biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver

Jul 12

Biscuit: An Appreciation

Doug, Biscuit’s Daddy and my husband and partner is life, wrote a heartfelt appreciation letter to our little Biscuit, shown below. Additionally, a few of my favorite photographs of Doug and Biscuit together accompany these exceptional words. The final image, shown below, was taken on Biscuit’s first boat ride in Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia — one of Doug’s favorite images of our little Biscuit. We both miss Biscuit very deeply.

Biscuit,

I truly hoped this day would never come. You have been gone for only a short time, but already it seems like an eternity. I miss everything about you: the sound of your nails on the hardwood floor; your Sheltie stretch before a walk; your Sheltie shake after waking up from a nap; the way you seemed to fall over effortlessly for a belly rub. But most of all I miss your amazing smile. Your smile had transformative powers: A single glimpse of it could turn a bad day into a good one or provide reassurance in a time of need. Your trademark smile always began as a serious forward-looking stare; and then with perfect timing you turned your head to one side and opened your mouth, culminating in a full ear-to-ear smile. Even on your last day, you managed a momentary smile, as if to tell us that everything will be OK. I know that you are in a better place now; there is no more pain, no more doctor’s visits…no more restricted diets. But most importantly, I want you to know how grateful I am to have met you and to have been part of your life. A more loyal, honest friend does not exist; you are literally the best friend any person could ask for.

I will never forget the first day we met, Christmas Eve 2010. I knew instantly that you were the perfect Sheltie. You were simultaneously the most handsome and most sad dog I had ever seen. You had been found a few months earlier wandering the streets, abandoned and severely malnourished. When Carol opened the sliding glass door leading to her backyard, all but one of the Shelties ran out and started to play. You were the sole hold-out, choosing instead to hide on Carol’s deck. The story of our meeting is important because it demonstrates just how far you came in such a short amount of time. On that Christmas Eve day, you were timid, shy, and riddled with anxiety. The Biscuit of today hardly resembles the Sheltie I first met in rescue two and a half years ago. Your fur coat thickened and changed color; you got your confidence back; you started to walk around the neighborhood with your head held high; you began to engage people and play with other dogs…and you became very persistent requesting more food. Your transformation was extraordinary. And your newfound happiness was obvious just by looking at your radiant smile and bright brown eyes.

Our time together was short, but filled with enough memories to last a lifetime. I cannot possibly list everything here, but I wanted to share some of my fondest memories with you one last time. We learned early that your favorite food was barbecue chicken and your favorite dessert was vanilla ice cream from Chick-Fil-A. I don’t know how many trips we made to Andy Nelson’s or Mission BBQ for dinner, but I can assure you that the restaurant staff knew you as a regular. I will never forget sharing Chick-Fil-A ice cream cups with you; or how you liked to stick your snout into the cup to get every last bit of ice cream. You were always a good-sport, tolerating indignities such as a panda bear Halloween costume, reindeer antlers at Christmas, and seasonal Steven Van Zandt-like bandannas. You were adventurous and an excellent traveler: you visited five Orvis stores in four states, including the flagship store in Manchester, Vermont; you toured the LL Bean campus in Freeport, Maine; you visited your grandparents in Michigan and Ohio two times; and you spent two summer vacations in Nova Scotia. In Canada, you enjoyed lazy days napping on the deck, tours around Halifax in your Hound-About, and evening runs on the beach. In your mind, I think the specific destination was always secondary; the most important thing was simply spending time with us. I couldn’t agree with you more. Things will never be same without you.

Most of our adventures together have been documented on your blog. But Biscuit’s Space is more than a website; it is a place where special dogs are given a second chance. You are the inspiration, namesake, and living proof of the power of Biscuit’s Space. I promise you that Biscuit’s Space will not end because you are gone, but will continue in your honor. And when the time is right, I am sure that you will send us another Sheltie in need of a second chance just like you.

I miss you dearly. Our time together was much too short, but I would not trade it for anything. You will aways be the most handsome Sheltie I have ever seen. I love you. Please wait for us at the bridge….

Jul 11

1 Comment

The Ordinary Things

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love.” ~Washington Irving

Doug and I are missing Biscuit very much. We especially miss the ordinary events and things that happen naturally throughout the course of a normal day together. The toughest moments so far are when we come home, we anticipate that we will hear Biscuit’s nails hitting the hardwood floors as he comes walking out of the bedroom doing his sheltie stretch with a smile, happy to see us, ready for either a belly rub, a walk, or dinner — depending upon the time of day, Biscuit always let us know what he wanted and needed!

Whenever Doug and I left the house together, on the rare occasions when Biscuit did not (or could not) come with us, depending upon where we were going, we talked to him to reassure him know that we would be back shortly and not to worry. Biscuit always wanted to be with us and his biggest fear and anxiety was being left somewhere without us! Biscuit usually understood that we would be back to greet him soon, and he gladly went and took a nap on his bed in front of his fan in our bedroom. However, sometimes, Biscuit wanted to come with us and he let us know this as he walked right up to the front door trying, with all his might, after we opened the front door slightly, to push through the slight opening of the front door leading to the outside to come with us! There were times that Biscuit successfully meandered through the front door opening to the outside onto the front porch, and we then had to take him off the porch and put him in back in the house! Other times, when we could, we modified our plans so that he could come with us and be included like he wanted. It always broke our hearts when we were unable to take him with us. He was a smart little sheltie! However, we have many, many fond memories of taking Biscuit various places with us. Biscuit accompanied us to countless places more often than not.

As I work at my computer at home, I anticipate looking down and seeing Biscuit by my side. I wrote almost every blog post with Biscuit by my side. He was also always by my side with me as I culled and edited photos; and when I worked on other things while at my desk. I truly enjoyed our time together. I loved that Biscuit always followed me around the house to be by my side. I miss Biscuit by my side.

