Tribute – Sally | Toronto Corgi Photography

Tribute – Sally | Toronto Corgi Photography

It was a fine winter morning when the Posh Pets team set out to meet Sally, a beautiful corgi mix. At 13 years old, she was definitely a senior and unfortunately had developed some heart problems. That meant that she was moving a little slower and tired more easily. But, there was absolutely nothing wrong with her figurative heart! It literally brimmed over with love for her humans – and it was clear that they loved her dearly right back. In fact, Sally’s session was a gift from the family to her mom and dad because they knew what an important part Sally was in their lives. And so, we spent a lovely morning together capturing some beautiful images of a very sweet and happy dog.

All too soon, Sally passed away. Such a devastating loss to a family who loved her so much and in whose schedule she was very much a part of. I am told that she enjoyed many a car ride around town, sitting in the passenger seat, next to her Dad. She is mourned in the neighbourhood by the many friends (furry faces and humans) she had, and who now must find a way to cope with her absence. Sally was even famous – for she had been featured in a newspaper article not long ago. She will be missed because she made the live of those around her better.

Sally, you were truly loved and every day with you was cherished by those around you. Your mom and dad would brag about your intelligence and loyalty because they were soooo proud of you, and because, quite simply, they adored you. Your images are stunning and I know that they will continue to be shared far and wide. It was an honour to have met you and captured your sweet spirit.

 

 

 

Ripley | Toronto Pet Photographer

Ripley | Toronto Pet Photographer

I really cannot believe that the day has arrived when I have to write this. And if I press “publish”, it will somehow be more final. It hurts too much, so I will try to say it quickly and simply.

Today, at 8:59 a.m., we sent Ripley, our 17.5 year old tabby on his final journey. With as much love as he could bear.

I, personally, have never had the weight of such a decision on my shoulders and I am not sure that either my husband, Dean, or I handled it well. In other words, we were (and are) a mess.

We had no idea that Ripley was even sick until we took him to his vet this past Wednesday morning. What we had erroneously thought to be a little bit of constipation or issues with his anal glands, turned out to be far more serious. In fact, that was not an issue at all. After x-rays and an ultrasound, we were shown that most of his organs were in some state of failure. And his poor, little heart was really only in a constant state of fibrillation, and therefore not pumping vital blood and oxygen to the other parts of his body. Add to that, he had a very serious arrhythmia which put his whole system under additional stress. Hearing this, we decided not to contemplate any heroic measures, but to simply treasure whatever remaining time we had with him. So, at our request, his vet was able to stabilize him enough that we could take him home with us Thursday evening, along with some medication to make him comfortable.

Ripley seemed to be happy to be home Thursday night, but by Friday we knew something was horribly wrong. He could not sleep. He never did eat since returning from the hospital and he shifted his position often as if he was uncomfortable. We watched him and stroked him and cried over him until we knew that we had to make the final gesture to help him.

This morning, Ripley woke me up by pawing gently at my leg. I tried one last time to feed him, which he refused. So, Dean and I began the process of getting ready to take him on his final car ride. I truly believe that Ripley knew the time had come. He seemed to go through a routine to look at all of his favourite places. But when he stopped to nuzzle and kiss his sister, Lady Jane, it made our hearts stop. They had a quiet “moment” when I think he said his good-bye.

At the vet this morning, we held him and told him what an incredible boy he had been. He was from the Toronto Humane Society so, yes, Ripley was a rescue. He was a year old when we got him and were privileged to have loved him for over 16 years. And, even though his physical heart failed him in the end, he loved us until his final breath.

I do not quite know how I will get over the loss of feeling him sleeping on my feet every night of his life, or the way he would truly cuddle you when picked up. I have many, many photographs that will remind me of what he looked like, but I fear that I will forget the sound of his “voice” when he would talk. And his beautiful eyes…everyone remarked on his his lovely eyes. At this point, I am simply hoping that the huge hole left in my heart will slowly heal.

Ripley, I cannot write enough words to tell you how much you are missed. Not a day will go by when we will not think of you and remember how incredibly wonderful you were. I hope, in the end, you simply understood and felt how much you were loved. 

Go gently into that good night, my boy…

A special thank-you to the vets and staff of Westbridge Veterinary Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario. And especially to Dr. Cathy Buller who has been Ripley’s primary vet since the day we brought him home. Having you there at the end, made it just a bit easier.

Orange tabby on bed in Toronto, Canada
Tribute – Rico | Dog Photographer Richmond Hill

Tribute – Rico | Dog Photographer Richmond Hill

It was with such sadness that I write today. For I wish to introduce you to Rico –  a gorgeous dog, a loved family pet and a profound loss.

We met Rico, an 8-year old Golden Retriever on a hot day in June. Before we got to his home, he had already had quite a busy day.  In anticipation of his photo session, he had just been to the groomer so that his coat glistened in the sun.  His human “sisters” had recently returned from the United States so that they could be photographed with him, and that had meant much excitement as he welcomed them home. Also, devastatingly, just 4 weeks earlier, he had been diagnosed with advanced lymphatic cancer. It really was no surprise then, that Rico was a little tired that day. But as ill as he was, Rico’s love and attachment for his family shone through.

For those who say that a dog does not smile, I ask you to look at Rico’s images. That is a doggie smile!  Between frames, Rico would lie down to rest. Or, nuzzle the closest family member. Endearingly so, it became evident that every one of those smiles was for the family that he had shared his life with. For a couple of hours on that June day, Rico gave his family a precious gift – himself.

Two weeks later, Rico was gone. When the end came and the most difficult of decisions had to be made, Rico was surrounded by the family he loved.  We had a very emotional Ordering Session. Looking at these images again, his Mom said to me, “you have captured every look and expression he had in his 8 years of life”.  We talked about what he had meant to the family. We laughed. We even cried.  In the end, the family chose the images that had Rico with his “humans”.  I have no doubt that they will be displayed prominently on every wall in the home.

Rico, you were at the core of a loving, close-knit family.  A family who misses you dearly – every single day. But your love, loyalty and legacy are forever captured in these images which will be treasured always.  Good-bye, sweet Rico.

 

Rico, laughing at the photographer!  (I think he liked our jokes…)

 

Rico’s best smile.  Just look at those soulful eyes!