His name was Kunz, and he was my dog. I spent with him my whole childhood, adolescence and even a small part of adulthood. My friends hated him, he was so jealous that would not let anyone get close to me. But for me, he was just a friend. I grew up with him, I slept with him, I played with him, and he always protected me. Until he lost his eyesight. At that time I was the one who was supposed to protect him and take care of him. And I did. As many other people who love their animals despite disabilities and malformations did.
And it is dedicated to them, the animals that were able to overcome adversity and to adapt to their disabilities, Perfect Imperfection. A beautiful project made by Australian photographer Alex Cearns. Animals with just three legs, born without eyes, survivors of trauma or abused victims: all the animals photographed by Alex face every day of their lives with determination and courage. As he explains: “Most animals with ‘afflictions’ don’t dwell on them. They adapt to their bodies without complaint and they survive with determination. They push on, always, wanting to be included and involved in everything as much as they can, and as much as an able pet does. The tenacity of animals to overcome adversity never ceases to amaze me. They make the most out of life and from them I have learnt so much about always seeing the positive in every situation and never giving up.”
Perfect Imperfection makes us think on the true meaning of beauty, forcing us to be less superficial offering new points of view and, not least, it warms our hearts. I admit, I was moved. Not only because I thought back to my Kunz, but for the sweetness, the delicacy and the emotions that each of these pictures can show to us. You can’t be mercilessly. And it’s all thanks to Alex Cearns.
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Snoopy – 3 legs
Spike – pink and grey galah – fused leg
Louie – one eye
Rowdy – 3 legs
Rupert – 3 legs
Bali Pip – mange
Hannah – 3 legs
Jack – one eye
Image courtesy: Alex Cearns
All images © Alex Cearns, all rights reserved
