Dog Portrait Project Helps People with Dementia and Their Families Honor Alzheimer's Awareness Month with Doggies for Dementia Photographs

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Doggies for Dementia is a program that raises awareness for Alzheimer's Disease and gifts special photo sessions to those impacted by Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The program founder, Carmen Davailus recognized the power of images to change the world after witnessing the isolation, loneliness, and stigma of dementia.

Photo Shoot Media Availability Interview Opportunities: Photographer Carmen Davailus (Buck), 95-year-old Carol Joyce Burns who has Dementia, Carol's family and caregivers

Interview Opportunities: Photographer Carmen Davailus (Buck), 95-year-old Carol Joyce Burns who has Dementia, Carol's family and caregivers

Photo/Video Opportunities: Premier of video/slideshow of Carol and her family's session in the theater (surprise for Carol)

Date: November 15, 2019

Time: 3:30 pm

Free Doggies for Dementia Photo Shoots Provide Comfort and Ease Loneliness
Photographer Carmen Davailus Buck combines pet therapy and portrait therapy to bring peace to people who have dementia and their families. "A professional portrait of a loved one gives families something special to hold on to as they cope with a devastating illness," she said. Davailus, a Texas native, has traveled all over the country to do these free portrait sessions. She noted, "My goal is to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and other dementia diagnoses everywhere in America."

While portraits capture precious memories, it can be uncomfortable or unnerving for someone with Alzheimer's Disease to sit for a photo shoot, especially with a photographer they don't know. Carmen removes roadblocks by inviting dogs into the portrait sessions. "This allows me to capture people in natural and spontaneous situations," said Davailus. "A dog brings out their personalities in such a beautiful way that the portraits often move families to tears. They become treasured family keepsakes." Davailus became passionate about helping people with Alzheimer's Disease during four decades as a nurse practitioner. She noticed many patients and their families suffered from loneliness and isolation and wanted to find a way to bring them some joy. She knows that families dealing with dementia are often financially strapped. So, she never charges for her Doggies and Dementia portraits. She noted, "The program is designed to gift the family photos and an experience that they wouldn't normally have."

Community Support Needed to Continue the Program: The photographer relies on corporate sponsorships to offset the costs involved. So far, she has worked with skincare company Rodan and Fields and The Legacy at Georgetown Senior Living Center. "It's a wonderful opportunity to help an individual and to help raise awareness for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias," she said.

About Carmen Davailus (Buck): Carmen Davailus Buck is an Austin-based photographer and former nurse practitioner who has extensive experience supporting people who have Alzheimer's Disease. During four decades working in healthcare, she helped thousands of people who had dementia. They inspired her to write her award-winning book, Just See Me ? Sacred Stories from the Other Side of Dementia.

SOURCE Doggies for Dementia