Have you ever thought about how much a loving home means to a shelter animal? For many furry friends waiting in shelters, being noticed as a unique individual can change their entire world. Sadly, some pets run out of time and never get the chance they deserve. But one incredible woman, Candice C. Cusic, a former photojournalist from the Chicago Tribune, is on a mission to change that heartbreaking story. She’s launched an amazing project called See Hear Love, which shines a spotlight on these overlooked animals by telling their stories through their own eyes.
Candice’s creative journey starts with a special kind of communication with the animals. You see, this isn’t your ordinary photo shoot. Each session begins with her connecting with the animal to understand their thoughts and feelings. This emotional connection forms the heart of a stunning portrait and a short documentary film. This is a chance to transform sad, scary intake photos into beautiful images that reveal the true essence of these animals. Instead of looking like a lost soul waiting for a forever home, they are shown as individuals with stories full of hope and love.
In a conversation with Bored Panda, Candice shared that her curiosity about animal communication sparked this journey. “Who wouldn’t want to chat with animals?” she laughed. But her experience as a visual storyteller also played a huge part in her work. After years of capturing human stories, she realized the best tales come from truly listening. Now, she’s excited to apply this same idea to animals: hear their voices first, then share their stories with the world.
The spark for See Hear Love happened when Candice was working on her animal communication project. After a fun live reading with a well-known dog influencer in Chicago, she thought of combining this unique communication with beautiful photography. This idea blossomed into something greater! By mixing animal communication with stunning visuals, she could tell an even more complete story and help shelter animals connect with loving families.
One of the remarkable animals featured in this project is Dama. When Dama rolled into Candice’s studio in a wheelchair, it was a sight that stopped everyone in their tracks. At first, her wheelchair caught everyone’s attention, but that was just the surface of her story. What truly stood out was Dama’s strength and spirit. Candice recalls, “What I remember is her determination. Her curiosity. Her joy.” This sweet girl didn’t let her challenges define her. Instead, she showed that love and hope can shine through even the toughest circumstances.
And then there’s Ramona, a pig with a past that would tug at anyone’s heartstrings. Ramona was rescued by April from Chicagoland Pig Rescue after enduring neglect. But in her new life, she has found warmth and comfort, sleeping in bed with her humans every night! When Candice communicated with Ramona, the pig expressed her gratitude to April, saying, “April IS love.” Bringing a pig to a Chicago studio turned into a delightful adventure. Everyone wanted to meet this rock star of a pig, and one man even FaceTimed his girlfriend just to show her Ramona! It’s easy to see how every animal deserves to be cherished just like Ramona.
Before each animal communication session, Candice always asks for a clear photo showcasing the animal’s face and eyes. She intentionally avoids learning any background information beforehand. This is because she wants to meet the animals without any preconceived notions. She believes that every creature has its own voice, and she aims to uncover what they want to say.
The project continues to grow, featuring many more incredible animals and their unique stories. Each portrait captures not just their beauty but also their spirit and personality. Whether it’s a dog, cat, pig, or any other animal, See Hear Love is determined to give a voice to the voiceless. Candice and her team work tirelessly to make sure every animal can share its journey and find the perfect forever home.
As Candice wraps up each session, she feels an overwhelming sense of purpose. Every animal that steps into her studio has a story to share, and she’s honored to help tell it. With her camera in hand and an open heart, she is changing the lives of these animals one portrait at a time. The joy she feels when an animal finds its forever family is unmatched.
Candice’s work shows us that by celebrating our furry friends and understanding their stories, we can create a brighter future for them. Each animal deserves love, and See Hear Love is helping to make sure no animal is left behind.
What do you think about this incredible project? Do you have a special connection with an animal that has touched your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Originally shared by u/anonymous on r/reddit. This story has been retold and expanded for editorial purposes.