Pets are Family

Every time I photograph pets with their humans, I am reminded of the special bond between them. Pets add a dimension to our lives that humans cannot.

Pets are the very definition of unconditional love. They ask for little and give much - always. My rescue Snickers is a wonderful companion, and cares only that we are together. She is a pure soul. Unlike human relationships, ours is an uncomplicated one. Even if I am gone for less than ten minutes she wags her tail and shakes her whole body with joy. It’s humbling to see the power of love.

For many years, I was single. Though I decided to make the best of it and delay a relationship until my human baby was older, I was lonely. Snickers made it bearable. She licked away more tears than I care to admit. She is a rescue from Puerto Rico and has the scars of her life before the comfy couch and long walks in the park. She is a timid dog and has a hard time trusting others. I get her story, and she gets mine.

When I first had her, she scared me to death. For whatever reason, she wasn’t doing her business on my time table, and I let my frustration show. It terrified her, and despite a tight collar, she got loose and ran away. My daughter and I searched the now dark neighborhood near Minneapolis for hours, until we spied her hiding underneath a pine tree about two miles from our house. Snickers must have dug deep into herself to find the courage to come me. I could see the absolute terror in her eyes, but she trusted me more than the fear.

That was the beginning of a bond that is nearly indescribable. She became officially part of our family that day. She is a devoted, loving and sweet companion, and a beloved family member.

I know many people, especially those in my LGBTQ+ community, whose pets are indeed their only family. Pets never judge. They just love.

And that is the greatest blessing of all.