This past week my husband received a phone call that literally broke my heart. A coworker is going through a heartache that can only be felt by other animal lovers. He explained how his best friend and fur baby is not going to make it much longer. He then handed the phone over to me...
I was in shock when he asked if I was available to document one of the last adventures he would have with his dog. I instantly overcome with sadness and just wanted to give him the biggest hug.
I can even describe to you all the emotions that bubbled up from inside me. I wanted this to be perfect for them.
Saturday I arrived at what I would call one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in upstate NY.
The lake shimmered and the cottage was cozy. I couldn't have handpicked a better location.
When we talked about what was about to unfold the owner told me that this is the last time he would be going out here with his wife and dogs. I immediately took a mental photo of all of beauty and knew that I would have to be brave during this shoot.
We walked into the house and were greeted by dog sister Rose. She was all but joyous to meet us. As we continued through the family home they have had for nearly 70 years, we made it to the back porch where I was met by Dexter. He looked at me with the most soulful eyes. I knew that I was meant to be here in this spot with this dog and his amazing dog parents.
As I loved on him and Rose I could tell he was doing all he could to greet us in proper dog fashion. He was tired but made sure to make us feel welcome.
Dogs can heal you in a manner that others cannot. I was feeling the healing power of this dog with every click of my shutter.
We laid together on the porch and in the grass. We walked together down to the water. We took a boat ride and relaxed some in the sun.
We enjoyed each other.
As I was taking in all that this dog could offer me, I was blessed to hear all the stories of this spunky and fun loving pup.
He gave everyone a run for their money. He made sure to push you and to ensure you had as much fun as he did with every bit of his might.
I could see the joy in his eyes when we took that boat ride. He loves water and the wind blowing in his face as he looks out on the waves of the lake.
This was not an easy shoot for me. I held back my emotions and tears the entire time we were there and when I finally got home I was emotionally exhausted. I took that exhaustion and pushed past it, just like Dexter. I made sure that I used it as fuel.
I took a quiet moment and pulled myself together and began editing.
As I edited I felt as if he was with me, head on my knees telling me its ok. Looking at me letting me know my mom and dad are going to love these. And telling me thank you for taking care of them. This is what I want them to remember. I want them to remember all the times we had adventuring, running, laughing, sleeping, binge watching tv, just being together.
I hope I did Dexter justice. He is magnificent. He is strong. He is what I would define as love.
We are blessed to have unconditional love of an animal. I am blessed to have the opportunity to witness such love.
"Every once in a while a dog enters your life and changes everything."-- unknown
I know this to be true. I know he has changed mine.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."-- Dr Seuss
"It's impossible to forget a dog that gave you so much to remember"--unknown
"A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself"--unknown
"When I needed a hand, I found a paw."--unknown
I will never forget this past weekend. I will never forget Dexter.