Our nighttime ritual is not the same; I miss how we all had a “tuck-in” ritual and Biscuit always gave me licks and kisses just before bed (these were the only times he showed this type of affection); and Doug always gave Biscuit a belly rub before bed; and, sometimes, if Biscuit was awake in the morning, before Doug left for work, he would give Biscuit a “tuck out” in the mornings — consisting of a belly rub and kind, comforting words. Sometimes, when I took a bath before bed, Biscuit transited our bathroom waiting for me to come into the bedroom to begin our “tuck-in” ritual. Biscuit always began sleeping on my side of the bed directly in front of my night stand. Most mornings he was found in our bedroom sleeping on his Orvis bed atop his comfy duvet! Biscuit always let us sleep in on the weekends, which was very nice! Biscuit was always very routine oriented. He knew how he liked it — a particular way! (I can appreciate this quality!)

I also very much miss seeing Biscuit during the morning. Doug always came into our bedroom to see us before leaving for work, and then I started to get ready for the day, and Biscuit and I had the same routine each morning. He would immediately want his Greenie Pill Pockets, which was the only way he agreed to take his various medicines and supplements two times a day. Biscuit transited the bathroom as I got ready each morning. He patiently sat just outside the bathroom as I showered and dried my hair. After I finished getting ready, we took our morning walk together. I greatly enjoyed our time in the mornings together. After our walks, Biscuit always came back into the house and sat by our coffee table in the living room and waited patiently for a few pieces of his prescription kibble — a treat and reward for going potty during his walk! Again, Biscuit loved the routine and I came to love our routine as well, which became a fixture in our lives.

I also miss taking Biscuit with us to the new house. This week was the first time our little Biscuit was not there to accompany us to the new house, which made us sad. We do believe that after all those enjoyable trips to the new house, that Biscuit knew we were making a new home for all of us. We know that he will still be there with us in the new house where his images will continue to adorn our home.

We also miss taking him to dinner with us as well. With it being summer time, Biscuit came with us out to dinner quite often. We enjoyed the spring and summer months because the outside temperatures would allow us to take Biscuit out to eat with us. Doug always discovered and thought of interesting places to take Biscuit to keep Biscuit engaged, especially as we waited to move to our new home.

We also miss our daily walks together. Our walks together was a time all three of us spent together outside reflecting on the day together. Biscuit never complained about his arthritis and he was always happy to go on walks together as he led the way for us each day. Doug was always an attentive Daddy to Biscuit as he kept track of Biscuit’s “poop schedule” to help prevent any accidents in the house!

These above items are only a few things we miss about Biscuit. He really added so much joy to our lives. Right now, it feels very different without him. Doug and I have never experienced a loss as great as Biscuit. Our relationship and bond with Biscuit was like no other. Some truly can relate to this relationship, while others, who have never experienced such a relationship, do not understand and are unable to comprehend the depths and love of such a special and unique relationship.

I am reminded of the importance to be brave in sadness and to be brave in love — that we must sit with the wholeness of who we are and what we experience, that we must honor the beauty and the pain, that we can be sad yet grateful, angry yet compassionate, broken yet held in wholeness. This is life. This is what it means to show up. This is what it means to live with an open heart where love and fear are adjacent companions. This is what it means to honor every experience however heartbreaking. To be brave in sadness; and to be brave in love. I am trying to be brave. Biscuit was always so brave and strong.

Doug and I do not have Pinterest (or Facebook) accounts; however, as we were recently going through the many photographs and videos of Biscuit at home, we learned that Biscuit is on Pinterest — what a happy surprise! A small snapshot is shown below. We are so happy that others fell in love with our little Biscuit via the blog and by meeting Biscuit in person!

Finally, per Carol Guth, who heads the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., the rescue organization where Biscuit resided prior to us rescuing and adopting him, donations have already been received by this rescue organization in Biscuit’s honor. Thank you very much for your donations in honor of our little Biscuit. It means the world to us. Thank you. Thank you again for your kind, thoughtful, and heartfelt cards that you have sent; and thank you for your comforting words, which has been updated (and will continue to be updated) with your kind words since yesterday’s blog post. Thank you.

Jul 10

Comforting Words

Below is a sampling of the heartfelt, thoughtful, and comforting words we have received during this difficult time. We know that there are others, like us, who have experienced the tremendous loss of their furry family member(s). Thank you for your support. Doug and I are very grateful for your kindness.

Someone recently shared with me during times like these, during periods of great loss, to continue to have faith because “with great love all is possible!”

Katie and Doug

Dear Doug and Katie,

I am so sorry to learn that Biscuit passed away today. That makes me very sad. I know you must be heartbroken. There is such a loss after losing a special pet. I know your memories of Biscuit will last forever. How lucky you both were to share this friendship.

Carolyn

Dear Doug and Katie,

I am soooo sad and very sorry to hear about Biscuit. It makes me cry. And I know you will be crying for a long time, Nothing replaces your lovy. Please know I am thinking of all of you.

Love,

Linda

Hi Katie,

Just learned that Biscuit passed away today. I am so sorry & I know there is nothing I can say to make things any easier for you. Wish I was there to just give you a hug.

You & Doug were the best thing that ever happened for Biscuit & you gave him a good life. You took care of all his medical issues doing everything humanly possible for him & he thanks you so much for that. He is at peace now & is not suffering anymore. You, Doug & Biscuit will be together again.

Maybe in time you can offer your heart & home to another lucky dog. I think Biscuit would like that & he would want to see you happy again. I know how special he was & there will never be another Biscuit.

Don & I are going tonight to see fireworks, but I will give you a call one night this week. If there is anything at all I can do please let me know.

Our hearts go out to you & Doug & you are both in our thoughts & prayers.

Love, Charmi

Hi Katie and Doug,

Just wanted to say hi and that Mom told me about Biscuit today at John and Linda’s. He was a special dog and will be missed. I know he meant a lot to you. Keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Love,

Kassie

I am so sorry Katie and Doug. Biscuit touched so many in a short period of time. Remember the fun and the joy and know this: all dogs go to heaven. You will meet again. Gina

Dear Katie and Doug,

Sandy and I were very sorry to read about Biscuit’s passing. He obviously provided you with much joy, happiness; and you provide Biscuit with the same feelings and much love. You helped a special animal, a dog, who might have missed out without your presence. You will miss him, a wonderful and important part of your family!

