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We asked to see your ink, and you obliged by rolling up your sleeves, sometimes even taking off your shirts altogether. In response to our request, you sent us photos of your animal-related tattoos and told us the stories behind them—sometimes sad, often touching, always indicative of your love for and commitment to animals. Thanks to all of you who shared your artwork and stories. We received so many responses we didn't have space to include all of them in the magazine. Here are more of your wonderful tattoos and the stories behind them. Read the original article.
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When I made the decision to get a second tattoo, it was important to me that it represent something more personal about myself. So began my quest to find the right artwork to ink on my body. My lifelong love for animals instantly drew me to search out animal images. What I quickly learned was that animal images were endless, and therefore I had to narrow my search. At the core of my passion is helping companion animals, specifically cats and dogs. Now I had to find an image that would represent both cats and dogs in a positive light. After many Internet searches I began looking at organizational logos. Once I saw this particular logo I knew it was what I had been searching for. When friends and family saw my tattoo for the first time they commented on how appropriate it was for me. I proudly show my love for cats and dogs each and every day!
—Angie Wood, Director of Operations, Naperville Area Humane Society; President, Illinois Animal Welfare Federation, Naperville, Illinois |
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Recently, as I approached age 40, I changed careers to finally follow my heart. I quit the corporate world and started into the world of animal welfare. I had been looking for quite some time for a tattoo that would show my love for Basenjis when I found this design, "Rescue Angel," by Tammy Grimes from Dogs Deserve Better. The minute I saw it I knew this was the tattoo! I had the tattoo artist change the puppy dog ears to resemble Basenji ears, and now I can proudly show two of my passions, animal welfare and Basenji rescue all in one tattoo. Every time I see it, it confirms that I have made the right career decision by dedicating my life to animal welfare. It’s a great conversation starter about animal rescue, and a constant reminder of some of my favorite pets—my Basenjis!
—Lisa Bragg, Volunteer Coordinator, Montgomery Humane Society |
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I was a volunteer with Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue for about a year when I took in a new foster, Stuart. Terrified of most men, he had no self-confidence and was very skittish. Stuart immediately bonded with me and became my shadow. Needless to say, I failed fostering and he became mine. We attended obedience classes to help him build confidence. It was amazing watching him transform into a confident, playful dog. When I decided to get a tattoo, I knew I wanted something that represented my passion, Siberian Huskies, but wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted. Everyone always commented on Stuart’s stunning looks, especially his eyes (one blue, one brown with a chunk of blue). That was it, my boy’s eyes on my back! My only regret is that I can’t see it without looking in a mirror. Now Stuart will be with me forever.
—Polly Bray, Member at Large/Foster Home, Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue |
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My most recent tattoo resembles my dedication and love for cat rescue. I volunteer with a cat rescue in South Brunswick, N.J., called Feline Rescue Mission. Our goal is to give cats a chance for a great life they would not have otherwise. I have wanted to get the perfect tattoo to represent my love for cats for a very long time, and I finally found it. Now whenever I see my tattoo it will remind me to stay dedicated and continue to support animal rescues of all kinds. I enjoy devoting my time to helping animals in need.
—Nicole Bremer, Volunteer, Feline Rescue Mission, South Brunswick, New Jersey |
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I rescued Uno from an abandoned house when she was only days old. I bottle-fed her for weeks. She quickly became my best friend and companion. She would snuggle with me at night and nurse on my neck; she was truly my baby. At 6 months old after an emergency room visit she was diagnosed with FIP. Not a good diagnosis. The doctor suggested euthanizing her. For some reason that night I just could not let her go. They drained her chest of fluid to make her more comfortable, and I brought her home hopeful that their diagnosis was incorrect. A few days later her chest started to fill again. On the suggestion of a fellow rescue volunteer I had her chest drained once again to buy some more time. We experimented with some drugs and were able to give her three more months without any more fluid in her chest. At only 9 months old she finally succumbed to the FIP. I only had Uno in my life for nine months, but those nine months had a lifetime of love packed into them. In her honor I had her picture and name tattooed on my arm. I will never forget that little girl that changed my life and will always carry her with me.
—Brooke M. Wood, Director of Admissions, KC Siamese Rescue |
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I got this NO FUR tattoo for my one-year anniversary … wedding anniversary, that is. What's to say? I am an avid animal rights activist, and I am undeniably proud of my anti-fur stance on life. As a certified humane educator, when I see a fur coat (not that there are many to be found here in sunny Botox Raton—oops, I mean Boca Raton!), I see red! I view the person who supports the fur industry by wearing a fur as an apathetic, vain, shallow person … of course with a cold heart! That's my story, and I am sticking to it!
—Eileen Scanlon Christofi, Boca Raton, Florida |
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I actually had these tattoos long before I was in the business, but maybe they were some sort of self-fulfilling prophecy! The wolf, the ancestor of all dogs, and the mountain lion, the epitome of the cat, remind me to respect these creatures and their instincts that are not always so deeply embedded. I get a lot of compliments from people I meet when responding to calls, and I think it sets their mind at ease in a way—they have no doubt of my respect for the animals and my commitment to their well-being.
—Richard C. Crino, Dare County Animal Control Officer, Dare County, North Carolina |
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I have been working/volunteering for a Basset Hound Boarding and Rescue Ranch for five years now. The tattoo of the paw in hand with the word “Rescue” underneath says it all. I've always loved animals, but when I started in rescue, I found true meaning in my life. Rescuing, rehabilitation, and finding new homes for these innocent souls filled a void I'd been feeling. I will be doing this for the rest of my life. The heart with the paw prints walking through it is in honor of all hounds that have come into my life, as I will never forget any of them. Though this is my job, I feel it actually is my reason in the life I live. And I've never been happier.
—Rita Dluzak, Kennel Caretaker/Manager, Daphneyland Basset Boarding and Rescue Ranch, Acton, California |
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