Cherish the Dog

A few months ago, I saw a post on Facebook that really tugged at my heart strings, titled “Cherish the Dog”. I struggled to take it in because while I read it, snuggled in right beside me, was my 10 year old girl, Callie. 10 years ago was truly a completely different existence than the one we live today. Before everything else, it was just her and I. Callie and I have been on this journey of life together, for better or worse, and she’s taken it all in with such great stride. Her love for me has grown into complete devotion to my husband and our children. No matter how bad or great of a day we have, she’s always there to greet us with utter happiness.

Around the time I saw the Facebook post, a client reached out to me about wanting to do a session around her first child – her sweet 14 year old Pomeranian, Lola. The circulating post came up in our conversation and we shared similar sentiments about our loyal companions.

This session was wonderful and heart wrenching. Lola and her family arrived for the session full of vibrancy and happiness. This sweet dog was literally dancing around the studio acting like a new puppy. For an hour, we captured some beautiful images and the world revolved around this small dog.

To my wonderful clients: Thank you so much for allowing me to capture these most treasured memories for you. May sweet Lola live a wonderful life forever in your hearts💗

“No one tells you how quickly dogs age. How one day you wake up and suddenly their face is all white, how their eyes start to seem more milky than before, how you have to call their name a few more times than you used to.

People tell you not to blink when you have children, but what about the dog who was with you before your children were even thought of? The dog who was by your side before you found the love of your life, the dog who jumped from apartment to apartment in your early 20’s. No one tells you to cherish every moment you have with them…

Cherish the dog. The one who’s been there through every break up and every dumb fight with your best friend. That dog who slept in the bed with you when you were lonely and made you feel safe when you left home. Cherish him, because one day you’ll take him on a walk and he’ll start to get tired before you and you’ll realize just how many years he’s been walking by your side.” @JuniperFox