Best Wishes,

Milo & Sandy

I am so very sorry to hear about Biscuit. You have my deepest sympathies. I know how much you love him and I am truly sorry you and Doug have to go through this. I didn’t realize he was that sick. You have my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything.

Marie

Katie,

Our hearts go out to you. We are so sorry about Biscuit. I read your blog this morning. What a loving tribute to such a wonderful dog. Yours and Doug’s love shines through in every line. He was one lucky dog to have such a wonderful Momma and Daddy.

Only time will make the pain of losing Biscuit less intense. His memory will be with you always….and you have some truly beautiful and wonderful memories of him and your time with him.

Know that we are here for you always. We loved Biscuit very much and he will remain in our hearts forever and ever. His photos will continue to grace our home.

Biscuit truly adored you both and his life was so much richer for having been rescued by you both. He may no longer be with us physically, but his spirit and memory will live forever.

We love you dearly. If you need anything, please let us know.

Love, Mom

Dear Katie and Doug,

Thank you for keeping me in Biscuit’s life. I have never placed a sheltie who has been so venerated and love as Biscuit. Thanks for bringing shelties to the public eye with your wonderful photos and contest winnings. You are truly amazing. Your tribute was awesome.

I know your house will be empty for a while. Hopefully, when you move into the new house you will want a new start for everyone. Maybe by Christmas there will be a new dog here that will need you as much as Biscuit did. Please keep in touch even if it is not about Biscuit – we are still friends!

Carol and the Sheltie Gang

Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

Dear Katie & Doug,

I know words are lame at this time of terrible sorrow, but I hope it helps a little to know that others are thinking of you and remembering ever so fondly your little Biscuit. May the time be swift until you can look back with more smiles than tears. Love is all. Keep giving it, even when you get hurt. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.

Condolences & Hugs,

Laura

Katie,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You gave him a wonderful life and he was very very lucky to have found you and your husband. I wish you had gotten more time with him.

There’s nothing I can say or do to make it easier, I know, and the time it takes to heal takes too much time entirely.

I am so sorry.

If there is any way I can help, just let me know.

-Jamie

Doug,

OMG…How are you? How is your wife? I am soo soo sorry to hear about Biscuit. I know there are no words to express your grief, but please know that I am praying for strength for you and your family. Take care and give your wife my love.

Gail

Katie,

I was sad to hear the news of precious Biscuit. What a fabulous dog that you rescued……….and after reading your blog……..he rescued you and Doug right back by sharing such an unconditional love. The love, the looks, the “quirks” (which we all have but so much cuter in our animals), the gusto for little mundane things in life that might get overlooked if you had not shared them with Biscuit. He grew into such a beautiful gentle dog and now an ever present spirit. I know it is a struggle and the meltdowns will be replaced by more and more fond memories, stories, chuckles and banter about the best dog that shared and enriched your life in ways beyond compare! Even some of the “crappy” stories become worth remembering and will make you laugh. My heart feels for you…….. Hugs for Biscuit, you, and Doug.

Linda

Katie,

I am so sorry to hear this news.

Biscuit was a very lucky dog to have had the devotion of both of you. And you both were lucky to have had the good fortune of Biscuits walk with you for part of your journey through this life. We all will miss Biscuit but know that he is in greener pastures and walks on his well deserved path through the heavens.

xxds

As I’m crying reading this word can not express how truly sorry I am that you lost Biscuit. You guys both gave him the best. I know that you guys did everything you could do to make him happy and healthy. Please let me know when I can talk to you both, I know you must still be very sad and upset so when you feel up to it.

With love and prayers,

Beth and Terena

Katie and Doug,

There is nothing I can say that you don’t already know.

You rescued Biscuit and he responded with a love unlike anything you have ever felt before.

Cherish those times with him. Let the tears flow for they are tears of a deep and true love for one of God’s greatest creations.

He is happy and pain free now, playing and waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for the day that you are all together again.

You are in our thoughts and prayers, and Biscuit is forever in our memories.

Love,

John, Cathy, & Maggie

Hi Katie, I am very sorry to hear this news. You must be very sad. I was not expecting this so soon. Did you have any indication? I’m glad you were with him when he passed. Our hearts go out to you. Kenji and I have both lost beloved pets. I know it is not an easy thing to go through. May all of your memories give you some comfort. And know that Biscuit is at peace now, hopefully chasing clouds in doggy heaven.

-Angie

Katie,

I’m sorry to hear about biscuit’s passing….at least he was happy for the last few years and was well taken care of. It didn’t sound like there was any more you and Doug could have done for him.

Corey

Katie/Doug

Words cannot express the sadness we feel upon hearing this news.

Biscuit was loved by all of us. Thank God that he found you to spend the beautiful time he had on earth with.

Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Biscuit

With much love and sadness,

The Wilson family

I am sobbing. He was such a Beautiful little doggie. The way you loved him, stepping right into pet parenthood with such grace and deep devotion had touched me knowing what it is like, myself, to love a furkid.

I am going to lunch with my neighbor and got on here to print a restaurant coupon I have. I just got finished putting on my makeup.

I have to go wash my face and try to put it back on again. But I can’t stop the tears, floodgates wide open.

With a very heavy heart, I am so sorry for your Loss.

Charlyn

Katie,

I am so, so, so…..sorry to hear about biscuit. I am very sad. How are you and Doug doing? Please hang in there and know that Biscuit is watching and his spirit is with you.

Xoxo,

Monica

Hi Katherine:

I just saw your post about Biscuit and I wanted to write back to you personally. Three years ago, we lost our beloved dog Charlie (he too was my muse for 12 years) so I know the heartbreak you are feeling. I remember dreading the day that we would lose him and it was unexpected but regardless, you can never fully prepare yourself. I wanted to let you know I think you really shared yourself with the public through your blog and all the writings you did about Biscuit and what he meant to you and your husband. It was done very tastefully and you will always have all your writings and of course, images to look back on.

