A woman called to ask if I did family photos with pets. They had 4 dogs. She couldn't have children, so the dogs were the children to her & her husband. I was more than happy to do the shoot. When they came in we had a wild time getting the younger pups to sit still. In the end I captured an image she adored. But I noticed one sweet mixed breed, Daisy among the wild bunch. She tolerated the actics of the younger pups with dignity. I could tell she was up in years & I still had some film left so I suggested I take a few shots of her alone. No, I would not charge extra. Daisy was lost to the couple six months later. They called me to thank me for taking that photo & to let me know how much it ment to them. They wanted to copy it on a t-shirt to wear in her honor at a dog walk for our local shelter. They walked in her honor. I was humbled by the experience. I felt the urge to take Daisy's portrait because we had just lost our dear Annie. Annie was such an important member of our family & teacher to my daughter. The irony is that all the photos I had & of Annie were taken at outings & at 4H dog shows. The week she became suddenly ill I had just had her to the groomers & planned to do a formal portrait. Her illness cut that plan off & I so regret not taking her portrait sooner. The fun photos I have of her my daughter & I cherish. It made it plain to me how important these things are. The call from Daisy's owners to thank me drove the point home. From now on I make it a point to take a photo of any pet that is included in family photos. I feel that Annie inspires me. Last Christmas I did Pets with Santa photos for our shelter. A woman came in with a dog & burst into tears as I was taking the photo. I learned she had another dog at home that was ill & would soon pass over the bridge. I invited her to my studio that night for a free sitting. I could tell she didn't have much money & she was facing a huge vet bill. Giving her those photos of her beloved dog was worth it to me. I did it in honor of Annie. I have just recently had another client come to me with a chow with throat cancer. Again it hits home in my heart. Her owner enjoyed the photo session. She came to pick up her photos & told me her chow was gone. I could see how much these last photos ment to her & the comfort they brought to her. I will never turn down a pet. It is my small way to try to give back to the world of animals for all that they do for us. And it is my way of honoring our sweet Annie. My heart still aches as I think of her. We miss her so!