With great sadness, we said goodbye Tuesday evening to my constant companion of a dozen plus years. Riley had major surgery two months ago after which she was diagnosed with cancer. Recently, it had spread to her brain and we knew it was time. A vet came to our house to help her go and we had the great privilege of being with Riley at the end of her life. She left in a way that was profound and peaceful.
In the way that the karmic world works, I received an e-mail yesterday from Laura Brunow Minor letting me know that a photo essay that I had submitted several months ago on the subject of "what I have learned from my pet" would run in the new Pictory Magazine and it would be launched today--remarkable timing that felt like yet another quiet gift from Riley's remarkable soul. Here is my essay from Love Without Language--be sure to read all the photos stories as they are wonderful.
Riley was a big part of my photo life. From an early age, she discovered the camera. Whenever I set up my black velvet backdrop, she would simply plop herself in the middle of the fabric, ready to work. I often had to get her out of the frame as she wanted to be part of whatever I was doing. She had the patience of a saint, allowing me to cover her face in masks, wear wigs, be humiliated, and wait quietly for her reward.
Arrangement in Green and Black #20, Portrait of the Photographer's Mother
Arrangement in Green and Black #11, Portrait of the Photographer's Mother
Converse, from Self Portraits
The Star, from Hollywood at Home
Most importantly, Riley brought so much joy to our family. She loved my children, always happy to have them return home from school so she could participate in their activities--she attended basketball games, dressed up at Halloween, and joined in on the slumber parties . She also loved anything to do with water--swimming in friend's pools, running through every sprinkler in the neighborhood, loving our trips to the beach or lake where she could be free to swim and explore. The highlight of one summer at the lake was when Riley emerged from the water with a huge eel and was greeted with screams and fascination.
I can still hear the tinkle of her collar, feel her presence in my house, hear her sigh. I know I am not alone in understanding that our pets are gifts and wonderful teachers, making us better by teaching us how to love, how to be loyal, how to live each day smelling the good smells, being happy to see friends and family, and savoring every last morsel of life. Thank you, Riley, for loving me so completely. I will miss you until the day we meet again.
48 comments:
Tears! The photos touched my heart. The love between a dog and her person is one of the most beautiful and pure things I know of. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you Aline.
Broke my heart, what a beautiful tribute. Aline so sorry for your loss, our dearest cat went the same way. My best, Valery
so sad, and I'm so so sorry. Losing a pet is real grief and often underestimated .. but thankfully so many beautiful memories captured.
Aline, I'm so sorry for your loss! What a loving tribute to Riley! A big hug.
Carol
I'm so sorry for the loss you're feeling from Riley's passing. You were given such an amazing gift having her in your life, judging by your photos. They are truly beautiful, funny and endearing. And thanks for reminding me about all of the things that I love about my 2 little monsters (even though one of them woke me up to her vomiting this morning :). Thank you for sharing Riley!!!
What a beautiful girl! I'm certain it meant very much to Riley that you were able to be there with her in the end. Thank you for sharing those photos - she definitely possessed a giant amount of patience. "The Star" photo with the wig and fur blanket made me chuckle.
We sure are fortunate that dogs are willing to share their lives with us.
Wonderful tribute and so sorry to read this. We've been there and know just how much it hurts and the void it leaves.
Hi Aline,
I do not comment on blogs very often but had to reach out and say how much your images and words about Riley truly summarize the way many of us feel about our beloved pets and our emotions when they go. These photos made me cry - you can tell Riley was very very loved and his memory will be cherished.
- Wynn
I am so sorry and I hope that your beautiful photographs and memories make your tears less painful.
Hi Aline - I lost my favorite furry buddy a few years ago too...wishing you hugs and comfort. You have some wonderful memories here! -Erika
Aline:
What a beautiful tribute!
So sorry for your loss. My cat means the world to me, my best friend and company.
A big hug to you!
xoxo,
Ruben
Sorry, Aline. Riley, it was a privilege to know you. R.I.P.
I am very sorry for your loss, Aline. I know from experience that this is not an easy time.
Sorry for your loss!
Aline, thank you for sharing your images of Riley. I'm feeling so sad for your loss. It'll be strange not to be greeted at your door with him by your side peering out, or to see him resting on the floor in his corner in your dining room. I'm sorry. xoxo
oh...aline....i am so sorry....wish i could tell you this in person....
Aline, Riley will always be with you... and now she is running in heaven... I am honored to have met her, the few times I did. Such an angel. I'm holding you and Riley in my heart.
I always loved seeing you and Riley walking through the park. Your constant companion will remain your constant companion. Acknowledge her presence because she will be there...for every shoot, for every holiday, for every night of sleep. My thoughts are with you. Thank you for your beautiful tribute in photos.