I had so many images of Charlie – everywhere I turned, there he was. It took me awhile to be able to look at all those years of portraits, but now I look back on all of it, and we laugh about how crazy he was and the joy he gave us. I also put my grief into a creating a sympathy book called Saying Goodbye, which I would like to send to you. You won’t want to look at it right away, but over time, you might want to. I found that I needed a creative outlet to put my grief, and I have no doubt that you will find a creative way to cope with your loss.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Thinking of you, Kim

Katie,

I’m so very sorry to hear about Biscuit’s passing. I will be thinking about you and your husband. I don’t know if it helps, but in my neighborhood we say that dogs like Biscuit “win doggie lotto” when they get to live in such a loving home as yours. I know that you all benefited greatly by being in each other’s lives.

Take good care during this difficult time.

Best,

Julia

Katie,

I am so sorry to hear about Biscuit’s passing. Biscuit was so happy when he was with you guys; clearly evidenced by great pictures you took of him. My heart goes out to you and Doug. If you are around tonight or later this week, I’d like to give you a call.

Steph

What a beautiful tribute to Biscuit, this just shows how much love was given to him. It is amazing how they become a member of our family. Our Cocker, Andy, is now 13. So many memories. On June 17th I bumped our Andy with our van. He is now recovering, with every other day trips to the vet for bandage changes (pretty much skinned him on his right side). The vet says he is healing fantastic. We love our animals like our kids. God Bless.

Dyan

Dear Katie and Doug,

I am SO SORRY that Biscuit passed away. It is really tough for you even though you know he has health problems, but the day came too soon. I really feel so sad and warm and fuzzy reading your story of your precious time with Biscuit. Biscuit had certainly influenced you so greatly that you got involved again with photography.

I hope the fantastic daily memories and trips with Biscuit will sustain you both in this time of grief.

I am thinking of you all and continue praying for you.

Love,

Amelia

Dear Katie,

I’m truly sorry for your loss and hope that you find solace and peace in this time of grief. If there is anything that we can do, please let me know. My prayers are with you and with Biscuit as he moves on. I’ve have put him on our prayers list.

With Love,

Menla

Your relationship/companionship with Biscuit was extraordinary and makes you realize that there are some dogs, just as some people, who are very special in this world. I hope and pray that energy carries Biscuit over into the next life or place that we go to. The blog posts are very touching.

Dr. Hitt

I am so sorry Katie for the loss of Biscuit. Losing a pet is as difficult as losing any family member. Animals are like children as they are innocent and to see them sick is just as heart-wrenching. I hope you can find comfort in that he is no longer sick; and I believe that pets go someplace special, just like people when they pass on. He is not truly gone. He will always be in your hearts and I know he understands all of the love that you two gave him. I think he was better traveled that I am, lol. You brought him to so many amazing places and he was truly a part of your life. Your in my thoughts as you heal through this difficult time.

Dana

Hi, Katie (and Doug). I have no perfect words to express how truly sad I am for both of you. Biscuit brought both of you so much happiness and it hurts to know that he isn’t here any longer to do that. The sentiments on your blog speak volumes to the incredible love Doug and you had for Biscuit. I hope the pain of his passing diminishes little by little with each passing day and eventually the pain you feel now is replaced with all of the happy memories he gave to you. I will make a donation in Biscuit’s memory to the rescue shelter within the next several days.

Keeping Doug and you in my heart and thoughts … Sandi

Dear Katie:

I read your email about Biscuit with tears in my eyes. I am so very sorry that he passed away. The pain and sorrow you feel right now will be with you for awhile, but, eventually your pain will lessen. It helped me to realize that my dogs are still my dogs no matter where they are. I believe I will be reunited with all my loved ones someday, including my pets. I had a dream (vision?) one night before I fell asleep that my Dad was walking on a green hill with my dog Randy. My Dad died many years before I got Randy and I hope this was a glimpse of heaven.

There is an artist Lara Harris that did a beautiful painting of the rainbow bridge. (Studiolara316 on Etsy). Are you familiar with that poem? I think I may have Lara paint my dogs at the bridge sometime and I’ll try to send her link to you. Now, it is even more important that I have a photo of Biscuit. It will be my pleasure to honor his life in my home.

I’m here if you need someone to talk to or share stories about Biscuit with.

Take care, Sharon

Hi Katie,

I am so sorry to hear about Biscuit. I cried tonight as I was catching up on your blog. Your husband’s letter to Biscuit is very poignant.

The love that the three of you shared was very special and I know you’ll always remember him with love and joy. Despite the pain you feel now, it will lessen with time.

Thank you for sharing him with the world as much as you did. I have no doubt that he brought many, many smiles!

Please know that my thoughts are with you and your husband.

All the best,

Beth

Daily Dog Tag

Hi Katie,

Beautiful letter that Doug wrote. Made me cry…he so encapsulated the bond that we have with our animals.

This is a hard time but it does get lighter even though it feels like it never will. The happy times are what we remember with time.

I hope a little sheltie that needs your love will be directed to you both by Biscuit in his continuing travels.

xxds

My deepest sympathies I extend to you and Doug! I know all too well the depth of loss of a four legged-friend. Yesterday would have been Rex’s 14th birthday had he not left us last September at a respectable age. I was thinking all day about how in a mere 13 years of his full life, we forged such deep relations and though he had a full life span, the sadness of his absence from this earth seems sometimes unbearable. Such is the price of true love and attachment…. Like you say, compensated by the indescribable joy. Biscuit was one lucky fellow. Thanks for your inspiration on all fronts.

Sending love!

Val

Katie

to me, the silver linings are all the moments you spent with darling Biscuit. you were so very blessed to have him in your lives, Katie, and the three of you experienced such a sharing of love and compassion. the deeper the feelings and the attachment, the deeper the suffering.

loss of a loved one is considered a “true suffering” in Buddhism, with the point being that these kinds of sufferings are natural while we are ordinary beings. as a Buddhist, you view it as incentive to do the work (study, meditation, etc.) to become an enlightened being (or at least become liberated yourself) so you don’t have to continue to experience. but in the meantime, we’re destined to experience it if we allow ourselves to love and become attached.

so what’s the alternative? I would rather love to my largest capacity and take the grief and suffering — like the most wonderful quote you had about choosing to love animal companions despite knowing it will likely cause grief at some point. Buddhism wants you to not get too attached to any one being in order not to suffer, but we are who we are. so we suffer.

