Here in the Business, Science and Industry Department, we love our pets.  That’s a pretty common theme among the librarians and staff of the Free Library of Philadelphia.  Our furry friends are a common topic of conversation, and we pore over the latest books teaching you how to keep your pets happy and healthy (check out our latest: Fit Cat: Tips and Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life).  That’s why we were so happy when area animal rescue group PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) expressed interest in reimagining our historic Knee-Hi photo!

In case you didn’t know, the Free Library of Philadelphia had a furry “mascot” back in the 1930s, named Knee-Hi.  There is an iconic photograph of him located in the Print and Picture Collection, and it is uploaded to the right, as well, for comparison.  The picture has become a library-wide favorite, which is why it was so much fun to try and recreate it 77 years later!

On April 22, little PAWS foster pup Dottie made her star debut!  This furry little terrier puppy was a very good girl during her photo shoot in front of the Parkway Central Library.  Dottie gave the staff and patrons lots of kisses and made a lot of people smile that morning.  While we couldn’t quite get her to wear her glasses (wriggly puppy syndrome!), she ended up doing a great job as a model.  Happily, after spending weeks in a foster home, little Dottie was just adopted and now lives with her forever family! 

If you are interested in adopting a pet, becoming a foster parent, or volunteering with PAWS, check out the PAWS website, or call 215-545-9600 for more information.  To see more images of Dottie's photoshoot, check out the PAWS News Page!

Just a cute way to kick off this beautiful spring week!

Special thanks to PAWS staff and Devon John Photography for making this happen.