Handsome Jasper. We first met last summer at Scoopy Poo, then again this past March. Each time I see him he’s a bit more grey, but is always full of wiggles and headrubs. Sometimes it’s like he doesn’t even know he has cancer. The week after our session, they found his tumor had increased in size, his joints were stiffer, and he wasn’t very interested in food. But he wasn’t done yet! He got to come to Sushi with your Poochie with his dad on Wednesday, and I thought he looked pretty good. It sounds like they’re going to try one more kind of treatment, and then it’s just a matter of time.
Jasper’s dad started a beautiful blog about him, and his story has been picked up by Petopia, All Dog Blog, The Happy Wag, and even Bark Magazine. It’s become a way for them to cope with what’s going on, and to help others who might be going through the same thing.
As I was editing these photos, I had a smile on my face pretty much the entire time. Mostly happy, some sad, but all coupled with a full heart knowing just how loved this wonderful dog has been. I can feel it emanating from the images. I wanted to share with you something his dad wrote to me after viewing their photos for the first time. It made me cry and I dare you not to tear up as well:
“…as I was looking through the photos a thought crossed my mind. I’d never really seen photos of Veronika and I with Jasper (quite like this), and I dare say that the images show how much we really do love him and have cared for him. Knowing this actually comforts me and makes me feel like it will be OK to say good-bye because we’ve loved him so much. Thank you.”
The look on his face in this one cracks me up.
20 comments
sarah danks - With tears streaming down my face – from having read what “Dad” wrote to you – I realize I wished I’d known of you 8 years ago so I could’ve captured a few, last images of my German shepherd boy.
The shot of Jasper wagging his tail in between his “mom” & “dad” with the sunlit trees…PRICELESS. Wonderful photography.October 26, 2010 – 12:20 pm
Suzanne Fitch - Your photography is absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your talent!October 6, 2010 – 11:46 am
Tracie J - These photos are amazing. You do such great work Sarah and beautifully capture the bond between these families and their pet.October 5, 2010 – 9:35 am
Renee - Beautifully captured as always!!!October 4, 2010 – 4:25 pm
Meet Bella Vizsla & Dog Blog Updates! | All Dog Blog - [...] of Adventures of Jumping Jasper-Roo has had the most beautiful photo shoot of him and his family, has recently been featured in Tails, Inc. & The Bark magazines, and is [...]September 20, 2010 – 10:58 am
No Dog About It Blog - [...] say goodbye. It is powerful and raw and worth reading. Make sure you also check out Jasper’s professional photos as taken by SaraBeth Photography. Stunning [...]September 5, 2010 – 11:39 pm
leesia - that fourth one down is absolute perfection. lovely session!August 30, 2010 – 10:42 pm
Claire - these are so, so beautiful.August 30, 2010 – 8:41 am
Jeanne - Hi Sarah Beth! I came across your site randomly and clicking through, I burst out laughing at the one of Jasper with his parents in the background (the first BW one listed above…) I then showed it to my boyfriend who also found it hilarious, and my dog who wasn’t as amused. Only belated did I notice that you had written a note about his funny expression too :)
Beautiful pics. That moment you captured was so funny that I had to write something here! :)August 26, 2010 – 11:07 pm
Alice - You do such lovely work, and these joy sessions are so touching. It’s hard to pick a favorite because they are all so great, but I do love that funny expression! I also love the images in the meadow… so beautiful.August 23, 2010 – 7:59 am
The Good, the Bad and the Unknown « The Adventures of Jumping Jasper-Roo the Vizsla Dog - [...] is that we got our first look at the photos we recently took with the extremely talented Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography fame. Her photos are truly [...]August 22, 2010 – 10:28 pm
Shelly - Sarah, excellent work. You captured them so beautifully. One of your best session to date, so moving!August 21, 2010 – 11:09 am
Jackie P - simply beautiful, again! what a wonderful compliment from Jasper’s owner.August 21, 2010 – 6:11 am
Chris - Incredible series. Love your work!August 21, 2010 – 12:57 am
jenn - love that face…. beautiful family, beautiful shotsAugust 20, 2010 – 8:41 pm
Christa - Oh Sarah, these pictures are wonderful. I’m tearing up as I’m looking at them. I’m sure they love them. :)August 20, 2010 – 7:47 pm
Roz - what wonderful pictures Sarah. Thank you for sharing. Amazed at how much love and compassion is shown in your work.People are truly blessed to share this with you..I must admit, I too had tears.Praying the new treatment gives him more time.August 20, 2010 – 5:37 pm
Dorothy - Yup! Crying. How lucky they are to have these images and memories – and a great dog. Beautiful work.August 20, 2010 – 4:21 pm
C. Wade - Awesome story, awesome dog, awesome images. You did Jasper justice. Having a dog go through cancer is rough. Jasper has great people! (LOVE the fourth-from-bottom photo!)
-CaitAugust 20, 2010 – 3:35 pm
Gordon - Really, really great work. Joyful, loving, and emotional. Makes me want to rush home and hug my dog :)August 20, 2010 – 3:26 pm