Buddha says that the end of rising is falling; the end of coming is going; the end of life is death, etc. all is impermanence — nothing stays the same. death is reality.

for what it’s worth, my best advice is two things:

1) let yourselves grieve; cry, cry, cry or yell or whatever you need to do, whenever the need arises

2) BE THANKFUL. it may not feel like it at the moment, but you have so much to be thankful for! think of the many, many moments of joy you got to experience because this life touched yours. be thankful that Biscuit found you — seriously, could he POSSIBLY have had two better parents?!? (I think not!!!) be thankful that the two of you did not have to leave HIM. be thankful of what it did for your photography. be thankful of the people it brought together through your blog. I’m sure I could go on, but you get the point. You were TRULY BLESSED to have him in your lives, Katie. If he lived to be 16, he would still die too soon. it was his karma and his time.

we have karmic connections though, so chances are you’ll meet him again, one way or the other, if that helps.

I really can’t say this enough: I am so deeply, deeply sorry for your loss, Katie.

with love,

Laura

Dear Katie – This is a hard note to write. Meeting you and Biscuit was a wonderful thing for me. It was almost like having Major all over again. Your notes and photos were so descriptive I felt I could almost feel Biscuit’s fur and look in his eyes. You can’t help but be sad but later you will realize how lucky you were. Most people never really know what it is to give and receive love from a furry friend. In Biscuit’s short life he had such an impact on many people and other dogs. I don’t like the term “pet” – to me they are a family member. Wouldn’t you rather have had Biscuit in your life and have to give him up than never have known him? I understand how very hard it is. I would cry at the mention of Major’s name and sometimes still do. I was hoping Biscuit would get to move to the new house. Thank you so much for the cards and pictures to remember him by. What a beautiful boy he was. After much thought I have decided the best thing I can do is make a donation to the Sheltie rescue in his name. I will give you a call some evening soon. I would love to stay in touch. Biscuit can never be replaced but who knows maybe sometime down the line another little Sheltie in need of love will come into your life.

Wish I could give you a hug.

With love and sympathy, Pat

Dearest Katie and Doug,

I just learned tonight of Biscuit’s passing.

My heart is deeply touched and I can only imagine your loss. You cared for him with love. He brought meaning and comfort to yours. He brightened your life and I believe many others. Such a beautiful exchange.

I feel I know Biscuit. His life was too short but so powerful and meaningful. I loved to hear of his experiences and you so elegantly shared them. Due to this, I felt I could see him even beyond his photographs.

My word could not be clearer. I believe you will begin to see this precious Biscuit in all the animals you will come in contact with know from now on. To love an animal as you have both have done is to love all animals with the same heart of knowledge of their vulnerability and their worth beyond human words or comparison.

Do know that all the good he brought to you and to others in this world is now his to receive. We will perform a Phowa for him and to transfer his consciousness to the Pure land beyond suffering and pain.

Katie, let me know if a call would be meaningful I am happy to speak with you and have you share your experience. It would be my privilege. We have said prayers for his rebirth tonight here at the Meditation Center and will continue too.

May the blessing of all the Buddha’s rain down upon him and hold him and you deeply with the hook of their compassion.

With Love and Prayers,

Kalden

Jul 9

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Donations in Biscuit’s Honor

It is with great heartfelt sadness that Biscuit passed away during the afternoon of Sunday, July 7, 2013, a warm and sunny day; Biscuit passed peacefully in my arms at home with Doug by our side. Our hearts are very sad because of the great loss in our lives. Biscuit is an irreplaceable family member and loyal companion who we loved with all of our hearts. We miss Biscuit deeply. Our life is not the same without him by our side. You can read our tribute to Biscuit here.

We hope that Biscuit’s story touched your life. If you wish, you may make a donation to the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., in Biscuit’s honor and memory to help other shelties like Biscuit. (On January 7, 2010, we adopted Biscuit from the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.).

The Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc. gave Biscuit a home and an opportunity for a second chance at life. If it were not for this dog rescue organization, we would not have met Biscuit and had the opportunity to rescue and adopt him and see him blossom and experience life with us. He truly thrived and made the most of the time he had remaining in this life and he rescued us as well. These dog rescue organizations like the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., are vital homes for rescue dogs in order for them to have an opportunity to receive furever homes like Biscuit received. I am certain that Biscuit’s story has inspired others to consider rescuing a dog(s) in need of a furever home.

Doug and I are grateful that we were able to be at home with Biscuit as he transitioned to his next life. I wanted to share just minutes before Biscuit passed away, as he laid in my lap and in my arms, I noticed a white heart shape marking in his fur on the bottom portion of his neck, pictured below. Biscuit was shaved in this area from his recent surgery and we had not noticed this marking since his drain and his cone were both removed last week. I am grateful for seeing this heart marking on Biscuit. Perhaps it is a sign of Biscuit’s mutual love for us before he said good-bye for now. We know Biscuit did everything he could to stay with us for as long as he did. In fact, Biscuit’s strength was quite remarkable given his circumstances. He was always a very persistent little guy. At times, I think that he was stronger than us.

Additionally, on the evening Biscuit passed away, during the time of our usual evening walk with Biscuit, Doug and I witnessed on our walk together, a beautiful and breathtaking bight orange and pink sunset like no other sunset we had ever seen before. Perhaps it was Biscuit telling us, in his own way, that he was OK and that we would be OK. Doug and I also observed two rainbows during Biscuit’s final days. We believe that these are positive signs for all of us.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ~Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground

Thank you for keeping Biscuit in your thoughts and prayers over the past few months. We are very appreciative. Also, thank you for all of the heartfelt e-mails and calls during this difficult time. It means so much to us. We have experienced so much kindness, especially from people whom we have never met in person, whom I have gotten to know via the blog, who also loved our little Biscuit. Thank you so very much for your kindness and empathy — we are truly grateful. Thank you.

A friend shared these words, below, with us. We find that these words are very true, especially during the painful loss of a furry family member. Biscuit was our first furry family member; and there will never be another little Biscuit.

