MANDATORY CREDIT: Mike Ruiz/Rex Features. Only for use in story about Mike Ruiz’s photos Hunks Hounds 2015 calendar. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mike Ruiz/REX (4192003i) March Hunky Men Pose With Cute Pups For Animal Rights Ladies, this one’s for you. New York City-based animal rescue group Louie’s Legacy Animal Group has unveiled its 2015 calendar featuring hunky shirtless men posing with adorable dogs. Aptly titled ‘Hunks and Hounds’, it aims to raise funds for the charity and promote animal rights. The photographs were shot by New York celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz. Mike adopted his beloved pit bull Oliver in 2012. The photographer says adopting Oliver sparked his desire to give a voice to animals in need. The esteemed says it he shot the calendar over the course of 2 days in September of 2014 and started taking pre-orders on the very first day. “It has been a wild success, far beyond our expectations. We are so happy that so many more dogs the need to be adopted or fostered will now have the chance.” Mike says that he believes a lot of the hunks from the calendar are still single. “I just hope that people enjoy the images, and that they are reminded daily that adopting and loving an animal is the most humane thing a person can do. I hope we sell a million so that Louie’s Legacy can broaden their services to be able to help more dogs find forever homes.” Ruiz came to New York when he was 21 with $300 in his pocket and lots of big dreams; he has since gone on to photograph famous fashion shoots and celebrities from Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj. “What inspired me to become a photographer was really my need to communicate certain things that I couldn’t do with words. The camera became a conduit for me to express myself effectively. “I have been so fortunate to have many of my dreams come to fruition and I feel that I need to pay it … For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/BVOWDOYHC
