Pets.

Another annual 605 Boxer Rescue Holiday Photos fundraiser wrapped up Sunday, December 5th. All in all, I photographed 47 dogs, 1 cat, and over 75 humans. All the proceeds go to the rescue, and it’s such a fun, heart warming, day getting to meet all the families and pets. I have done this event for 8 years now, and the volunteers at the rescue tell me it’s one of the most successful and guaranteed fundraisers for them, which is very humbling to hear. This year a returning client came to photos, and after catching up with them, I realized maybe why it is so successful.

Every year over half of the people that come for the holiday photos, are people that have come in the past, so I recognize them and their pets. They walk in the photo space and we share our hellos, and it’s almost as if the dogs remember me from last year, rushing towards me, tails wagging, ready for treats and pets. This year I recognized many of the names on the sign up list, including one from last year. I recalled they had a beautiful cream and tan cocker spaniel, Izzy, and she took the most adorable photos including this one:

They walked in and I looked down to see a brown, cocker spaniel puppy with the sweetest big eyes. The couple looked at me and said, “We’re not sure if you remember, but last year we brought…” I interrupted and said, “Izzy.”
”Yes,” she continued, “she got very sick and we had to say goodbye earlier this year.”

My heart drops. I know this feeling all too well. Saying goodbye to a pet isn’t just saying goodbye to an old pair of shoes. They become more than just a pet, more than an animal, they become family. They make your house a home. Pets become your kid, your grandkid, the one who is always excited to see you. When they leave a part of you goes with them. All of these emotions rushed over me when they told me Izzy was gone. But I quickly realized, look in front of you, they have taken in a new family member, to love and care for, and that’s amazing they did so.

They told me the photo above I took of Izzy last year is one of their cherished photos of her. Her last Christmas. Then it dawned on me. Not only am I creating photos for people to put on holiday cards and share on social media, but I’m capturing memories of their beloved pets, possibly for the last time.

However, I am also capturing them for their first Christmas.

Say hello to Sophie, a four month old cocker spaniel with the best dog parents.