Every two weeks, a van hauling about 20 dogs and puppies saved from high-kill shelters in West Virginia arrives at Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue,  in Ellicott City, Maryland. Staff and volunteers offload the confused and scared dogs and immediately prepare them for medical attention–perhaps for the first time in their lives. There are abandoned dogs and strays on board these transports; some are pregnant; others were surrendered by their owners; recently, a former hunting dog arrived with a bullet lodged in his body.

After a few days, the dogs begin to settle down. They’ve received lots of love and care, and most seem to know they are now safe. That’s usually when I show up to photograph them—all in the hopes of increasing their online visibility to help them get adopted. Happily, most do find great homes before the next group arrives. Regrettably, however, it’s a ritual for many rescues, shelters, and photographers across the country that never lets up.