When I decided to start my pet photography business I had many expectations. It’s going to be fun, I get to play with dogs, I can enjoy nature, and much more. What I didn’t account for was how close I would get to the dogs and the bond I would develop. Even though the photography shoot is such a short time, it happens. All the dogs I have photographed become a part of me forever and I will never forget their sweet faces and souls! This is a special gift and I will cherish it for life, but there are times when I photograph a dog and I know I may never see him/her again.
This past Saturday I ran into this situation. I photographed a stunning Great Dane named Sydney and her little brother Banner, a Miniature Poodle. Sydney has been diagnosed with a condition called Hemangiosarcoma. I haven’t heard much about this condition before and frankly I wish it didn’t exist. Sydney can have as little as three months to live and this breaks my heart. It’s unfortunate dogs cannot live longer and I wish I can takeaway Sydney’s condition. I lost my Bailey and Loco in a span of 5 1/2 months and a piece of my heart has been lost forever, but their memories easily fill in those gaps. I pray that Sydney lives many more years to come and based on the photo shoot this past Saturday, she is doing awesome. She was playful, ran around with Banner, sniffed new smells and checked out new places. I am blessed to have met Sydney, Banner and their human parent!
Thank you for choosing me, it is an honour.
by Sandro Avila