These majestic dog portraits are taking the shame out of the cone of shame

Jolie, a standard poodle, wears a collar of painted makeup sponges in Winnie Au’s new book “Cone of Shame.” It can be quite the sad sight: the family pet, recovering from surgery, having to wear that awkward cone on their neck to keep them from licking at their stitches. They look miserable. They look silly. But Winnie Au is hoping to flip the script with her new photo book, “Cone of Shame.” In these portraits, dogs are wearing fashionable collars that they can be proud of. “I wanted to take that post-surgery humiliation — that saddest moment for every pet — and twist it into something beautiful and majestic,” Au says in her book. “I wanted to take the shame out of the cone.”

The dog’s popularity stems from his unique appearance and his ability to pull off a variety of outfits. He’s become a fashion icon, inspiring countless others to embrace their own personal style. Bodhi’s Instagram account, @MenswearDog, has amassed over 1.5 million followers. This impressive number reflects the dog’s undeniable appeal and the power of social media in connecting people with shared interests.

For example, a dog’s tail could be a sculpture, a dog’s fur could be a painting, and a dog’s eyes could be a window into the soul. The artist, whose name is Au, is known for creating sculptures and installations that are inspired by the natural world. He has a background in architecture and design, which informs his artistic approach.

The photoshoots are a collaboration between the two designers, Marie-Yan Morvan and Au. They are known for their unique and playful approach to fashion and photography. Their work often features dogs wearing stylish accessories, creating a whimsical and charming aesthetic. The photoshoots are a testament to the bond between humans and their pets.

Honeynut was a stubborn little dog with a big personality. He was a rescue dog, and his past experiences might have contributed to his behavior. He was a bit of a showman, always trying to steal the spotlight.

We’d go on adventures, explore new places, and have a lot of fun. We’d go to the zoo, the aquarium, and other places where we could see animals. We’d also go on hikes and camping trips, where we’d encounter wild animals in their natural habitat.

“We also made sure there was enough space for the dogs to play and socialize. We wanted to create a space that was both comfortable and stimulating.”

This statement highlights the importance of providing dogs with adequate space for physical activity and social interaction. It emphasizes the significance of creating a stimulating environment that caters to their natural instincts and promotes their well-being.

Treats were always available on set, though Au said some of the best models were so trained they didn’t even need them. Olive, a miniature schnauzer, wears fake pampas grass on a gray felt collar. Sebi, a young Brussels griffon, wears artificial grass affixed to a plastic base. The “Cone of Shame” project was inspired by Au’s late corgi, Tartine, whom the book is dedicated to. Au and her husband had Tartine for about a year and a half before the dog was diagnosed with throat cancer. “We went through a long process of going to the hospital, doing chemotherapy, trying to save her, doing all this stuff that was very emotional and difficult,” Au recalled.

This is a common sentiment among pet owners, especially those who are financially vulnerable. Many pet owners struggle to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and veterinary care. The high cost of pet ownership is a growing concern, and it’s important to address this issue.

These collars are designed to prevent dogs from licking or chewing their wounds. They are typically made of a soft, breathable material like nylon or leather. The use of pet cones is a relatively new development in veterinary medicine, with its origins dating back to the 1970s. The effectiveness of pet cones in preventing licking and chewing is well-documented.

Au has called it “my love letter to all the good dogs out there.”