“There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.”

Suzanne Clothier

Jul 8

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Our Sweet Dear Biscuit

Your Daddy and I cannot thank you enough for all of the unconditional love, joy, and light you have brought into our lives. You have opened my heart in ways that I never imagined. I have you to thank for teaching me so many things and, most of all, you have taught me so much about myself. You have truly been a gift in our lives. Even though we have only had a short two and half years together, we lived as if we had thirty years together. You were always an integral part of our lives. We experienced many adventures and wonderful moments together in a short period of time. I am grateful for our special and unique relationship and bond, link no other.

Our lives were truly enriched by you. You always made everything better. All of our trips and outings were made so much better because of you! One of my favorites times with you was going to Hubbards Beach in Nova Scotia! We drove two times with you all the way up to Nova Scotia, and you always traveled so well! You loved the beach! You ran on the sand on the beach as though you did not have arthritis. As you know, two of your photographs from Hubbards Beach were featured — one on the Jones Soda Co. bottles; and you (and your image) also represented the Orvis Petfinder Commitment promoting dog rescue along with being an Orvis Cover Dog Winner! You are truly an inspiration for dog rescue! We also loved traveling to Vermont with you, which ended up being our last trip together. You went to the Orvis Flagship store; and we got to go atop Mount Equinox with you! I will never forget these moments that we shared with you. Also, if it were not for you, your Uncle Nick would not have been rescued! You also brought wonderful people into our lives that we would not have met otherwise because of meeting you.

We loved pushing you around in your Hound About during our trips and outings together! You always were so excited with your tail wagging and smiling when we pulled out your Hound About and assembled it together for a walk! Whether that was for a walk around the Harbor or a stroll around downtown Halifax you always received countless compliments on your handsome looks — you are, afterall, the most handsome sheltie dog ever!

I always enjoyed coming home and being greeted by you. You were always happy to see me and you always were ready for your afternoon walk and dinner! You loved dinner time! I loved how you always used your paw to receive more treats/kibble — one of your trademarks. I had a little custom-made totem to always keep on display of you raising your little paw! I also had a heart totem made to commemorate our family. It took a few months for you to adjust to living with us in your new home; and I will never forget the first time you raised your paw to connect with us for the first time while sitting on your bed in the living room — this was the first visible sign that you felt comfortable with us. Of course, you quickly learned that all you had to do was raise your paw and you got you more treats/kibble!

I have so many wonderful memories of our outings together as well as our quiet moments together. I always enjoyed your company and companionship, especially in the mornings while I got ready; and during the evenings when I worked late on the computer. You were always by my side. I miss your smile; your big and clear brown eyes; the sound of your nails hitting the hardwood floors as you followed us around the house; and your licks and kisses before bed each night. I miss holding you in my arms — especially when we took car rides together. I miss our daily walks together. I will always have my memories of our time together. Your image is firmly imprinted in my mind and heart.

I am so thankful and grateful for you. Thank you for being my muse. You brought photography back into my life post law school. I had no idea how much I really need my photography in my life. Thank you for this wonderful gift. I cannot thank you enough.

We love you so much and you will never leave our hearts. I hope that you knew how much you mean to us, which cannot truly be expressed in words. I am certain, when the time is right, that you will bring another furry friend into our lives who needs a furever home like yourself. I am so happy that we traveled on this journey together with you and that we were able to witness your wonderful transformation from a very sad and extremely timid dog living on the streets of North Carolina to a handsome, confident, loyal, and loving companion. We witnessed you blossom into our little Biscuit who captured our hearts! Our little felt family, displayed in our home, will always be a reminder of our wonderful time together. Your painting will also always be displayed in our home. Most importantly, you will always be a part of our family.

Thank you for everything, our little Biscuit. You were a gift to us. This blog, named after you, will continue in your name and in your honor and memory and it will always remain a constant reminder of the wonderful joy and truly positive impact you have had in our lives. You will always inspire my photography; and you are the inspiration and the impetus for starting my dog photography project that I am working on which is dedicated to you. I am so incredibly grateful for our time together. You are my teacher. We are both honored to have been your Mamma and Daddy. Your photographs will always be proudly displayed in our home; your memory will never leave our hearts. Thank you for all of the joy you brought to us in a short period of time — you are truly a wonderful gift and blessing. We know that we will see each other again and we know that you are always with us. We miss you deeply; and we are grateful for you entering our lives at the perfect time. We love you always and you will always be with us forever. Each day with you was truly a gift.

Love always,

Mamma & Daddy

Jul 4

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Inspirational Quotes!

I love quotes. I collect these quotable magnets that adorn the side of my refrigerator. (My quotable magnets are currently packed until we move to our new house!) I got quote #11, my first quotable magnet, shown below, right before leaving for law school. It was fitting at the time. I had it displayed on my little dorm refrigerator. Below are a few of my favorite quotes that I hope that you find inspiring!

Happy Fourth of July!

1. “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. “The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.” ~Pema Chodron

3. “If you think you can do a thing or think that you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” ~Henry Ford

4. “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” ~Aristotle

5. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller

6. “I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” ~Diane Arbus

7. “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” ~Mother Teresa

8. “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” ~Abraham Lincoln

9. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” ~Buddha

10. “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” ~John Lennon

11. “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” ~Winston Churchill

12. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” ~Charles Darwin

13. “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ~Lao Tau

14. “True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.” ~Albert Einstein

15. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

16. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~Dalai Lama

17. “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
~Charles Dickens

18. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” ~Maya Angelou

19. “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” ~Oscar Wilde

20. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Ghandi

In other news, Biscuit is improving with each day; his drain has been removed and his cone if off — we all are pleased! Despite everything, Biscuit is still smiling. I love his smile and he is an inspiration. Most of all, I love holding Biscuit in my arms — what a wonderful gift.

Jul 3

E.B. White on Dogs

The late E.B. White, the children’s author and essayist, wrote on a great number of topics, and he was, among other things, a perceptive observer of dogs. E.B. White on Dogs is a new collection of White’s best prose and poetry on canines. White’s granddaughter, Martha White, assembled these writings from White’s essays, poems and letters, which also includes some family photos of the author and his dogs.

