Ares

It is said that one human year is equivalent to seven dog years. Our time with these furry heart beats will always be far too short. Never take for granted a single moment with your dog⁠—when inevitably you must say goodbye, the memories will offer some comfort, until you meet again. And you will meet again won't you? They say all dogs go to heaven.

But "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went"-Will Rogers

No matter how many times you go through it, saying goodbye never gets easier. I am not the most eloquent, but I truly know the heartbreak of losing dogs⁠—my dogs are my world, and client or not, my heart always breaks for people when they experience a loss. Why do we put ourselves through the agony? Because they are absolutely worth it. They are the cuddle on the couch, the enthusiastic greeting after a long day, the road trip buddy, the silent listener, and if not most of all, teachers. They teach us what unconditional love is, and I don't know about you, but they make me want to be a better person. Be the person your dog thinks you are... is that the saying? It's true.  

Needless to say, this was an end of life session, back in January actually. Ares, sadly at only 8 years old, was dealing with chronic pain, as so many older, especially larger dogs do. This day he got to escape it all for a bit, with all of the delicious treats he wanted, and a roll in the grass as the sun was setting for the evening. He left this earth a few short weeks after this lovely day. And these images perfectly captured his dignified beauty, the human animal bond, and maybe a little silliness. They bring tears to my eyes, but what really matters is that Richard and Sandra cherish them forever. 

I'm always honored to be a part of someone's story, and creating such a keepsake is truly special. 

Rest easy Ares, I hope you're enjoying pain free frolics in infinite fields of green.