The Mayhew Animal Home has been chosen by Owen Howkins to benefit from a photographic exhibition which launches on the 2^nd June.

Owen Howkins, 8, suffers from Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a condition which leaves his muscle in a permanent state of tension. The youngster said his life changed when his parents adopted Haatchi, a three-legged Anatolian shepherd who survived being hit by a train after being hit around the head and dumped in the railway yard.

“To be chosen by Owen as a charity to benefit from this remarkable exhibition is touching and we are so grateful for his support. We are all animal lovers at The Mayhew and we see the impact animals have on our lives, and we work tirelessly for others to realise it too. Owen and Haatchi are the perfect example of the special bond animals and humans can share.” said Caroline Yates, CEO.

Over the last 20 months, media photographer Maria Slough has travelled approximately 2440 road miles, 360 nautical miles and 10,000 air miles to photograph well known faces and members of the public all with an animal of their choice. The photographs tell stories of love and companionship and each picture raises awareness for an animal related charity. The book of the entire collection is available to buy, raising funds to support the charities in their ongoing work for the animals.

Maria Slough said “This collection of photographs that I have been lucky enough to capture will I hope inspire people to inquire about the relationships shared by those who have been photographed, and enquire about the incredible work that goes on each and every day around the world, for the animals and by the animals, by the charities that the photographs are raising awareness for.”

Brian May, Paul O’Grady, Dame Eileen Atkins, Simon Callow, Martin Clunes, and Gold Medalist Greg Rutherford who with their chosen charities are also all part of The Pawtraits Exhibition™

The launch party and private view will be held on June 2^nd at London’s Café Royal. Maria and The Pawtraits Exhibition™ will be setting sail with Carnival UK for the month of June. The online exhibition starts on June 2^nd at www.thepawtraitsexhibition.com

A book with all the photos in it that will raise money as well as awareness for all the charities will be on sale online: www.thepawtraitsexhibition.com.

Photo credit: Michael Jones