Below are ten E.B. White quotes on man’s best friend. I love the #4 quote below. Enjoy!

1. Discipline – “I like to read books on dog training. Being the owner of dachshunds, to me a book on dog discipline becomes a volume of inspired humor. Every sentence is a riot.”

2. Passing of time – “The possession of a dog today is a different thing from the possession of a dog at the turn of the century, when one’s dog was fed on mashed potato and brown gravy and lived in a doghouse with an arched portal. Today a dog is fed on scraped beef and Vitamin B1 and lives in bed with you.”

3. Breed Production – “Dogs used to mate with other dogs rather casually in my day, and the results were discouraging to the American Kennel Club but entirely satisfactory to small boys who liked puppies.”

4. Perfect Dog – “A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can’t get it by breeding for it, and you can’t buy it with money. It just happens along.”

5. The Russians and the moon – “The Russians, we understand, are planning to send a dog into space. The reason is plain enough: The little moon is incomplete without a dog to bay at it.”

6. Canine Loyalty – “My Norwich Terrier will be seven in May…. He is a neurotic…. But he and I are enough alike so that we get on well, and I can’t help being touched by his loyalty – which I think in his case is simply insecurity. He would never take a prize at a show. Neither would I, come to think of it.”

7. ‘Sensible’ dog – “I bought a puppy last week in the outskirts of Boston and drove him to Maine in a rented Ford that looked like a sculpin. There had been talk in our family of getting a ‘sensible dog’ this time, and my wife and I had gone over the list of sensible dogs, and had even ventured once or twice into the company of sensible dogs… But after a period of uncertainty and wasted motion my wife suddenly exclaimed one evening, ‘Oh, let’s just get a dachshund!’”

8. Good Christmas – “My Christmas will be a whole lot wetter and merrier/If somebody sends me a six-weeks-old Boston terrier.”

9. Boundless Energy – “I don’t think a dog’s nervous system resembles my own in the least. A dog’s nervous system is in a class by itself. If it resembles anything at all, it resembles the Consolidated Edison Company’s power plant.”

10. Dogs find E.B. White – “It is not so much that I acquire dogs as it is that dogs acquire me. Maybe they even shop for me, I don’t know. If they do I assume they have many problems, because they certainly always arrive with plenty, which they then turn over to me.”

Jul 2

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The Importance of a Snow Cone Machine!

This past Friday evening we drove to Annapolis to pick up our little Biscuit from the hospital. Biscuit was in the ICU for a total of 5 days (4 nights). We did not know that they had an ICU for animals as this was our first experience leaving Biscuit, our first dog, at the hospital. Biscuit had never spent the night without at least one of us being with him. It was a major adjustment for us not to have him at home with us. It was an exhausting week last week, but we are thankful that Biscuit is now home — and so is Biscuit! We were nervous to take him home because we wanted to make sure we could handle taking care of him. Now I have an inkling of what it might feel like for first-time new moms who bring their human baby home for the first time — feeling a bit unsure, overwhelmed, and tired.

The surgeon at Biscuit’s discharge appointment, on Friday, told us that it was very important for Biscuit to drink liquids to stay hydrated especially due to Biscuit’s kidney disease. Biscuit was not drinking or eating at the hospital, which the surgeon told us is not too out of the ordinary as Biscuit was grumpy being in the hospital. (Biscuit was receiving continuous IV fluids at the hospital.) Doug and I were nervous that Biscuit would not drink at home due to his cone which we cannot remove even for a short period because of Biscuit’s drain, which thankfully gets removed this week. (We also hope that the cone comes off this week! Next week, Biscuit’s stitches are coming out!) Most of all, we wanted to prevent Biscuit from going back to the hospital as he was not a happy camper staying at the hospital — and we cannot blame him for feeling that way.

So, on Saturday morning, Doug had an ingenious idea to try making Biscuit snow cones (with no flavoring, of course!). To our surprise, it worked! Doug was so happy that he called the hospital back and let them know his idea concerning the snow cone worked! Biscuit had about 10 snow cones (hand fed) over the weekend and he has been peeing like a champ outside! We were so happy to see him getting liquids down! (Doug also purchased a back up snow cone maker this weekend in case the first one breaks as the snow cone machine is inexpensive!) Doug and I have enjoyed a few snow cones ourselves using a few of these syrups! A few photographs of the snow cone machine and snow cone are shown below!

After mastering the liquids, the next hurdle was eating. We tried many different things and finally on Sunday night, Biscuit ate 3 small chicken breasts (hand fed)! It will take some time, per the surgeon, to get Biscuit back on his prescription diet (for his kidneys) along with his normal medications. At least we are making some progress in a positive way.

After mastering eating and drinking — next came the elimination — the poop! I know that it gross to think about poop, but we got our first poops yesterday out of Biscuit, and they were a #3 and #4 on the Bristol Stool Scale!

Biscuit has even taken a few steps around the house and he is maneuvering pretty well all considering what he has been through with the surgery and hospitalization. His balance is still off due to the removal of his ear canal on his left side, which regulates his balance, but the surgeon said that this should resolve and Biscuit will learn to compensate, with time. Things should also improve when Biscuit’s cone is removed. We hope with each day, Biscuit keeps improving! Biscuit still loves sleeping by his fan! We love having him home and enjoy his smile — through everything Biscuit is still smiling! Biscuit is resilient and we are thankful that he is so strong.

Thank you everyone for your continued good wishes for little Biscuit!

Jul 1

Interview with Julia Schlosser, Artist, Art Historian, and Educator

Interview with Julia Schlosser, Artist, Art Historian, and Educator

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Julia Schlosser, an artist, art historian, and educator living in Los Angeles, California. A selection of Julia Schlosser’s work is displayed below. Please visit Julia Schlosser’s website to view more of her work!

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as an artist and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: When I was an undergraduate student, my roommate took me to a series of lectures by some well-known photographers including Jo Ann Callis, Larry Clark, and Lewis Baltz. The next year, I got a Canon AE-1 camera, and started taking black and white photographs of bands at my campus radio station. Before I got that camera I really had no idea what I was going to do with my life, and photography has been the only thing that has made sense to me since that time. I also love to write, but I almost always write about photography, or my writing gets included with my photographs.

