Why I Love Dogs - An Ode to Snickers

I’m a dog lover. Like, obsessed. Some say I am a crazy dog mom, which I consider a compliment.

I think dogs are beautiful fascinating creatures, who are among the world’s best companions. One of the reasons I became a dog photographer is to document the unspoken connection between dogs and their humans, and also the dogs’ individual personalities. Here in Minnesota it’s a four season, year long endeavor, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of witnessing the joy, love and connection.

Having raised a human child and a fur child, I confess that the relationship with my fur child is far less complicated and far more transparent. My own fur baby Snickers is almost symbiotically connected to me. She senses when I am upset, when I am having an asthma attack and when I need extra snuggles. I love that we can’t use many words to communicate- they aren’t needed.

During an especially difficult period in my life when I was upset and teary more often than not, Snickers was always at my side, licking away the tears and comforting me in her dog ways.

She got me through some really tough times - divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, loss. All of it.

And she’s also been with me through the best parts of my life - dating and marriage to a woman I adore, laughter, joy, travel. All the (good) things.

Snickers is pure unconditional love and unbridled joy, all rolled in to a petite furry package with expressive eyes and a sensitive soul. She trusts me completely and is happy to be wherever I am.

I can see the subtle signs of aging, with her graying snout and longer sleep patterns. I will do all I can to give her what she needs. As always, we traverse the unknown together. Grateful I remain, for this gentle sweet soul currently occupying a dog’s body.