SNAPSHOTS Mini Challenge

a tribute to pets past and current

I’m fairly confident I don’t need to explain the inspiration behind this weeks challenge theme, except to say it‘s been a difficult, painful, and emotional few weeks. One minute it seems like it’s been months since Trouser’s been gone, but then, without warning I’ll feel his loss so acutely it‘s as if it’s happening all over again, in real time.

I do know from experience that slowly, over time, I, David, and Mr. Moles will get to a place where our thoughts of Trouser will be dominated by warm, smile inducing memories of a certifiably crazy pup, not the raw hurt peppered with occasional nagging questions, asking if we did the right thing, or if we could have waited a little longer.

Until then, we do our best to move on, comforted by proximity, content in the time we did have together, despite it being far, far too short.

The Rules

1. Using between 1 and 15 images, create a pictorial tribute to one or more pets you have lost, or a pet/pets that is/are still with you. Dog, cat, gerbil, bird, the species is irrelevant, it’s the bond that matters.
2. You may include a narrative if you wish, though one is not required. Because of the nature of this challenge I’m being liberal with length, anything up to 1000 words is acceptable.
3. Please begin your piece with an image, followed by the name of your pet/pets for a title.
4. Please include the sub-title pet tribute.
5. Please include the tags photography and pet tribute.

As usual, my entry follows below as an example.

Trouser

Or, more formally known as Trouser Trump Von Stinky Pants.

You were that little puppy who came to us at only 4 months. Underweight, flee infested, and terrified of everything. Your brief start had been pretty rough. Slowly though, you began to trust us, realizing we meant no harm. Gradually, and despite your best efforts to test that trust, you understood this was where you belonged and where you were most definitely wanted. You were home. Though it wasn’t always easy, and you were sometimes headstrong, you were always determined, crazy smart, occasionally infuriating, but always just a little bit scared. However it was in the quiet moments, when it was just the three of us and Mr. Moles, that you proved to be the most affectionate and loving dog we have ever known.

When the time came to let you go, it was far too soon, a raw deal that just wasn’t fair. Your life would end way too early for any of us. All we could do was stay with you and hold you close until the end, trying our best to make sure you knew that you were loved and you were wanted.

You’re in the backyard now, with your blanket, some treats, and of course your purple egg toy that you loved. Safe under cover of ground where you once played, it’s the spot where the yellow and pink rosebush we planted for you will bloom in the spring. There’s nothing to be afraid of anymore, Trouser. Sleep well sweet boy, you wonderful dog that we miss so much. We will always love you and are so grateful that you became part of this family.

PS Mr. Moles says hi, and says he wants you to know that you were a pretty good brother.

Love,

Allan, David, & Mr. Moles

Trouser

2016 ~ 2018

Participation

This challenge is open to anyone with an active Medium account. Not yet a writer for us? Here is a link to our SNAPSHOT information page. Take a look at it, review our submission guidelines, and if you think you’d like to participate then leave a response in the comment section below asking to be added as a writer. One of the editors will get back to you shortly letting you know you’ve been added.

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