I have always wanted a Weimaraner. Their beautiful silvery coats are elegant. Their sleek and muscular bodies are majestic. And their eyes? Dear Lord thank you for such beautiful eyes. So when Cathy called me to photograph her two Weimaraners, I was instantly excited. Then she told me why, and I was instantly compelled to do more.
Their four-year-old Buzz had been diagnosed with lymphoma and wasn’t expected to last long. Two days after her call, I met them at their local dog park to photograph him with his brother Woody. It was so fun to see the dogs run around and play. Buzz was full of energy and enthusiasm; you wouldn’t have been able to tell cancer was attacking his insides.
And attack it did: heir playful and loyal pooch didn’t make it another week. They put him down four days later and I am so happy I was able to document Buzz and his brother with the spirit and spunk that surrounded his healthy life. He can be remembered for the good ole dog he was and for the bravery and love he held onto during his sickness.
This session has inspired me to do more work with family photography and our animals. Because these dogs aren’t just our pets, they’re our family. And because remembering them with fun photos is important, I am going to do more. I know vet bills are expensive and often there isn’t much time so I’m going to offer something to help when nothing else can. Because those silvery coats should be turned into silver linings on those last days. I’m going to help make sure of it.
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