My experience with Jane Sobel Klonsky…photographer of old dogs and the people that love them. I have a book giveaway too!
They say the bond between a senior dog and their owner is like no other, and I agree. It’s why each year I raise as much money as I can to help Old Dog Haven in an effort to get senior dogs a loving home to live out however long they have left. There is something so special about a senior dog, and there is something even more special about one with special needs.
At the Old Dog Haven Walk this year there was a photographer photographing the day and taking photos to add to her project: Project Unconditional. That photographer is Jane Sobel Klonsky and it turned out that as a gift she donated a session with her to the top individual fundraiser…that just happened to be me. She was only in town for a few more days and so we gathered up our spaniels and my husband was able to get off work and we had our session.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect. We had pet photos done of Mickey and Holly last year but it was of the dogs and not us…this time, it was supposed to include us. Both my husband and I tend to be awkward at photo shoots and it did take us a bit to get used to the idea.
Jane right away put us at ease and we just walked around the dogs. Wrangling four is often an adventure and I think that is why my husband and I love the photo of us trying to grab the dogs while laughing pretty much sums up our life in a nutshell.
I’ve had two types of senior dogs so far…one that I had since she was 5 months old that lived to 15 until cancer took her from me, and one that I had only a year.
When I took in Holly I thought she would be easier to let go than Crazy Cocker Spaniel. After all, CCS and I had been through so much and she was with me in my 20’s, 30’s, into my 40’s. Surly a dog that I only had a little more than a year couldn’t bond that much with me? Yet she did.
Part of that is because she depended on me. Not only for heart meds but to show her it was okay to trust humans. Her background was not the best and she was a scared soul those first few weeks. How far she came in a year was amazing. We only wish we could have seen how much she would have blossomed in another year.
Regardless of the reason, her year with us gave us a lifetime of love. A testimony that it is not the amount of time you spend with a dog but the quality of that time you have with them. I now know that’s possible.
Jane’s project photographing senior dogs and their owners is a beautiful and heartwarming series. She captures the affection, loyalty, and in all honestly sometimes heartbreaking moments between owner and canine companion. You can see in the dog’s eyes that their time is coming to an end and their human is holding on. You can see that in the photo of Holly and my husband…we knew it would eventually come we just weren’t ready. You never are.
It’s a family affair as her daughter did a whole video series as well as a short documentary titled Love Unleashed. Her videos will bring and smile and probably a tear to your eye.
Many of the photos and stories were compiled in a book called Unconditional: Older Dogs, Deeper Love (it comes out October 25th). I was sent a preview copy and loved it so much that I want to do a giveaway (with me just buying the book for you) for you the reader. If you are a dog lover you will want this beautiful book put out by National Geographic.
You may not be able to get your photo done by Jane (she’s out of Vermont) but I do want to encourage anyone that has a dog (or any pet for that matter) to get their photos done professionally. You may think it silly but I can tell you that we are so thankful that we have ones of Holly. We did not have any done of CCS and we regret it to this day. So be that person that gets them done…you will be forever thankful.
Thanks again to Jane for the cherished photos…with Holly passing they mean that much more.
To enter to win a chance to win a copy of Uncondtional simply leave a comment saying what you love about dogs (or pets). Must be US resident. Will pick random using a random number generator. Only one entry and will pick winner Sunday, October 30th at 5pm est.
CONTEST ENDED: Jen was the randomly number generator picked winner.
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog” -Sidney Jeanne Seward
Tiffany Porter says
What a beautiful family!
Peabody says
Thank you!
Melissa E says
I love how every dog has their own personality. It’s great to get to know each one.
Peabody says
Yes, it’s amazing they all have/had completely different personalities.
Jen says
Aww, this makes me happy and sad. Seeing Holly so happy warms my heart, you guys gave her a great life you can see it in her eyes.
I adopted a senior dog because of you and he has been the best dog ever. So thanks for bringing awareness to how amazing they can be.
Peabody says
I’m so touched that you got a senior dog because of me! They really are the best!
Stefanie says
My little dog thought me to open my heart again. He has to do nothing, besides being with me. I can’t explain he just touches my heart in a way no one else can !
