STREET DOGS
of Society’s Hidden Families
A book of the homeless
and the animals they love.
by
Alan Wlasuk
Alan’s black-and-white images are reminiscent of French photographers from the 1950s: Cartier-Bresson, Doisneau, and Ronis. Each photo is a moment in the life of the subject—a snapshot of life on the street. His personalized writing style captures the heart and soul of the homeless.
You can’t serve a community you’re not comfortable in.
~~ Angela Hopson
Bits from the Inside
Sam and Emma – New Orleans, Louisiana
These two had just walked down from a homeless camp two miles to the north—a big camp under a series of highway bridges. They were a remarkable pair—Samantha had pretty red hair and amazing blue eyes, and Emma was a solid pit bull who was obviously just past giving birth.
Unknown Names – Indianapolis, Indiana
Angela saw just another house with people that needed her help. I saw a motorcycle gang and two guys that I swear were straight from the Mexican gang in Breaking Bad. Angela jumped out of the van, happily telling them she had come with SOAR to check out their dogs. I sat in the van telling myself that I would be safe if I just locked the door.
Teresa and her Cats – Arlington, Indiana
Teresa and her cats were living in an abandoned home without utilities, staying warm with a smoke-emitting kerosene heater. Raccoons had long since left the house, perhaps because of the kerosene smell.As the emotional woman carried her cats to our van, she told tearful stories of each.
Peter and Melody – New Orleans, Louisiana
Peter and Melody seemed like seasoned travelers. Their backpack was full and well worn. Melody was alert but calm—perhaps she was used to many nights sleeping on sidewalks. Like so many homeless companions, they were bonded to one another for safety and the chance to be with someone they could trust
Bits from the Inside
Sam and Emma – New Orleans, Louisiana
These two had just walked down from a homeless camp two miles to the north—a big camp under a series of highway bridges. They were a remarkable pair—Samantha had pretty red hair and amazing blue eyes, and Emma was a solid pit bull who was obviously just past giving birth.
Unknown Names – Indianapolis, Indiana
Angela saw just another house with people that needed her help. I saw a motorcycle gang and two guys that I swear were straight from the Mexican gang in Breaking Bad. Angela jumped out of the van, happily telling them she had come with SOAR to check out their dogs. I sat in the van telling myself that I would be safe if I just locked the door.
Peter and Melody – New Orleans, Louisiana
Peter and Melody seemed like seasoned travelers. Their backpack was full and well worn. Melody was alert but calm—perhaps she was used to many nights sleeping on sidewalks. Like so many homeless companions, they were bonded to one another for safety and the chance to be with someone they could trust
Take the Time to See – by Angela Hopson
A Facebook post by Angela Hopson—seven years homeless, now the the founder of SOAR. Her words will take you into the lives of people who find themselves homeless. Realize what changes happen to a man or woman who looses the life they once knew.
Alan’s black-and-white images are reminiscent of French photographers from the 1950s: Cartier-Bresson, Doisneau, and Ronis. Each photo is a moment in the life of the subject—a snapshot of life on the street. His personalized writing style captures the heart and soul of the homeless.
Take a Look - Order Your Copy
Street Dogs Book
Street Dogs Notecard Collection 2020
Copies of my books, Street Dogs and Pawprints on Our Hearts, and boxed sets of Street Dogs notecards are now available for purchase.
The Street Dogs Book is a 184-page beautifully printed hardback volume containing over 60 images of homeless people and the animals that they love. It also contains essays by the author and no-holds-bared monologues by Angela Hopson, the founder of SOAR. It is a journey into the world of the homeless that will have you questioning your own perspective of American society.
The first 100 copies of the Street Dogs book to be shipped will include the following details:
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Numbered as 1st Printing / 1st Edition
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Fitted with a Dust Cover
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On request, will be signed by the author
