths at the Taoyuan Animal Shelter in Taiwan, providing in the process some last-minute affection to the animals and a message to all: There has got to be a better way.
“I believe something should not be told but should be felt,” says Tou, 37, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. “And I hope these images will arouse the viewers to contemplate and feel for these unfortunate lives, and understand the inhumanity we the society are putting them through.”
“Memento Mori” is one of the award-winning photographers long-term projects.
He has captured the images of some 400 dogs, most of which were pets abandoned by their owners, sometimes hours before they are euthanized, sometimes just minutes, according to an Associated Press story.
And once in a while, according to a recent piece in the Washington Post, he is at their side when the lethal injection takes place.
“You treat them like your own dog or daughter or son. And then you play with them, as if they are your friend … You just make sure that when they are facing euthanasia, they are in peace,” Tou said.
A selection of some of the 40,000 dog pictures Tou has taken are scheduled to be exhibited in August in his first full-scale show, at the Fine Arts Museum in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung.
A few others are on display at Taoyuan city hall, aimed at heightening citizen awareness of the responsibilities that come with raising a pet.
Tou first became interested in photography in 1991 as a student at The American School in Switzerland. In 1998, he graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a major in photography.
His softly lit photographs reflect the dignity of the soon-to-be-killed dogs, who, despite often being mangy and emaciated, seem to have a grace about them.
Shelters in Taiwan will euthanize 80,000 dogs this year. In the U.S., between 3 and 4 million dogs are euthanized a year.
You can find more of Tou’s photos here.
Posted by jwoestendiek July 27th, 2012 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, art, death, death row, dignity, dogs, euthanasia, exhibit, grace, memento mori, pets, photographer, photography, photos, shame, shelters, taiwan, taoyuan animal shelter, yun-fei tou
Comments
Comment from Anne’n'Spencer
Time July 27, 2012 at 8:05 pm
I forced myself to look at each of the twenty pictures in the gallery associated with the AP story. All I could think of was the stern reminder given to Christians on Ash Wednesday: Remember, O Man, that dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return. We’re here for such a short time. It’s best to try to leave the place a little better than we found it, even if all we can do is show kindness to a dog.
Comment from barry knister
Time July 29, 2012 at 9:53 am
I share Robert Schlosser’s view. Although I am moved by what the photographer has done, I will not look at the pictures. All dogs are slaves. This means most of the questions worth asking have to do with the slave owners. I express an equally serious but lighter perspective on dogs at the blog I write as part of my website http://www.barryknister.com.
Comment from Marissa T
Time July 30, 2012 at 12:43 am
Although I knew it would be painful, I did look at the other photos because I am a true animal lover . . . I figure that is the least I could do, to acknowledge their existence however long it lasted. I am not ashamed to admit that I did cry, especially since some reminded me of victims of the Holocaust. While that might seem silly to some (those who are not true animal lovers), I feel that it does show that I am human. Too many people say they are animal lovers but do nothing to actually “show” that they actually love any animal except themselves (words come easy & actions speak louder than words). Some self-proclaimed animal lovers do not adopt or rescue a single pet, they do not donate to animal welfare organizations that operate on shoestring budgets, they do not speak up by signing even just one petition to end animal abuse. I guess that means those of us who are true animal lovers must do whatever we can to help our furry friends and fellow living creatures. Thank you for posting these photos to increase awareness and remind everyone of the importance of treating all living creatures humanely. I also appreciate the statistics about how many dogs are euthanized in Taiwan as compared to the US where I live — enlightening although very sad.
Comment from Marissa T
Time August 2, 2012 at 2:43 am
I un-intentionally lost 3 pounds in the past 2 days. Although I take excellent care of my multiple feline companions, donate regularly to the ASPCA & other animal welfare organizations, and advocate for all animals, I feel guilty for eating after looking at those poor doggies who are no longer breathing. I feel guilty that I have all the food I want, of any flavor I desire, of any quantity, at any time of the day yet there are soooooo many starving dogs (man’s best friends ?) out there who can’t even get a few scraps. Some might say it was the humane thing to do, to kill them, since they were in such bad physical condition. However, they should have been given a little more time to be rescued. Those emaciated dogs probably could have been saved with just a little kindness and compassion. Maybe restaurant owners could have given their leftovers to the starving canines ? Coincidentally, while dining at a restaurant tonight, I met a woman from Taiwan. I told her that I read this story about the dog problem in her country. Before I could even elaborate, she said exactly what this article explained — that people in Taiwan play with their dogs for a while but then get bored with them. I guess the people in Taiwan need some education about spaying and neutering. I believe she said they don’t have a Humane Society over there — seems like they really need one ! Perhaps several of the big pet food companies could donate some $ to help start up a Taiwan Humane Society so they could deal with this tragedy more humanely. The pet food companies sure would be rewarded (in the form of profits)for such a humanitarian gesture !
Comment from robert schlosser
Time July 27, 2012 at 1:17 pm
I doubt I could ever look at those pictures myself knowing what was to become of these dogs, but I do applaud what he has created, Too many people don’t ever consider the consequences of their actions and maybe this will help just a little.