chocolate chip | houston dog photographer

Sessions like this are why I love what I do.  It is why I keep doing it even when it is overwhelming and I feel like I might suffocate under the stress of it all.

I got an email on Tuesday.  A very short message.  A woman that wanted photos of her dog.  She said she was in a bit of a hurry.

I told her I was booked but would try to see what I could squeeze in.  She then told me that the urgency was because they weren’t sure their sweet boy would see next year.

We discussed some possible dates.  She then emailed me late Wednesday night asking if it were possible to do the session Thursday since it was our best chance of decent weather and the sooner we do the session, the better.

I met her and her family yesterday afternoon.  They were all so very sweet and the dogs, her babies were so loving and perfect and full of energy.

Meet Chip.  Huge, playful, gorgeous and a dream to photograph.

Our session ended shortly after it started because it was obvious Chip wasn’t feeling well.

I got this email late last night:

“You are a photography angel.  Timing perfect.  Chip took his last breath tonight.  It was heartbreaking.  There was no hope that the vet could do anything, and we already knew this was coming.  But boy is it hard. We remained by his side.  It was bittersweet.  You don’t want your loved ones to suffer, but letting go seems next to impossible.  He had a fabulous day full of pampering and play time, and you were able to capture those last sweet moments for us.

Thank you for responding so quickly with us.  It’s because of you that we will have these amazing photos to hold on to forever.”
C & S,
I wish so much we had met under different circumstances, but thank you for sharing his last day with me.  I hope that the photos somehow help your hearts to heal.
-W

14 Comments

  1. Katharine said . . .

    Oh Wendi… what an incredible gift you gave his family. Chip is a handsome boy and I’m sure he has left a huge hole in his family….

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 7:28 pm | Permalink
  2. Bre said . . .

    I think you mean a BOX of tissues. How sweet the pictures were and the email made it timeless. Wendi, you are truely blessed with a gift. I am very thankful to know you and have first hand experience with your gift of art with my family. I am still crying and not sure if it is bcI just took in 2 dogs today that the neighbor has abanded for the last 3 days or what…… Great JOB!

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 7:34 pm | Permalink
  3. Nidia said . . .

    My heart hurt reading this. GOD works in strange ways. I’m so sorry Chips time came to an end. Dogs always know how much their mommas and poppas love them, I’m positive Chip knew this. This breaks my heart…

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 7:35 pm | Permalink
  4. Erica said . . .

    I didn’t think I would need the tissue but after reading it I definitely do. Very sad, I’m glad you got to give them this wish.

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 7:36 pm | Permalink
  5. Nidia said . . .

    you know the situation I am in, and you know this touched the very center of my heart….i had to stop for a minute and catch my breathe…. i just stop, look at her, and hug her. I cannot think of what i’m thinking….. =(

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 7:39 pm | Permalink
  6. Michelle said . . .

    Awww that is such a sweet story!

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 7:46 pm | Permalink
  7. Beth said . . .

    Again….*cry* what a beautiful puppy! Your pictures will be an amazing gift for Chip’s mom and dad!

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 8:36 pm | Permalink
  8. MichelleG said . . .

    What a touching story…..and a priceless gift for this family! Great photos of Chip.

    Posted December 11, 2009 at 8:50 pm | Permalink
  9. Kim Calhoun said . . .

    Beautiful pics Wendi. What a priceless gift you were able to give, its sessions like these that make it all worthwhile! Great job!

    Posted December 12, 2009 at 8:29 am | Permalink
  10. Crystal said . . .

    Wow girlfriend! I am literally crying my eyes out right now. The pictures are beautiful! Our doggies are like our kids as well and it’s very touching. I can’t stop freaking crying! lol =) Awesome pics chica! I love them x’s 10

    Posted December 12, 2009 at 9:37 am | Permalink
  11. Olivia said . . .

    Awww…he looks just like our Reggie! Very sad story!!! Glad you were able to capture such amazing pics

    Posted December 14, 2009 at 8:37 am | Permalink
  12. Cristina said . . .

    So sad. Awesome job though.

    Posted December 14, 2009 at 12:45 pm | Permalink
  13. Jessica said . . .

    GAH that wasn’t nice…now I’m crying. What a gorgeous, gorgeous doggy. You did a fabulous job!

    Posted December 17, 2009 at 1:48 pm | Permalink
  14. Erin said . . .

    This story brings tears to my eyes….really beautiful images of Chip. What a gift you gave them!

    Posted December 17, 2009 at 3:17 pm | Permalink

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *

*
*