Jefferson County pets, one local photographer is asking for your help.

Barbara Keech, a local animal lover and devoted Animal Welfare Society supporter is trying to raise funds for the organization in a unique way.

“I’m a huge supporter of Animal Welfare of Jefferson County,” she

said. “They have my heart.”

Beginning March 15, until August 2, Keech will visit homes all over Jefferson County to snap portraits of local dogs to benefit AWSJ.

“They operate on a shoe-string budget,” she said.

“I thought, ‘What could I do? How could I use my photography talent and business?'”

Though Keech has held similar fundraisers in the past, this year she’s mounting an even greater effort.

“This the first time it will involve the entire county,” she said.

Keech said she’s hoping to photograph a few hundred dogs over the next few months, calling the experience of meeting new pets and their owners ‘incredible.’

“It’s a wonderful community kind of thing,” she said.

The professional photo is free of charge and each pet owner will receive an 8 x10 framed piece to be hung on display locally.

Keech explained that the project will culminate in a one-day art exhibit in September, to be held at a location yet to be determined.

Each guest at the gallery show will be invited to vote for their favorite puppy picture and the top 12 picks will be featured in a special “Dogs of Jefferson County,” calendar to be produced by Keech.

Participants whose dogs don’t make the top 12 can also buy a special day in honor of their pooch for $5.

The calendar day will feature that pup’s portrait, so that as many photographed dogs as possible can be included in the calendar.

The calendar will be available for sale beginning in October and all proceeds from sale of the calendar will benefit the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County.

Keech said the calendar is also an opportunity for the local business community to support the organization.

“The business community is encouraged to buy a month for a month’s worth of advertising in the calendar to help support this important project.”

“This not only gives the business a month of advertising, but it also shows the support of that business for our animals of Jefferson County,” she said.

Keech, who owns two rescue dogs and cats of her own said animals have just always been special to her since childhood.

“They add such richness to our lives. I just try to do whatever I can to help,”

For questions and to schedule your photo shoot contact Barbara Keech at 304- 582-1953.