What a Doggone Shame!

If you’ve ever had a dog, then you are probably familiar with them at some point, having to come home from the vet wearing a plastic collar so they can’t scratch or bother some kind of medical procedure that they’ve had done.  They are usually not very happy about having to wear it, and are often annoyed and appear somewhat dejected about the whole thing.  This plastic collar has even become known in it's own right as, “ the cone of shame.”  You may remember Dug, the goofy and lovable dog from the movie UP!  Even he can relate(see image below)! Lucky for him though, he was animated and didn't have to endure wearing the cone around his neck in real life.

Well, someone has tried to portray this "cone of shame" in a different light. Artist and photographer, Winnie Au, has taken a very unusual approach to the dreaded plastic dog collar. She is trying to take some of the shame out of it by replacing it with a creative spin through her camera lens.  In her new book, The Cone of Shame, she uses photographed images of various types of dogs, artistically featuring their beauty and individuality, while wearing a uniquely decorated cone. Her cause is to help raise awareness for rescue dogs, many of whom have urgent medical needs. Some of the proceeds from her book sales are donated to Animal Haven's Recovery Road Fund. Below are a few photos from Winnie Au's book and her website. Check them out!

By the way, this surgical collar for animals was originally known as the Elizabethan Collar, and was invented in 1962. Dr. Frank L. Johnson, a veterinarian, got the idea from the ruffed collars worn by nobles and Queen Elizabeth I, for whom the collar was named. The original collar was made from a thin plastic sheet. Today, some cones are even made from fabric for a more comfortable feel for our beloved, furry friends.