Fairmont Copley Hotel hosted a glam photo shoot for rescue dogs

Local News

The animals are available for adoption.

Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza went to the dogs recently for a glamorous photo shoot celebrating local rescue animals.

In honor of National Rescue Dog Day on Monday, the historic luxury hotel hosted a professional shoot with a dozen furry and scaled guests — dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon — who are all up for adoption at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL).

The rescues took over the lavish ballrooms and a guest room suite at the historic Boston hotel, posing beneath twinkling chandeliers, beside Italian marble columns, before jeweled candelabras, on lush carpets, and more.

“As one of the country’s most famous pet-friendly hotels, our team constantly thinks of ways we can extend our hospitality to not only human guests, but also the animal community,” Tabish Siddiquie, general manager of Fairmont Copley Plaza, said in a statement. “Our magnificent ballrooms offer a picture-perfect backdrop for them to pose in, and we were delighted to open our gilded spaces to help shine a literal spotlight on these animals who deserve a forever home.”

Professional dog portrait photographer Jen Hillenga, of @thewaysofthedog, donated her time behind the lens in an effort to help the animals get adopted.

Akiro, a 4-year-old male Pitbull-type dog, has been with the ARL for six months. He is “very sweet but dog selective” wrote ARL. The ARL is waiving his adoption fee. Find out more about Akiro.

Siblings Goose and Poppy, 10-week-old male golden retriever mixes, have been adopted.

Bo Bo, a 4-month-old Plott Hound, traveled to Boston from the South and has been adopted.

Corndog is a 9-year-old male Chihuahua. He came from a home with numerous other dogs, is friendly, easy-going and “very snuggly,” according to the ARL. Find out more about Corndog.

Tony Stark, an 11-year-old male Bengal, was surrendered due to allergies and is “very friendly,” according to the ARL. This cat is bonded with the next featured cat, Steve Rodgers. Find out more about Tony Stark.

Steve Rodgers, an 11-year-old male Bengal, is “very sweet” and “needs mental stimulation and lots of attention,” according to the ARL. This cat is bonded with Tony Stark, the previous cat. Find out more about Steve Rodgers.

Persil is a male 8-month-old Shorthaired Rabbit. Find out more about Persil here.

Steven Spielberg is a 1-year-old Shorthaired Rabbit. Find out more about Steven Spielberg.

Crikey is a 1-year-old male bearded dragon. He was found as a stray and is “perfect for any exotic animal lover,” according to the ARL. Find out more about Crikey.

Luke, left, is 9-month-old male guinea pig. Luke is “social, friendly and wanting a home with another guinea pig,” according to the ARL. Find out more about Luke.

Drew, right, is a 9-month-old male guinea pig who is “looking for a home with a guinea pig companion,” according to the ARL. Find out more about Drew.

The ARL, which has adoption services in Boston, Dedham and Cape Cod locations, helped more than 20,000 animals in 2023.

“ARL is extremely grateful to the Fairmont Copley Plaza and to Jen Hillenga for donating their time, facilities, and talents to highlight these wonderful rescue animals,” Edward Schettino, president and CEO of ARL, said in a statement. “The Fairmont Copley Plaza is well-known for being pet-friendly, and this is an amazing opportunity to show off the beauty and highlight the variety of adoptable animals that ARL offers to potential adopters.”