The Blog

A recent submission for the Heeling Project got me thinking about my ‘Why’ again this past week. I really believe that the more I am connected to my why, the more I am able to follow my heart without any distractions or opinions running interference. I have mentioned on my blog and website that my main inspiration for ever pursuing dog photography came on the heels of the death of my sweet boy Kirby – a soul dog. Photography was not new to me…neither was spending my life with dogs…the two just merged together out of a space of grief and loss.

One conversation….one comment… changed things for me. As I sat on my front porch steps in a state of pure and utter sadness, while Kirby’s lifeless body lay in blankets on my living room floor – I held the phone to my ear as I called in to work to let them know that I would not be there that day. And the only part of the conversation that I heard (as it was rationalized which codes could be used to take the day off) was “..dogs are not family Sarah.” Yes…I worked in  healthcare, however it was not always a caring place to be.

….it really was the beginning of my ‘Why.’ I am really grateful that, from an emotional place, I have since been able to let that story go and transform that experience into one that fuels me. It took awhile, but rather than resenting and holding that moment as anger and pain, I have shifted into seeing it as my crossroads.

My why is really simple…..and is foundation behind this project, the card line and my bereavement session. I believe that a person’s love and connection with another living being should be authentically recognized  – and that in the loss of this beloved pet, they should be sincerely acknowledged from a place of true empathy and kindness. I hold the space for people to heal.

This very touching video was sent as part of a Heeling Project submission. It gave me great sadness to watch it – sadness because I can feel the pain of loss pouring through – and yet there was also a sense of relief that comes from knowing that you are not alone in how you feel. Again I am truly thankful that people are willing to be totally open, vulnerable and real in the sharing of their stories of loss.

Thank you Loralee.

In memory of Cheetoh, Dudlee, Otis & Bruno

Please connect with me if you are interested in participating in this Heeling Project or forward to anyone you feel that it may resonate with. You can follow recent posts for this pet bereavement project by subscribing to my blog email above and/or by clicking Heeling Project under the categories tab section.