Animal Photography and Activism with Travis Patenaude - The PRO EDU Podcast S10 E15

In the heart of a closely-knit community of creatives and advocates,storytellingbecomes a powerful tool for change. At the nucleus of this movement is Travis Patenaude, a dedicated photo activist whose work transcends mere imagery to become a voice for the voiceless. Patenaude, through his lens, shines a light on the dire circumstances faced by the Galgos, Spanish hunting dogs, whose plights are often unknown to the wider public. His engagement with photography, initially a means to improve adoption chances for these dogs, eventually evolved into a passionate crusade to elevate their stories to a global stage.

Patenaude's journey intertwines his love for photography with an unwavering commitment to animal advocacy. The raw and compelling nature of his work not only captures the essence of these mistreated creatures but also galvanizes a community to take action. As he deftly balances his activism with a full-time job, Patenaude makes every moment count, using the precious stretches of time he gets to spend in Spain to document and rescue as many Galgos as possible. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, drawing the attention and support of fellow photographers, animal lovers, and a growing audience that's eager to help.

Key Takeaways

• Travis Patenaude uses photo activism to champion the cause of Galgos, shedding light on their suffering and the need for change.
• His photography serves as a bridge, connecting the stories of Galgos to a broader audience, motivating adoptions and raising awareness.
• Beyond capturing images, Patenaude is actively involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of these dogs, contributing to their betterment and adoption.

Encountering Travis Patenaude

Getting Acquainted with Travis Patenaude

Travis Patenaude emerged as a distinctive figure in the landscape of photography due to his dedication to a very specialized subject - the hunting dogs of Spain. Unlike a traditional documentary photographer, Travis embraces the mantle of an activist through his lens, seeking to narrate a specific story with intent and drive societal change. His camera isn't just a tool for capturing images; it's a medium for advocacy and bringing neglected issues to light.

Travis's Photographic Activism

Adopting the role of a photo activist, Travis focuses his work on sending a clear and poignant message. This mission revolves around raising awareness of the plight of Spanish hunting dogs, specifically the Galgos, which are often mistreated and discarded. His imagery aims to evoke emotion and prompt action, providing a stark visual testimony to a narrative that demands attention and action. Through his activism, he's not merely documenting reality; he's challenging and looking to alter it.

• Advocacy Through Imagery
  • Photographic Style: Photojournalistic, conveying the stark realities of the Galgos' situation.
  • Primary Subject: The abandonment and mistreatment of hunting dogs post-season.
  • Impact of Work: Increased awareness of an overlooked issue, aiding in adoption and rescue efforts.

Championing Spain's Hunting Dogs

Travis, alongside his spouse, has been deeply involved in the rescue and advocacy for Greyhounds and Galgos. After adopting their first Galgo named Lena and learning about the harsh realities these dogs face, they were compelled to do more. Information revealed that upwards of 100,000 Galgos are either abandoned or exterminated annually after the hunting season in Spain. This has propelled Travis to use his photography as a vehicle for change, sharing compelling stories visually to aid in the dogs' rescue efforts.

• Rescue and Adoption
  • Annual Kill Rate: Approximately 100,000 Galgos.
  • Breeding Practices: Excess breeding in search of a champion, leading to high abandonment rates.
  • Personal Involvement: Hands-on rescue and adoption processes, personally bringing dogs to the U.S.

By connecting with his audience through his art, Travis Patenaude has successfully turned his photographic talents into a potent form of activism, championing the cause of Spain's hunting dogs and striving for their better treatment and adoption. His work is a testament to how passion and proficiency in a craft can intersect with activism to make a tangible difference in the world.

The Struggle of Spanish Hunting Hounds

Involvement in the Spanish Chase

Spanish hunting hounds, known locally as galgos, are primarily employed in the pursuit of hares across the rural landscapes of Spain. Their usage spikes from October through February, coinciding with the hunting season. These canines are prized for their agility and speed, which are essential traits for capturing such fleet-footed quarry.

Destiny of Non-Performing Canines

Regrettably, those hounds that do not exhibit the desired level of prowess in hunting are often subjected to a grim fate. The unsuccessful dogs are frequently abandoned or euthanized at the conclusion of the hunting season. This harsh reality underscores the fleeting value placed on these animals' lives as solely performance-based assets in rural Spain.

Proliferation and Selective Breeding

Dog breeders in Spain have adopted a quantity-over-quality approach when it comes to maintaining the lineage of these hunting dogs. A common practice among them is to keep a small pack, consisting of one male and several females, to produce as many offspring as possible, in hope that among these, a new champion will emerge. This mass breeding practice often leads to an excess of dogs, many of whom never fulfill their intended roles.

