

adoption
Through a co-creation process with the shelter's volunteers, we discovered that each dog had a unique story that could connect with potential adopters. This inspired the idea of creating a book where each animal's journey (from birth to rescue) is told from their own perspective.


Topic selection
Since the project allowed for a self-directed theme, I began by reflecting on my personal experiences. During this introspective process, I kept coming back to my time working with a dog adoption organization.
Shelter
I had the opportunity to spend time at the shelter, interact with the animals, and hear the heartbreaking yet inspiring stories of many dogs that had been abandoned or mistreated by society. So I decided to create this book giving these dogs a voice could be a powerful way to raise awareness and dedicated it to my childhood dog, my best friend.



Research
Once I had chosen the topic, I knew it was important to go beyond my own experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the people who might engage with the book—particularly potential adopters and animal lovers.
Volunteers
I conducted interviews with shelter volunteers and staff, gathered stories about the dogs' backgrounds, and observed how adopters responded emotionally to different narratives.


Content
This research helped me see how storytelling could build empathy and connection. It also shaped the direction of the book, guiding both the tone and structure to ensure that each dog’s story would not only be informative, but also emotionally engaging and impactful.
Result
Rescue stories where the main characters are the pets adopted through the organization. This book served as both a way to showcase the animals available for adoption at ARANI El Salvador and to share their stories with future adopters, allowing them to connect with their pets on a deeper, more personal level.


turning stories
into connection