City Honors 2016 Volunteer of the Year Kelly Vela

MORENO VALLEY>>  Photographer Kelly Vela was selected as the City of Moreno Valley 2016 Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to photographing shelter animals in a flattering way to help them find their forever homes. Kelly has photographed more than 1,200 shelter animals since she began volunteering at the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter in 2014. Her photographs showcase shelter animals in a beautiful, warm way that makes them more appealing to prospective families. More than 90 percent of the animals she has photographed have been adopted, returned to their owners, rescued by an animal partner or transferred to another shelter to be adopted. In 2012, Kelly and her husband Gil, started a project called “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Lives” to depict shelter animals in a positive light.  Through their company, Dos Vela Images, the couple is dedicated to spending time with shelter animals, gaining their trust, and ultimately taking a beautiful picture to help these animals get adopted. Kelly is always trying to think of ways to add new dimensions to her project.  In an effort to highlight the dedicated staff members working at the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter, she is in the process of taking photographs of staff members to add to her album of shelter animals. The City of Moreno Valley is grateful for the time and dedication Kelly has devoted to the City’s Animal Shelter. Her work continues to highlight the benefits of adopting a shelter animal.  For more information about volunteering with the City of Moreno Valley please visit www.mymoval.org.