Robin says
All captured in these photos – both human and canine – look happy and content. It’s obvious there is so much love in this family!
Alice says
Love this!
Jaime says
What a great idea! I will echo another poster’s comment by saying it’s amazing that each animal I’ve owned has such a unique and distinctive personality. Even cats I’ve raised from kittenhood – treated exactly the same – turned out to be complete opposites in temperament. I also love how loving they can be, even ones prone to grumpiness. 🙂
Debbie hedin says
I adopted an older dog from Poland and she is the love of my life, so thankful for her second chance she sees joy in everyday ! I love looking at life through her eyes !
Beth Cook says
I love a rescued dog’s love and appreciation. They just know.
Jordan Leigh says
I had a cavalier King Charles spaniel for 14 years and he just passed two years ago. I was in a very low place during the last years of his life, to the point of being unable to leave the house. He would come just rest his head on me when I was in a heap on the ground crying. He was the only thing that could make me snap out of it. I miss him everyday and cannot wait to see him one day in heaven.
Peabody says
@Jordan- I know he is waiting for you.
Ginger says
I love dogs and animals in general but dogs are my favorite animal. My favorite thing about them is their unconditional love and their always so happy to see you. They have the purest of souls.
Carrie M. says
Thank you. As a no kill shelter worker for 14 years we are so thankful for the love you give!
I also do senior pet care.
Kathy says
Wow. Loved this. I once read about a woman who adopted senior animals do just that, give them the best and happiest times of their lives. When they passed on she went and did it all over again, and again and again. She said she did it because the puppies are always the magnet for adopters, and she wanted to help the older ones who people passed by because of their age.
I couldn’t believe the selflessness. How do your hearts take it? To go thru that heart shattering pain of losing your pet, and to do that over and over and over again because of your wanting to help in making life wonderful for the senior animals for as long as they have. You are amazing people.
Your pictures turned out wonderfully.
Bless you all that are strong enough to handle the heartache. I know you get so much in return, because a dogs love is so full and unconditional.
Peabody says
@Kathy- when our cocker spaniel passed of cancer and had an illness before that(which required daily baths lasting 30 minutes of sitting in medicated shampoo for over 6 months) my husband and I realized that we had the patience and temperament for older, sick dogs. We also realized we were able to help them over the rainbow bridge when the time is right…we know not everyone can.
Because we realized that we had a gift to do this we knew we had to take in dogs to give them the best life they could have. All of our dogs are considered seniors (by a vet…but some you wouldn’t know it) and all but one has a special need (we didn’t plan on taking her).
It can be very hard. Even in a short amount of time you bond with them greatly.
However, the reward of them getting a great end of life…since many did not come from the best situation far outweighs the sadness.
AnneStrawberry says
These are such beautiful photos Peabody. Our pets are so important. We got our dog when I was pregnant with my first child ten years ago. I would come home from work sick and exhausted and my sweet puppy would snuggle me. He’s older now and snuggles more than he used to- but I am the one he goes to for snuggles to this day. It’s very sweet.
Lisa Normann says
I adopted a 13 year old when my 13 year old passed away and she was such a fun, spunky loving girl! She was only with me for a year and I was just as heartbroken as I was when I had to put down my Mattie Girl. Dogs for me, are calming. They make my world better, more joyful and happy. There is nothing better then grabbing your pup and sticking your face in the scruff of their neck and just breathing. Everything slows down for a moment and you can think. Or when you grab the lease for the morning and evening walk and they are so happy to get outside and explore. It truly fills my heart. Since the passing of my dogs, I am now a foster dog mom helping to save other dogs and find them great homes where they rescue people and live the lives the were supposed to all along.
Peabody says
@lisa- it was so amazing to me how in just a years time Holly meant as much as the dog I had for 15 years. That’s wonderful that you are a foster mom now.
Marie Costello says
They bring laughter, smiles and love into my life. I see, smell and admire the beauty in every day things through their eyes. Life is better when chasing a butterfly, sniffing a flower or just looking out the window.
nancy says
I love my greeting every time I walk in the front door. it doesn’t matter if I am gone all day at work or 15 minute run for a needed item at the store. my dogs never fail to greet me with happy smiles and wagging tails.
Peabody says
And that’s why they are the best.