‘Paws & Consider’ is my Final Year Illustration project, developed in response to Ireland’s dog shelter crisis and the growing number of abandoned dogs. Inspired by my love of animals, the project aims to raise awareness of the dogs often forgotten in local shelters through three creative outcomes.

A Light for the Forgotten is an illustrated poster series that uses changing lighting conditions to reveal messages about the issues contributing to the shelter crisis, accompanied by informative plaques.

A Hunt for the Forgotten is an interactive sticker campaign placed in dog-friendly locations across Wicklow and Dublin, encouraging the public to discover the designs, engage with the project and participate in a social media sticker hunt.

Finally, A Gift for the Forgotten provides step-by-step illustrated guides to making DIY snuffle mats and braided dog toys, highlighting accessible ways to support shelter dogs beyond adoption or monetary donations. Through interviews with DSPCA staff, I gained first-hand insight into the challenges facing shelters and donated handmade toys and mats to their dogs.

Bringing together illustration, exhibition design, public engagement and community action, the project encourages greater awareness and compassion for Ireland’s shelter dogs. The initiative is documented on Instagram at @pawsandconsider.