Chronicles of a Grim Reality

The plight of galgos in Spain is not widely documented, and the actual extent of mistreatment may be largely underreported. Personal explorations and efforts by activists and photographers, who have uncovered mass graves containing discarded galgos, have brought some visceral truths to light. These findings are testament to the gravity and urgency of the situation, emphasizing that untold numbers of these canines suffer and perish in obscurity each year.

Elevating Awareness with Imagery

Spearheading Adoption Efforts through Imagery

Photographs can play a pivotal role in encouraging the adoption of animals, a technique effectively employed in showcasing the needs of the Spanish hunting dog population, commonly known as Galgos. By capturing these canines in images, he presents their plights and personalities, thus aiding in connecting them with potential adopters. The approach includes partnering with various photographers skilled in pet photography, whose portfolios are instrumental in persuading animal enthusiasts to adopt and spread the word. His intent of using imagery wasn't just to create compelling visuals but also to fast-track the adoption process on a global scale.

• Collaboration with pet photographers
• Use of impactful visual narratives
• Goal: Increase rate of Galgo adoptions

The Growth of Travis's Photographic Journey

From an initial standpoint of self-critique in photography to becoming a dedicated advocate through his lens, he has witnessed a significant transformation in his capabilities and focus. What commenced as a drive to simply improve the quality of his photographs to assist in adoption efforts, evolved into a passionate journey of honing his skills. This skill elevation allowed him to craft powerful visual stories that encapsulate the essence and emotion of the Galgos – changing his initial strategy of relying on other photographers to utilizing his own growing talent to aid in their cause.

• Transition from novice to adept photographer
• Personal skill enhancement contributing to advocacy
• Visual storytelling as a tool for change

Distilling the Essence of Galgos in Imagery

Capturing Emotive Portrayal: He brings to the forefront the emotional depth of the Galgos, conveying their stories through striking studio portraits and on-location shoots. His photographs aim to evoke a response and build an unseen bond between the viewer and the subject. By focusing on the spirit and condition of the dogs, his images are a testament to their resilience and the urgent need for collective action.

Photographic Techniques:

• Studio portraits featuring the unique personalities of the Galgos
• Documentary-style snapshots revealing the realities of their lives in Spain
• Deliberate focus on emotion to foster empathy and connection

Impact on Perception: The strategic use of imagery has played a crucial part in shifting perceptions and raising awareness about the plight of Galgos, sparking conversations, and leading to increased recognition of their situation worldwide. Through his lens, he is not just providing a visual exposition but is also educationally championing the cause of these canines – a testament to the power of photography in advocacy.

• Photos influencing public opinion and knowledge
• Rise in awareness through exhibitions and publications
• Emotive visuals leading to tangible support and action

Travis's Dedication and Obstacles

Balancing Career and Advocacy Efforts

Travis manages to juggle his commitment to canine welfare with his full-time job. This balancing act involves allocating personal time to support the plight of Spanish hunting hounds. He dedicates a portion of his year — two weeks, to be precise — to traveling to Spain for hands-on involvement. His periodic visits are meticulously planned to maximize his efforts within a limited timeframe. Fundamentally, the essence of his routine can be broken down as follows:

• Full-time Employment: Maintains a regular job, ensuring financial stability.
• Part-Time Advocacy: Utilizes spare time for engagement in activism.
• Direct Interaction: Personal involvement with the hounds bolsters his advocacy work.

Organizing Journeys to Spain for Canine Assistance

Travis's approach to aiding Spanish hounds takes a significant leap when he traverses to Spain. The logistics behind these excursions are both complex and costly, especially considering the escalating travel expenses. His efforts during these visits involve:

• Biannual Trips: Travels to Spain for two weeks annually to directly contribute to the welfare of hunting hounds.
• Rescue Operations: Participates in missions to rescue these hounds and document their condition.
• Photography as a Tool: Utilizes his developing photography skills to capture the emotional depth of the canines, thus, enhancing awareness.

Cost Concerns:

• Rising Airfares: Financial planning is crucial as air travel expenses increase.
• Efficient Use of Time: Each visit is packed with actions all aiming to benefit the hounds.

Canine Welfare:

• Shelter Support: Engages with local shelters housing hundreds of hounds.
• Adoption Facilitation: Helps in the process of bringing dogs back for adoption, contributing to over 250 successful adoptions to date.

