Jack Jackson Dog Photography

Toronto, November 9, 2023 Acclaimed dog photographer and co-founder of the "Don't You Want Me Project?” Jack Jackson, is joining forces with Leslieville Pet Valu to present a captivating photo and storytelling exhibit in honour of Trans Awareness Week.

The event, running from November 13 to 20, showcases the remarkable bond between rescue dogs and 2SLGBTQ individuals through stunning photography and powerful narratives. The week-long exhibit raises awareness of the issues queer and trans people face alongside celebrating the power of love to change lives.

Pet Valu Leslieville is not only hosting the exhibit but will also sponsor the remaining project sessions of 2023 to support Jackson's mission of promoting positive representation. 

"It's so important for any minority to see positive representations of themselves. Taking a stunning image from their session and turning it into a huge piece of wall art provides them with a daily reminder of how far they have come. This can be particularly important and needed on the hard days. The images we create are a celebration and reminder of queer and trans people's resilience, joy and strength and a permanent reflection of how love, support and connection have the power to transform lives."

Jackson will be at Pet Valu Leslieville on Saturday, November 18, from 10 am to 12 noon, to talk with customers about his project. 2SLGBTQ individuals interested in participating in the photography and storytelling project are encouraged to come and meet Jackson during the event or connect with him via his website.

Pet Valu store owner Caida Gill said "Raising awareness of trans issues and supporting and uplifting the local community in this manner is crucial. We're thrilled to be working with Jackson again and love the initiative because it aligns with our core values of inclusivity and celebration of diversity.”

Pet Valu Leslieville is offering customers who come to the store during the exhibit a chance to win a doggy photoshoot with Jackson, owner of Jack Jackson Dog Photography.

Jackson is currently working on a documentary about the Don't You Want Me Project and planning his second Canada-wide tour. The project's next stop will be a tour of B.C commencing on March 31, 2024 to coincide with Trans Day of Visibility.

Media Contacts:

For more information, to schedule an interview or request more images, contact:

Jack Jackson, Jack@jackjacksondogphotography.com, 416 871 3425  

Caida Gill Owner, Pet Valu, Leslieville, caidamg@gmail.com, 416 901 4412

About the Don’t You Want Me Project

Don’t You Want Me, co-founded by Jack Jackson is a social impact project that celebrates the bond between queer and trans people and their rescue dogs, cultivating empathy, understanding and admiration through photography and storytelling. 

About Pet Valu

Pet Valu is Canada’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 600 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country. For more than 40 years, Pet Valu has earned the trust and loyalty of pet parents by offering knowledgeable customer service, a premium product offering and engaging in-store services. Pet Valu’s neighbourhood stores offer more than 7,000 competitively-priced products, including a broad assortment of premium, super premium, holistic and award-winning proprietary brands. To learn more, please visit: www.petvalu.ca.