An Afternoon with Kobe
Magnuson Park – Seattle, Washington
In March I met the most incredible family. A family whose lives had just been turned upside-down with a terminal diagnosis for their beloved fur-baby Kobe. I remember carefully reading the initial inquiry, thinking to myself that their story of love & family was one I would be honored to tell.
Time was of the essence. Planning a photo session in short order can be done. But in March mother nature can have other plans. There was literally ONE partly sunny day in the 10-day forecast and Kobe’s name was one it.
Before our session, the family and I connect by phone. Chatting briefly with families always help me as an artist with the creative process. All they really wanted was ONE good photo of the five of them together. I could do that!
The Momma also told me a little about her children and their treasured Kobe. As she spoke I was reminded of a very important part of my own life. My childhood dog and best friend Echo.
Echo was a German Shephard and a very important part of my life. I was 4 when we got Echo, I remember clearly the day we brought her home. I have so many wonderful childhood memories with Echo in them. She was an absolute beauty and my truest friend.
I also remember clearly our last days with Echo. She had hip dysplasia and her body was giving out. It was heartbreaking.
In all pet owners lives there comes a day when you have to say enough-is-enough. Enough old achy bones, enough fighting a battle they will not win. A day when we as pet lovers must carry out the biggest act of love there is. We must look into their trusting eyes. Hug, kiss and tell our furbabies just how much they mean to us. And then we must let them go. The letting them go part is unbearable.
Many years after Echo passing I came across a poem titled The Rainbow Bridge. It’s an ode that speaks directly to pet lovers hearts.
The Rainbow Bridge
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Isn’t that an incredible poem!
The connection with the rainbow and a beloved pet is a symbol the brings my heart peace.
Kobe’s Rainbow
During our golden hour session with Kobe, the most incredible thing happened. I was photographing Kobe with each of his people one-by-one. The sun was beginning to set and I was shooting directly into the golden light. The connections were beautiful and genuine. Success!
Once I got the images home and uploaded I realized there was something extra special in those last interactions. A FULL RAINBOW SUNFLARE!!!!! Like nothing, I have ever seen before. You really have to see it to believe it. I promise there was no photoshop work involved.
If you have a beloved pet, young or old and need an updated family photo. I am your girl! Family/pet photo session are quickly becoming my favorite! You can book a spring session HERE!!!
