When Nikki and River’s mom called me to schedule a session, she knew Nikki was declining with cancer that had spread to her spine, so we scheduled a session as quickly as we could. Nikki, a 12-year-old black lab, was amazing for us. She couldn’t move very well on her own and was taken over with fatigue, but she was so accommodating and patient with us – just content to be with her mom and brother River. She could no longer swim, her favorite pastime, but you could see a light in her eyes when she saw her water frisbee.
Her brother River is a 4-year-old chocolate lab husky mix and as calm and sweet as his sister. He kept her young in her senior days, nudging her persistently until she would agree to play and they would guard the front room of the house together. Nikki crossed over the rainbow bridge the day after this session, and she will be dearly missed.
Pupparazzi Pet Photography Melbourne - Simply beautiful.
Dawn - Leesia, I can’t thank you enough for making an opening in your schedule to accomodate us a day early. You were absolutely wonderful and so patient with them and able to get their attention so effortlessly. I so appreciate your willingness to help me manuever and cart Nikki around with her inability to walk much. As you can imagine, this session meant the world to me as these were the last pictures ever taken of my baby girl. She passed the next morning in my arms to the sounds of “Mommy loves you” (after having her filet and peanut butter!). I’m still tearing up daily missing her so much, but these pictures make me smile at the same time. I can’t wait for the full group.
Nikki’s Mom.
Laine Sweezey - OK, I was already choked up when I read that Nikki died the day after the session, but that last shot? Oh, just pushed me over the edge! I know that photo must mean the world to Nikki’s owner. Rest in peace, Nikki. Carry on, River! (Can’t type. Crying too much.)
Akila - Leesia, You are truly an incredible artist. Even if you hadn’t told me the story, I would have seen the emotion in these beautiful portraits but the story only makes it more heartwrenching. I am so so sorry for Nikki’s family but I am glad that you were able to capture these pictures of her. I know that they will be treasured.
Liz - I can’t even imagine how emotional this session must have been for you – these are all really heartfelt shots and done with such care and compassion.
Lisa Tufano - I held it together until the last picture. I’m so glad Nikki’s Mom had a chance to have these memories photographed. My sympathies to Nikki’s Mom, and to River who I’m sure is missing her too.