Impact of Advocacy

Establishing Objectives

In the pursuit of making a difference, setting clear targets has proven vital. The initial ambition was to feature the plight of the Spanish hunting hounds in a prominent publication. This goal was met with swift success, providing momentum for further achievements.

• Initial Milestone: Securing a magazine spot for the hunting hounds' narrative.

Recognitions and Transformations

Through various efforts, recognition has grown, and notable shifts have become evident. Photography has played a pivotal role, with images stirring interest at expos, prompting inquiries and discussions about the hounds.

• Acknowledgment: Learning judges recognized the hounds during photo competitions, illustrating raised awareness.

Amplifying Awareness via Diverse Outlets

The strategic use of multiple platforms has accelerated the spread of awareness. From visual storytelling to engagement through podcasts and physical interactions, the campaign has seen an uptick in public interest and participation.

• Methodology:
  • Utilization of compelling imagery to evoke emotion and narrative.
  • Hosting meet-and-greets for direct experience with the hounds.
  • Leveraging media opportunities to discuss and promote the cause.

The amalgamation of professional pursuits with advocacy has facilitated the transport and adoption of approximately 250 hounds, with a recent addition of four canines. By tapping into existing communities of sighthound enthusiasts and extending reach through published articles, the initiative continues to foster growth in both education and adoption rates.

Importing and Resettling Spanish Sighthounds

Relocating Hounds to North America

Travis Patenaude, a dedicated advocate for Spanish hunting dogs, known locally as "Galgos," orchestrates the relocation of these hounds to the United States. Annually, around 100,000 Galgos are either discarded or meet untimely deaths after the hunting season in Spain. The overbreeding in pursuit of finding a champion, without adequate training, exacerbates this issue. Given Travis's partiality for photography, he captures poignant images to expedite their adoption and bring attention to their plight. His efforts, coupled with his wife's support, have successfully rehomed roughly 250 canines. Only recently, they welcomed four new Galgos, exemplifying their continual commitment to these creatures.

Fostering Community Involvement and Connection

By leveraging his photography skills, Travis enhances the visibility and adoptability of Galgos. His engaging imagery not only aids in securing homes for these dogs but also educates the public on a rarely acknowledged issue. Travis and his wife predominantly connect with individuals familiar with sighthounds, such as ex-Greyhound or Whippet caretakers, introducing them to the Galgos' endearing nature. Through various channels including articles, podcasts, and local meet-and-greet events, they foster a growing awareness. Evidence of his impact is seen when likewise passionate photographers and individuals approach him, moved by the narratives encapsulated in his photos. Travis's storytelling doesn't just illuminate the somber realities; it spotlights the boundless potential of Galgos as cherished companions.

Advocacy Through Imagery

Narratives Behind the Images

My career path diverted towards an area of passionate expression through photography—addressing a cause close to my heart. After adopting my first Galgo, and being touched by its plight, I was compelled to take action against the cruel fate befalling the hunting dogs in Spain. I embraced the mantle of advocacy through my lens, becoming a proponent for these canines, which, despite their purity and grace, face a grim annual cull running into the thousands.

The genesis of my venture was quite humble, birthed from the necessity to improve adoption prospects through compelling images. This chore evolved rapidly as mastery over photography enhanced my capability to capture the silent stories and convey the emotional weight these animals bear. My initial intent to collaborate with fellow photographers grew into a personal crusade, leveraging my growing skills to spotlight the Galgos' narrative effectively.

Photography became not just a medium, but a bridge connecting the voiceless to the wider world. With my full-time job as a backdrop, I dedicated every possible moment to this cause—working with rescue dogs provided firsthand insight into their recovery and spirit, enriching the authenticity of each portrait.

My biannual trips to Spain are expeditions of discovery and storytelling. I immerse myself in the environment of these creatures, documenting their journeys from neglected shadows to cherished companions. Each frame is an opportunity to educate and inspire action, hoping to ignite a chain reaction of awareness and change.

The gradual increase in international adoptions, particularly in the United States, testifies to the outreach's impact. My photographs serve as an introduction to the Galgos, luring in prospective adopters who, moved by their plight and magnetized by their elegance, open their homes and hearts. This has been a multifaceted push towards awareness—combining the power of visual narratives with the potency of verbal advocacy through interviews, articles, and social media.

Measuring the efficacy of this mission goes beyond metrics. Every time someone recognizes a Galgo or inquires about their story, it signifies a ripple effect born from a single image—a silent nod to the potential of photo activism in shaping perspectives and saving lives.