Former Chicago Tribune Photojournalist Creates Unique Project To Help Shelter Animals Find Homes (11 Pics)

In an interview with Bored Panda, Cusic explained that her decision to study animal communication came from both curiosity and her experience as a visual storyteller. “Who wouldn’t want to talk to animals?” the woman said. But her professional background played an equally important role. After years of working in photojournalism, Cusic had learned that the strongest stories come from listening closely to the people whose experiences she was documenting. Now, she has an opportunity to bring that same approach to animals: listen first, then tell their story.

The idea for "See Hear Love" developed while Cusic was promoting her animal communication work. Together with her team, she was filming a live reading with a Chicago dog influencer and afterward realized that adding a portrait session could create something much more powerful. Combining communication, photography, and film could not only tell a more complete story but also give shelter and rescue animals a new way to connect with potential adopters.

Before each communication session, Cusic asks for a photograph showing the animal’s face and eyes. She deliberately avoids receiving background information beforehand because she does not want those details to influence the session. Using the photograph, she makes the connection privately and asks the animal questions, recording what she experiences, which may come in the form of words, images, feelings, or physical sensations. She then sits down with the animal’s caretaker and shares what she received, with the conversation filmed as part of the documentary.

Cusic said some of the most remarkable moments come when people who know the animal well recognize details in the reading and confirm them. The sessions can also be deeply emotional. She often tears up during the readings, and caretakers sometimes do the same, particularly when difficult experiences from an animal’s past come to light.

The photography sessions require a similarly patient approach. Cusic explained that these are not typical portrait sessions, especially because some animals have only recently been surrendered or abandoned and may be frightened, withdrawn, or uncertain around unfamiliar people. If an animal refuses to stay on set or appears uncomfortable, the team slows down and gives it space rather than forcing the session forward.

“Our job is to give them the time and space they need and be ready when that moment comes,” the woman explained. The goal is not simply to produce a technically beautiful photograph, but to capture something genuine that helps viewers connect with the animal.

That process also involves a considerable amount of work behind the scenes. Cusic said each animal receives a full day of filming and photography, followed by another 10 or more hours of editing and production. The investment is significant because the finished story needs to do more than look beautiful, it needs to capture attention and potentially change the animal’s adoption prospects.

The project grew from Cusic’s broader belief in using visual storytelling to create something positive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created Save Local Businesses, photographing 54 small-business owners outside their shuttered businesses and returning three years later to document how their lives and businesses had changed. "See Hear Love" emerged from a similar desire to bring attention to stories and individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.

“I wanted to give people a reason to stop and see an animal as an individual—not a shelter number or another adoption post, but someone with a personality, a story, and something to say,” Cusic explained. “We could all use more of that kind of positivity right now.”

The need for that shift in perspective is particularly pressing in Chicago. According to the project's August 2026 announcement, more than 3,700 animals were euthanized at Chicago’s city shelter in 2025. Against that backdrop, Cusic hopes "See Hear Love" can help change the way people encounter animals who are waiting for homes, one story at a time.

For now, the project is entirely self-funded, which limits how many animals the team can feature and the resources available for each production. At her portrait studio, the woman hires a professional animal trainer for every session to help keep animals comfortable and safe. She hopes sponsorship will eventually allow that same level of support for every "See Hear Love" collaboration.

Looking ahead, Cusic wants to work with more shelters and rescues, tell the stories of more species, and reach animals who might otherwise remain overlooked. Each story requires a team, a full day of filming and photography, and many additional hours of editing and production, so expanding the project will require sponsors and partners who believe in its mission.

At its heart this project is an attempt to change what happens when someone encounters an animal looking for a home. Instead of seeing only an intake photograph, a shelter number, or a short list of characteristics, Cusic wants potential adopters to encounter an individual with a personality and a story of their own. As she puts it, “The best animal stories begin with listening.” And when people connect with one individual animal, she believes, they may leave caring more deeply about animals as a whole.