This is a beautiful tribute to Riley, Aline. I am so very sorry. I have always had dogs and sometimes had to make hard decisions when they got sick... My heart is with you. Love.
Aline, how mysterious life is to bring you & Riley together. You were an ingenuous fit which doesn't happen often in life even between two people. I don't know how to comfort you. When our family was in the midst of a divorce, I couldn't find a place to live that would accept children--much less a dog. We found a good home for our adored Hominy where there was another dog for him to play with. But, years later, we all still miss him. Your insightful photo-bio of Riley will help others who never had such a connection understand that a dog is more than a pet.
Such beautiful memories. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Riley was an incredible spirit and I'm honored to have known her. My heart is broken for you. Sending you a big hug, Susan B.
choked me up being a dog owner/lover...beautiful tribute.
BEAUTIFUL tribute, Aline. I had a cat named Turnip (Or he had Me!!) who also died of brain cancer. It was a devastaing loss for me. He had been with me since I got sober in 1988. I have learned so much from all of my pets. I wish I could have met Riley; she looks like she had an incredible sense of humor. I found myself laughing out loud over these images of your precious pooch. I've lost 5 cats over the last 20 years and miss them each day. Riley was as blessed to have been with your family as well as your famly was to be with her. Although Riley has crossedthe "Rainbow Bridge," she will have touched so many others as a result of your moving tribute. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Judith
So sorry for your loss, Aline. She looked like she was a wonderful girl. She was fortunate to have someone like you give her a loving, caring home!
Oh, Aline, I am so sad to hear that Riley is no longer with us. One could immediately tell from those big brown eyes that she was a sweet and wise old soul, one of those very special dogs.
Riley could tell I am a dog person so she would nuzzle up next to me, even under the dinner table, and I would give her a good scratch behind the ears.
I too have endured the pain of losing a wonderful, most loyal friend that way -- the "heartbeat at my feet" as Edith Wharton said, and so I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
Thank you everyone...it helps sharing the loss!
So sorry, Aline. No words work. Sending love. Anna
I am so sorry.
Even when they are elderly, and ailing, and we know That Day is looming, it is still so hard when they must leave us behind.
She was a lovely girl.
Sorry for your loss. that is one of the toughest thing a person can do. I have had to do it twice, both Yellow Labs. I know what good friends they can be.
Matt
my thoughts are with you, aline. your images and words open a wealth of emotions. i'm so glad that you and riley had each other. the finest of love.
She was on that card you made me once, so she made me smile and chuckle too with that blonde wig on.
:)
So sad and I'm so sorry to hear about Riley Aline.
Aline
Riley was truly a very special dog. I can't imagine any other dog I've known allowing such adornments and being so happy posing for your camera. I know you had a very special bond with Riley and how much you will miss her. I had both chills and smiles reading your tribute. I will miss seeing the two of you walk around our neighborhood together.
Aline, hugs and kisses!
so sorry for your loss. riley was a good one. you're lucky you two found each other. he knew you were a good one, too.
Beautiful and touching, I love the photographs and the text!
Great lookin' pup. It seems like losing a person, these are, afterall, members of our families.
Sorry for your loss.
aline, thank you so much for sharing your story about riley. having never grown up with a dog and now having one of our own, i can totally understand how sad this must be for you and your family. we will miss seeing riley hanging out on the front yard.
much love to you and the crew.
xoxo,
paul, jocelyn,meagan, shanen and of course tucker
My condolences, Aline. Heartbreaking. I believe, however, that Riley had a wonderful life because she was so well-loved by you! Your essay and photos are a fitting tribute.
They really are teachers aren't they. Everytime I am in a bad mood and ignore them, they still love me silently putting a paw on my thigh or nuzzling close to me. Without saying a word, they remind me to be kind, grateful, and love unconditionally.
oh....this makes me sad...but it is a beautiful tribute to a sweet, loving friend. i am sorry for to have lost such a great and wonderful dog.
I can feel with you. I miss my dogs even after years. I am very sorry Aline.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, pets touch a special place in our hearts that few others can. Riley looks like my golden girl who is approaching her 14th year - I know our time is soon as well. Your photos are a lovely reminder of the time together - if for no other reason - thank God for cameras (and our furry companions).
I am sorry, Aline.
You've made a wonderful tribute.
Thinking of you and sending you all the hugs in the world. I'm so, so sorry for your loss
Sorry to hear of your lose, and love the tribute, and you using Riley's photo for your Facebook profile....big hugs from NYC
They give us unconditional love and trust us to make the right decision for them at the end.
I'm sorry for your loss, Aline, but, so many memories :)
In tears! What a beautiful tribute! I feel as if I know Riley through your photographs. What a loving family member! She was lucky to have you and be a part of your family.
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