Savannah ~ February 9, 2003 - July 23, 2012

I haven't been able to write about my sweet Savannah.  She passed away July 23, 2012.  I should say that we had to face a difficult challenge for us -- and that was to let her go.  

After a year of health issues and another surgery, we discovered that our little girl was suffering from a fast spreading cancer.  It was in her liver.  

Savannah was such a sweet Basenji.  She never gave us much trouble growing up.  Yes, she chewed a few things here and there, but really not that much.  She was smart and tough.  I still remember her leading out in front on our walks.  Moving quick and confidently.

She was our big love and my husband's little girl.  Oh how she wrapped up his heart in her paw.  He would smother her with kisses and she never mind them at all.  She knew love; warmth; shelter and safety.  

We had a tough year with her illnesses.  But still we did whatever we could to make her life comfortable.  We even bought her a pretty pink stroller when she was having difficulty walking.  My husband pushed that stroller with all his pride and love.  

These are a few photos when she was sick.  You could see the tiredness in her eyes.  

The Afternoon I rushed her to the vet, I kept thinking that she would be alright.  We knew at that time she had Cancer, but I kept thinking that as soon as she healed from her surgery, we would start looking at our options.  But when her doctor came in to speak to me, he said, "She's one sick little girl" and that's when my heart began to crack.  

On July 23, 2012, my husband and I made the decision to send her on a journey alone.  We couldn't let her stay in pain and our challenge was to make the decision to let her go.  The doctors left us in the room with her and told us to take our time with her; but you know there is never really ever enough time.  How could I give them an answer about how much time I needed.  I needed more time to be with her; to sleep with her; to cuddle her and kiss her.  But there's never ever enough time.  I was so afraid for her.  She looked into our eyes as if she was telling us to just take her away from there and take her home.  But we couldn't.  We had to send her on her way and believe that one day we will be with her.  

The word "pet" doesn't even begin to explain what they mean to us. They are our love; our joy; our laughs and our smiles. They embed themselves in our hearts and know the meaning of "Stay" because that is what they indeed do. They Stay. They stay in our hearts; in our smiles and in our tears. They STAY forever loved and they STAY in our memories. Constant and strong.

We go on -- through heartbreak and through tears.

What is so remarkable and I see it all the times is that eventually our hearts do have the ability to open up again to give our love again to another and another and another.

That is the beauty of a human who has a heart. There is always much much more love to give. 

I have so many photos of Savannah and it's hard to choose which one I love the best.  However, this one is one of my all time favorite photos of Savannah.   She looks like she's laughing and just enjoying the beautiful day.  This is what she made my heart feel like....Immense Joy.

I love you Baby Girl.  Always and Forever.

Wedding of Patty and George - March 31, 2012

I attended a wedding about a month ago and shot these photos.  I played around with the editing to get a different look.  The above photo was clearly out of focus but I just loved the bride's smile and didn't want to let the photo go.  

This is their little girl Sophia.  She's a beauty like her Mom.

Sophia and Grandmother Patty

Their Daughter, Sophia ~ a beauty like her Mom

Little flower girl loving her dress.

It's Been Awhile

I haven't posted anything on my blog for quite some time.  It's the holidays now and there's that old feeling that pushes itself forth and settles around me.  There's so much going on in my work life -- nothing good to report.  I find myself swimming in emotions and battling against the waves that just keep coming.  I see more of the same in the coming months.  

There are my constants in my life -- no matter how tough things get.  My husband and family.  They are steady and still the boat that keeps rocking.  

 and that's how I get thru it all.

Until We Meet Again Casey

Saturday, August 20 at approximately 4:15 p.m. I had to let my Casey go on her journey.  She's been in my life for 17 years. 

Casey has always been a healthy cat. When I suspected that something was wrong, it was in November and I noticed her drinking a lot of water. I had her tested and she had elevated levels that indicated that her kidneys were failing. For ten months we've kept her comfortable and hydrated with fluids and I made sure she ate as much as she could to keep her weight up.

We went thru our ups and downs but they were really not bad at all. Casey has always been a healthy indoor cat. The only time she was at the vet was when once she was in our backyard and a Tom cat got a hold of her and fought with her. Her wounds needed attention. Other than that she's never been any trouble at all. So what small issues we experience with her were nothing.

The cats on Catster educated me to what was happening to Casey. The advice I got from Alex - Sweet Angel Girl was wonderful and it helped me give Casey 10 more months to live. When the fluids and the B12 didn't work this time around and she stopped eating I knew the fight was over and Casey was ready to make her journey.  Saturday morning I woke up early to spend some alone time with her.  I held her on my lap and we spoke quietly to each other.  I had to go to a meeting that morning and I asked her to wait for me until I got home.  I didn't want her to make the journey alone.  She waited.

I loved her so much and I know I gave her the best life I could give her. She was born wild and I rescued her from the streets at four months old. She held onto that toughness for many years and as she got older she let it go but in the end it was me who had to get tough and fight the fight for her to stay healthy and comfortable. In the end it was me who had to be strong enough to go thru the pain of letting her go.

Until we meet again Casey.  

I will watch for you in the clouds Precious One.

Conversations with Tee

Sunday Morning - Barkless in Thoughts

Spring Flowers

Spring Flowers in Descanso Gardens. 

Two Dogs

This shot was caught at my local dog park.  I went there intending to shoot in black and white.  When I got there a large majority of the pups in the park were black or white.

This Italian Greyhound again...looks like I shot it in black and white.  I love how she blended into the background.  She's 10 years old and so very friendly.  Loved her.

Toys and Things About the House

Savannah

Savannah on her snuggle snack in the computer room.

Bridal Shower - November 2010

so in November I attended a bridal shower.  I took my camera mostly for my own practice.  I walked in and asked the bride's mother if I could take some photos.  She was so excited that someone brought a camera to the event and asked if I could take photos for her daughter.

Unexpected, about a week later, I received a $100 gift certificate from the Bride to be and her mother to the restaurant where the shower was held.    I think I had my first photography job!