Have you seen this man and dog photo yet?
As you know, I am always looking for things that inspire me. Things that touch me or make me laugh or that make me pause and say, “Wow.”
A lot of times I will share these things with you. Sometimes I share a quote or a beautiful piece of writing. Sometimes it’s a book I’ve read or one I’ve written, or something I’ve learned after writing for so many years.
I wanted to share this photograph with you because it really shows how sometimes an image can capture something that would be very hard to say in words.
However, if you add the words to the image, there is a powerful story here. Check it out:
John Unger just wanted a friend to take a nice photo of him and his 19-year-old arthritic dog, Schoep, before it was too late. He got that photo — and world validation, too. When Unger’s friend, professional photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson, posted the unusual photo — of Unger holding his sleeping dog in the waters of Lake Superior — on her Facebook page it went viral. A week later, the photo had been shared 156,911 times, prompted 28,695 comments and received more than a quarter million “likes”. Now, Unger shares how the photo — and his dog — have both been turning points in his life: { read more }
I have two rescue dogs, Emma and Jack, and every time I see this photograph I tear up. Emma is thirteen years old, which is old for a dog, and she’s slowing down, like we all do when we age. I love this dog, and I dread the day we get to the point of the photo. At the same time, I’m very grateful to have had this many years with my dear Emma.
Do you have a pet that has made a difference in your life? If so, I’d love to hear from you.
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P.S. Check out the new design of my website. It’s still a work-in-progress, and I welcome your thoughts.
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P.P.S. Wildflower’s story is still out there and going strong. I just heard from another reader today who thanked me for writing it. It’s always such an honor to hear from readers. xo
The Secret Sense of Wildflower
“…astute observations and wonderfully turned phrases, with nary a cliche to be found. She could be an adolescent Scout Finch…A quietly powerful story, at times harrowing but ultimately a joy to read.”
– Kirkus Reviews (starred review) To read the entire Kirkus review go here.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=310157219176475&set=a.255318387993692.1073741827.100005465985423&type=1&theater
Ahhh. You’ve told stories about her not being the angel she appears to be, but still….she looks like such a sweetheart.
She was evil with fur but I still miss the “love nips.” Even the ones that required band aids afterwords!
We have two rescue cats—one that literally walked up to the house with his ragged body and abscessed tail. Both are now over 14 years old, and as you say, we dread the day. They are both consistent joys and frustrations, reminding us frequently to slow our lives down and enjoying a good lap, for goodness sake.
I can’t imagine she would have let you carry her out into Lake Superior and hold her like the man and the dog in the photo. You wouldn’t have survived the attempt. But it is easy to get attached to the little beings, even if they are “evil with fur.”
You are so right, Becky. They really teach us so much. They are the ultimate gurus.