‘Cones of Fame’ Turns Dreaded Dog Cones Into Works of Art to Help Dogs Find Forever Homes

Thanks to some creative thinking, the “Cone of Shame” for dogs has a completely different meaning.

Erin Einbender is a photographer from Chicago and wanted to help change the stigma with the dreaded “Cone of Shame.” While Einbender was finishing up her degree at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she began volunteering at One Tail at a Time, an animal rescue center in Chicago.

During her time at the rescue center, Einbender was able to use her love of art to help several dogs find forever homes.

“I realized I could use photography and my knowledge of social media to help the dogs find forever homes,” Einbender told People. “I was brainstorming ideas for my final photography project and came up with the idea of ‘Cones of Fame.’”

"Be Free" – Miguel- UPDATE: Adopted!! is a volunteer favorite at @onetailatatime! He's been at the rescue for a year and a half which is way too long. Being a pitbull or a pitbull mix in a shelter/rescue is hard, being this breed with separation anxiety makes it even harder to find a forever home. Because of Miguel's separation anxiety he is part of One Tail's "Good Dog Forever Program"which includes a free adoption fee, a foster to adopt period where a trainer will work with you in your home and training for life! Otherwise Miguel is a super sweet and playful boy that just wants to be with his humans❤️. If you're interested in adopting or fostering a dog visit onetail.org

A post shared by Erin Einbender (@conesoffame) on May 13, 2017 at 7:20am PDT

Einbender focused her attention on the dogs who were trapped inside the bulky cones and decided to brighter up their moods while they had to wear them.

“The dogs looked so sad in their cones and the cones have been associated with shame,” Einbender told People. “I wanted the cones to represent something positive and had the idea of blinging them out.”

The perfect Mother's Day bouquet! Buddie – UPDATE: Adopted!! is hoping to find his forever family. He's a young medium sized pup who loves to cuddle and play. If you're interested in adopting Buddie check out @onetailatatime (onetail.org) #happymothersday #bouquetofflowers

A post shared by Erin Einbender (@conesoffame) on May 14, 2017 at 1:04pm PDT

Einbender put her creative juices to work and was able to create amazing cones for the dogs. The brightness and colorfulness of the cones instantly got rid of the shame stigma. The dogs in the brand new cones were happy and excited to wear them.

The new and improved cones have also helped the dogs in a big way. All of the dogs that participated in Einbender’s project have been adopted and are now living in forever homes.

"Bubblegum" – Ellie – adopted!

A post shared by Erin Einbender (@conesoffame) on May 18, 2017 at 7:05am PDT

“I hope this project inspires people to spay/neuter their pet and reach out to their local rescues and shelters to help in some way, whether it’s volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating,” Einbender told People. There are so many dogs out there that need forever homes. Every dog deserves a chance.”

"Trash Boy" – Buddie Boy – UPDATE: Adopted!! is currently looking for his forever home! He's super goofy and is just a young pup at only ~7 months old. Buddie Boy loved being in front of the camera, he's a natural and was totally posing for me. He's available for adoption at @onetailatatime, go fill out an application to meet him if you think you'd be a match!

A post shared by Erin Einbender (@conesoffame) on May 12, 2017 at 1:52pm PDT

To find out more about the “Cones of Fame” and see how you can help bring the project to your local shelter, follow Erin Einbender on Instagram and Facebook.

(H/T People)