The Blog

The Heeling Project | Pet Loss Letters to the Rainbow Bridge

 
A couple years back, a young woman contacted me to purchase a gift certificate for her best friend, Steph. I remember thinking that this was such a thoughtful thing for a best friend to do. As it turned out, Steph’s sweet Westie, Buddy, was not doing that well. I knew that this shoot would definitely have the energy of an ‘end of life’ session.

After connecting with Steph and her mom, we made arrangements to meet shortly thereafter. And in the deep snow covered park…in the crisp cold air of winter, we were able to capture a few last moments of these two together.

And as always, it was my privilege.

Run Free Buddy.
 

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
 
 

…where I knew as soon as you heard my car you would be running full tilt into the house as fast as your little legs would carry you. You were such a character, one that fit perfectly into our home and lives. Who else would sleep in until almost noon and require just 5 more minutes lying beside me to motivate ourselves to get up and face the day?

From the time I mastered how to talk, a dog was all I ever wanted.

I had asked for a dog every opportunity; birthdays, Christmas, even an extravagant Easter present. I am so grateful that my parents (your Grandparents) were so stubborn and made me wait, and wait and wait. I knew the second I saw your little face and held you close that you would be my best friend forever, and you truly lived up to that.

We had 10 amazing years…years I would not trade for anything.

We accomplished amazing things – you even got that trophy in puppy class! Do you remember that? We grew up together, you saw me through heart break and milestones in my life. You sure looked handsome wrapped up in my graduation gown. And I was able to watch you grow..and master house training and tricks that I knew all my friends were jealous of. You were the smartest little guy; there really wasn’t anything that you couldn’t do.

But I think it is your little quirks and personality that I will never forget.

You never failed to let me know when you were unhappy with something, or someone for that matter. And I knew that you were always right. You had a way of making me feel like I was the most important person in a room, no matter who else was there, and that is a skill I hope to learn from you and carry on.

I remember the last day we had together like it was yesterday.

I remember taking you for a car ride for hours because it was your favourite thing to do, you even got to stick your whole face right out the window – it was a little cold out there, but we didn’t care. You seemed so happy and grateful to feel the wind blowing through your hair. I try to appreciate the little things in life more because I always think of you; happiest with the wind in your hair all snuggled in my lap off to the next adventure.

You were and always will be my most favourite co-pilot.

No matter where we were going, from the car wash to a long road trip, you were excited and willing to take on anything as long as we were together. I hope you are doing well, and I cannot wait to see you again. Watch over the family, I know we all miss you very much and we will never forget you. I go to sleep and wake up to pictures of you right by my bed, and I promise to never pet another dog for too long. I know that made you a bit jealous, even though you’d never admit it. You were my first dog, but you were so much more than that. You were a best friend, confidante, and truly a member of the family.
 
I love you and miss you every day.