[PHOTOS] Photographer Maria Sharp Says Goodbye To Her Dog In A Heartfelt Photoshoot
Saying goodbye to a loved one (yes, even a pet!) is one of life's hardest experiences one goes through. So when 23-year-old Maria saw that the days with her beloved dog were numbered, she decided to capture their last moments together so that she could always remember her dog Chubby.
By Sadho Ram — 18 Oct 2014, 03:16 AM — Updated about 10 years ago
Maria Sharp is a 23-year-old photographer, who has loved Chubby, her collie/German shepherd/hound mix, since she was seven. That's when she got her first. But, for Maria, Chubby isn't just a dog. "She's my longest and best friend," says Maria.
These photographs show the first day Maria got Chubby. She was quite excited to have something of her own. Chubby became someone she could take care of and love. "I love my little smiles and quiet moments where I'm so in love with this dog."
"Since it was just me and my mom in the house, Chubby added something our family really needed. Chubby was my person. The person I ran home to to tell about my day. She taught me how to listen, how to love, and how to be a friend. Not only is Chubby important to me, but she touches everyone who is around her with her warm personality and acceptance. Of course when she was little she would bark at everything, but once she got to know you she accepted anyone’s lovin. Whenever we had guests over, I would barely say hi before saying, “Do you want to see my dog?!” She was my favorite part of myself."
mariacsharp.com
When Chubby became ill and deteriorated rapidly in health, Maria decided to create a portrait session so that she could always remember Chubby. Her fellow photographer Suzanne Price helped in chronicling Maria and Chubby's final moments together.
"I know how important it is to preserve memories and time with loved ones, and this shouldn't just apply to humans," Maria Sharp told Mashable.
mashable.com
Maria also documented her experience with Chubby in a blog post on her website, saying: "I'm writing this while she's still alive because I know if I were to wait until after she was gone my brain would be mush and I wouldn't be able to type through my tears"
Photographer Suzanne Price shared to PetaPizel a bit of her experience as the person behind the camera during what turned out to be some of Maria and Chubby's final moments together
"My goal during the session was to tell their story as honestly and unobtrusively as possible. Chubby couldn’t walk very well, so Maria carried him around for much of our time together. It was clear, however, that she relied on Chubby as much as Chubby was relying on her. The intimacy was breathtaking and beautiful."
petapixel.comChubby passed away shortly after these photos were taken, but as sad as that is, Maria is immensely glad that some of Chubby's last moments were spent cuddling together with her and capture their bond that is so strong, words could never accurately describe
“It’s still hard to accept that she’s actually gone,” the photographer wrote. “I find myself looking around the house for her. Peaking in the bathroom since I didn’t see her in the living room sleeping. I think that’s going to be the biggest adjustment, actually believing that my best friend is gone.”
buzzfeed.com
"I'll miss you Chubby Bunny…"
You can read Maria's full post and look at all the beautiful photographs she shared on her blog here.