ontario dog photographer | Ryder, heart of gold!
ontario dog photographer | I had the pleasure of photographing Ryder, a German Shorthaired Pointer this past weekend. Ryder, you are so important to your family, more than you will ever know. Families have various reasons why they want a photo session with Leash Out. I related so much to this particular family. Our dog’s were there for us during some tough times and we are forever grateful. My wife and I struggled to have our boy, it took almost 5 years. We had many ups and downs. From the feeling of giving up, anger, anxiety, sadness, and much more. What remained constant was Zaira, our dog. She was there every step of the way. She made us smile! We knew, if we couldn’t have a child, she is just as important to us. She will never fill the void of having your own child, but she didn’t have to. Zaira just needed to be her and nothing more. She still is very much part of the family, and she is forever in our hearts.
This family had the same struggles and much more. I have never met such a strong family, even though I know at times they were feeling at the absolute bottom. They had a difficult time having a a child also. They went the route of a fertility clinic, just as we did. They did not have the success they had hoped for. An angel of a friend stepped up and offered to carry their child. They were very much blessed to have given birth of two boys, Carter and Tanner. There story didn’t end there though. Carter and Tanner were born premature at 25 weeks of age. Tanner unfortunately passed at 7 days of age and Carter spent 112 days in the hospital. Carter’s family stayed at the Ronald McDonald house in Toronto while he was in the hospital. They are from Oshawa, which is a fairly long commute. Once a week, they made the drive home to visit Ryder. They could not stop thinking of their happy go lucky dog. He was their strength during this time. He was very much part of the healing process and strength of this family.
I’m having a hard time even writing this next sentence. Ryder, 8 years young, has been diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer. This boy, a pillar of strength for this family, has his own battle now. The feeling this family is going through, I know all to well. My heart hurts for them. They messaged me to book a photo shoot and explained to me Ryder’s health circumstance. She told me her dog is so important to them. I knew he was, and that was before I knew the family’s full story. I immediately scheduled the shoot with Ryder.
I’m absolutely honoured to have met this family. They came from Oshawa and chose Leash Out Pet Photography to capture their son Carter and his best friend Ryder. I truly believe people come into your lives for a reason. This family’s openness in sharing their story, was a healing conversation for my struggles. It changes you forever. As for Ryder, I know how important he is. You are here now and who knows for how long, you will continue to be an advocate for happiness for this family. I’m blessed to have met you.
I want to thank this family for letting me share their story, for being open and vulnerable. I know their experience will resonate with many of my readers, and they appreciate it. Thank you for reading. Enjoy a sneak peek of Ryder and Carter’s photo session.
What is your story? Why is your dog so important to you? I would love to hear your story. Please click here to share your story, thank you.
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by Sandro Avila