UNUSUAL PET PROJECT

I started my "Unusual Pet Project" in January 2023 with the purpose of getting ahead of any winter blues that might set in. Since I love animals and I’m curious about the relationships people have with their pets, I started to explore these relationships with photography. I chose to focus on unusual pets in particular when I learned a photo client of mine had a flying squirrel - I had to know more.

A few peacocks, an emu, a ball python, a hairless elf cat, a bearded dragon, sibling macaws in matching hoodies, a one-eyed chameleon, a small pink pig, two donkeys and more creatures later, a central theme emerged: I SEE MYSELF IN YOU. I discovered that owners of rare pets identify with their animals' mystique, distinctiveness, individuality, and eccentricity and that often these pet owners see themselves in their pets - they too want to be valued and celebrated as independent and rare individuals.

I found that pet owners find solace in the uniqueness of their pets. The unconditional empathy they give their pets is the same empathy and understanding they want to receive from other humans. We all have a longing to be seen and understood as special and to receive unconditional empathy, and the relationship we have with our pets mirrors that desire - to be seen and valued as entirely intriguing, special and individual - back to us.

Please see my blog (mollyemiller.com/blog) for more in depth stories about each animal and their families.