Yesterday, my friend, Maura, called me about coming to photograph her sister’s dog, Bailey. Bailey has cancer. Bailey is very sick and well, it was urgent that I come and take some photographs for them. I just was waiting to be told what time I was needed to go because it wouldn’t be long. I was greeted by Deidre, her son, and three dogs. Two very cautious and unsure what I was doing in their home, and the other, calm and yet still interested. Though the big difference was the sadness in his eyes.
This was such a hard thing for me because I looked back at Merlin’s photos before I left for this shoot, wanting to make sure that I didn’t miss a beat. What I knew the family would want and love to look at forever. And, yet, it brought back so many memories of the days Merlin was so sick.
Thank goodness for sunglasses.
As I watched this boy lie next to Bailey and hug him, I asked him, “what do you love most about Bailey?” and he answered this:
“Bailey is always the one that keeps all the other dogs calm. He just looks at them and they all relax. I wonder who he’ll pass the torch onto when he is gone.”
My heart melted.
I’ve cried for them and only wish I had gotten to know Bailey when he was healthy and happy.
As I left, he walked over to me - very slowly and frail-like and I said goodbye to him, knowing that would be the last time I would see him.
Bailey’s fight ended shortly after. Please hug your fur-babies.
I’ll have more photos of Bailey once I get caught up with other proofing. If you are interested in having your dogs photographed please contact me about capturing their memories. You can visit my website by clicking here.
18 Comments
Aw, he looks like such a sweet doggie. The expression in the boy’s eyes is amazing…
My heart goes out to Bailey’s family. The love between them shines straight from the heart in your stunning photography. Beautifully done for many years of memories.
Awwww, now I’m crying here. What sweet gentle eyes & what a sad story!! Reminds me of losing our dog to cancer last year.
What beautiful photos & what a great memory they’ll have for years. How very special.
Yup, I’m crying, too. Your photos are EXQUISITE, Holly.
OMG. Holly. I am crying now too. What a beautiful story and God bless you for doing this for the family. I know they will treasure these photos in years to come.
breathtaking. and now i’m crying… at work. thanks girl
GORGEOUS photos. I love that you can tell Bailey is an older dog - he looks so… resigned in that way that older dogs get.
I’m so excited that we get to see our fur baby for Thanksgiving (we had to leave her with my mom when we move to California because we couldn’t find a place that accepted large dogs and she’d frankly hate apartment life). I think it’d be cool to have a nice photo of her but she’s TERRIFIED of cameras.
Yep I am crying too! You are giving them such a gift with your photos! Remember that too!
That poor pup. That brought tears to my eyes. You should tell the family about a great book called Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant. I bought it for my little ones when our dog passed this year. It’s very, very sweet.
poor pup
that picture with the little boy is gorgeous though. ugh now i’m crying!!
omgoodness, i don’t know how you did it
breaks my heart just reading about it
bless you Holly.
such a special gift you were able to give this family!
what a good old boy!
Yer Killin me Holls. Crying too. What wonderful images. They really seem to capture the gentle heart of the dog and his love for Drew…can’t wait to see more. But I am gonna go get tissues first.
Hugs!
Heather
Here I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. I instantly go back to the day I lost my sheltie, Belle.
Beautiful photographs, Holly. They truly capture the love of dog.
This ’bout broke my heart. They are so lucky to have these special images to remind them of their best friend. At least he won’t be in pain. Beautiful as always. Thank you for sharing this…Now I have to go squish my naughty Bella…
Hey Holly,
I love your blog and always love your pictures. This story melted my heart and broke it at the same time. Your pictures of the boy and the dog are gorgeous. God bless you for capturing something so precious for this family and God bless sweet Bailey.
Hi Holly!
I’m crying at work too (glad I’m the only one here right now) but your photos and story and wonderful. My cat died of feline leukemia last January and I haven’t been able to replace her with another pet yet.
Your photography skills amaze me!
oh this breaks my heart
that sweet boy
that sweet dog
you are so wonderful for doing this for them h.
so wonderful!
xo