This is a story about two people, their unconditional love for their dogs, keeping memories alive, and the power of a photograph.
It all started in Boston almost a year ago. I was visiting my sister and, being the tourist that I am, decided to go to the picturesque Boston Public Gardens to take photos. That’s where and when I encountered the most memorable moment of my trip. Down a tree-lined path bursting with vibrant oranges, yellows and reds, across the street, I spotted a man and his beautiful Weimaraner walking. It was just a beautiful, peaceful moment and the two were totally in sync and even wearing the same jackets. Just by observing them in that quick moment, I could tell they were best friends. I took a few photos and instantly knew in my heart I captured something very special. I felt so drawn to them that I had to chat up the owner. Kepler was the Weimaraner’s name and Kepler was using his temporary wheels until his customized wheels arrived. Being an active dog all of his life, and sustaining an injury when he was younger is what led to his wheels.
James and Kepler
A few months later at home in Arizona, I came across the blog of a Boston photographer, Li. I sat speechless when I saw this photo of Kepler, in the same park I had encountered him. Li, also intrigued by Kepler, had stopped in the middle of a photo session to snap a few photos of the beautiful Weimaraner. She posted them to her blog and as I read her blog post, my heart sank. Li had written how she had found out that Kepler had past away shortly after her photo was taken. After corresponding with Li, we had determined that I was in the Public Gardens only a couple of days before her. She was able to locate Kepler’s owner through a local pet boutique. She gave me Kepler’s owner’s information, his name was James, and I sent him and his sister Christina the photos I took of Kepler. They were so gracious and grateful. James was beside himself. Kepler was his best friend. Kepler was family. James explained that Kepler had just received the temporary wheels when we took our photos of him and he was so excited to be able to do all the things he used to do when he was healthy; run the dog park, trot around the Public Gardens and Boston Common, visit all of his favorite shops on Newbury St. and walk along the banks of the Charles River. For five weeks he was young again and carefree in his temporary wheels. It was the day after Kepler received his new wheels that he had passed.
Flash forward to about a month ago. I received a call from a woman named Mari. Her dog Pucina had suffered a stroke about a month prior. This left her unable to use her hind legs. Mari had seen the photo of Kepler on my website and wanted to know if I knew where James had found Kepler’s wheels. Pucina is 17 and Mari said everyone had suggested it was Pucina’s time to go. Mari wouldn’t hear any of it. After all, it was Pucina who stayed loyally by Mari’s side as Mari battled breast cancer in 2001 and then thyroid cancer just last year. Pucina gave Mari unconditional love and support and Mari was going to repay Pucina by not giving up on her. I gave Mari James’ information and I had assumed he told her where he purchased Kepler’s wheels and that was that. A few weeks later I receive an email from Mari thanking me for connecting her with James. It turns out that James didn’t just give her the information about where the wheels were purchased, he had sent her Kepler’s specially fitted wheels!! It just so happened that Kepler and Pucina are close enough in size. When I heard this I had to snap a few photos of Pucina in Kepler’s wheels.
Mari encourages Pucina
Pucina thanks Mari for not giving up on her
When I arrived at Mari’s house I caught a glimpse of what Mari does for Pucina every day. It’s a 24/7 job taking care of a dog who is unable to walk, but with spunk and love, Mari dotes on Pucina. Pucina is still getting used to the wheels and is showing signs of improvement. The sparkle of life is returning to her eyes, the dog everyone else gave up on.
Pucina is happy to get iced-down after her walk
Kepler and Pucina, two dogs brought together by a photograph. Unconditional love reciprocated by their guardians and a memory kept alive by a loving guardian’s act of kindness. This is a story I will never forget and a story that reminds me of why I love my job so much.
P.S. Kepler’s wheels were purchased from Eddie’s Wheels. James did a lot of research before purchasing Kepler’s wheels and besides being great people, found Eddie’s Wheels to have the best designs. Here is a video of Kepler being fitted for his wheels.
P.P.S. Mari is the creator of Mari’s Kitchen, maker of Doggie-d-Lite and Cookies-d-Lite. Mari’s Kitchen creates natural dog treats that help to maintain your pet’s health and longevity. Check out Mari’s informative cooking show!