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: My undergraduate degree is in science from UC Berkeley, because my parents wanted me to have a practical degree. After working in a science lab for a while, I applied to graduate school at California State University, Fullerton where I studied with Eileen Cowin, and I got my MFA in photography.

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: My visual style is eclectic. The thing that ties my work together is my interest in the corporeal or visceral. Even if I am not actually photographing a human or non-human animal body or an object associated with the body, I am still trying to evoke an embodied response to the photograph in the viewer. With the Roam series, I hope the viewer will get a sense of the freedom that the dogs feel running in the dog park.

From the series Roam

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating photographs was absolutely something that you had to do?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: While it took me a long time to “commit” to photography as a life path, I have never found anything else that has given me the satisfaction that photography does.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin photographing dogs?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: At the time my father died in 2001, I was also taking care of two very sick cats who died shortly after he did. I was grieving, and I began looking around for artwork that reflected my emotions. I started photographing people taking care of their own pets. Then Tess, a lovely German shepherd/Border collie mix, came into my life, and she inspired me to continue photographing at the off-leash dog park near my house. These images evolved into the Roam series.

From the series Roam

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dogs influenced your artwork?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: I started photographing my pets because I wanted to see artwork that reflected the way I feel about them: how much I value their companionship, the bonds we share and their own self-directed sense of agency. Most of the photographs of dogs that I saw back then were more traditional reflections of animals, which either treated them as symbols for human experiences or as possessions. So now when I photograph, I try to emphasize the animal’s point of view, the choices they make and their self-directedness, or something that we share together.

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: Being creative means active problem solving in an area that excites me. So I try to solve visual problems, e.g., how can I present images of animals in a way that allows the viewer to consider them as individual beings with a self-directed sense of agency?

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: Making photographs is a very personal, intuitive, non-verbal process for me. During the process I can’t really articulate what I am doing. But showing my work involves engaging a different part of my brain in order to conceptualize the work, write an artist statement, and figure out what it really “means” to me in the process of getting it ready to show in public. I find it hard to make the transition between these two activities.

KATHERINE CARVER: How did you come up with the idea for your series entitled, Roam?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: I tried to come up with a way for me to spend more time with Tess and still make artwork. The dogs seemed so happy at the dog park, so “in the moment” and I wanted to show that side of their experience.

From the series Roam

KATHERINE CARVER: Your images capture the interaction between humans and their animals in a non-sentimental manner. What led you to work this way?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: I knew how much my companion animals meant to me and felt like there had to be a way to capture our interactions visually in a way that felt genuine. When I think of my animals, I don’t think of them in a sentimental manner, so I didn’t want to portray them that way.

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going with your work and what keeps you motivated?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: Going to galleries and museums and talking to other artists about the work is one way. Reading also fuels my desire to make photographs. Right now I am reading Artist|Animal by Steve Baker (Univ Of Minnesota Press, 2013, ISBN-13: 978-0816680672).

Tess’s food container with feeding instructions for pet sitter

From the series, Tend

KATHERINE CARVER: What kind of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making your photographs?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: Since I teach, take care of the animals I live with, make artwork and write about photography, time is always at a premium for me. So, I try to find ways to fit picture taking into my daily life. I worked with a scanner instead of a camera for a while and it was easy to use. I didn’t have to set up the camera or lights. I just opened the scanner and scanned whatever I was working with, whether it was me, an animal or an object. (NB: I am always careful to keep the animal’s eyes protected while I am scanning!)

Tess and Julia (Tess is recovering from surgery on her foot)

KATHERINE CARVER: Looking back on your accomplishments, to date, what are you the most proud of?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: I had a portfolio of my work published in exposure: The Journal of the Society for Photographic Education, Fall 2012 issue. It is called The Lives of Others: The Work of Julia Schlosser and it was curated by Ciara Ennis. I got the cover so I am pretty proud of that!

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: My series Tether involves me photographing while I am walking Tess, my dog, on leash.

From the series Tether

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: Martha Casanave’s series Beware of Dog (http://marthacasanave.com/dog.htm);

João Bento’s series of dogs on the beach (http://www.faunaandflora.org/; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i5vB0UCjHk);

Stephen Berens (http://www.stephenberens.com/books/regular/Italy_dogs.html); and

Tony Mendoza (http://www.tonymendozaphoto.com/pages/bob.asp).

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers and other artists?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: Find your niche and then commit to that. Since I found the Animal Studies community, I feel more “at home” as a photographer than I ever have before. I get a lot of support from other scholars and artists interested in the same things I am, and I always have a direction to point myself in when I am working.

From the series Tether

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your work?

JULIA SCHLOSSER: This is my website: http://www.juliaschlosser.com/.

My work was recently reviewed in Four&Sons: http://fourandsons.com/2013/06/12/free-run/.

I wrote a chapter which is included in this book: Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters edited by Julie A. Smith and Robert W. Mitchell (Columbia University Press, 2012, ISBN-13: 978-0231161510).

The Roam series images were published in Ich, das Tier. Tiere als Persönlichkeiten in der Kulturgeschicht (I, the Animal: Animals as Personalities in Cultural History), by Heike Fuhlbrügge, Jessica Ullrich and Friedrich Weltzien (Reimer, 2008, ISBN-13: 978-3496013853).

From the series Tether

All photographs are courtesy of Julia Schlosser.

You can read additional interviews here.

Jun 28

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Having Faith

It has been a really long and exhausting week for us. I am thankful that the Universe did not allow Doug to travel overseas for work this week as scheduled. The unexpected storms on the east coast fortuitously cancelled his flight overseas. I am grateful that my parents were able to come visit during this week. They brought their dog, Nick, with them and he actually warmed up to me a bit! He is super attached to my Dad. Each time my Dad left to go somewhere, Nick would just sit and stare at the front door for his Daddy to return! However, a few times, he hopped up and sat with me! I even gave him an oatmeal bath and he was a good boy!

Each day Biscuit gets a little brighter. Thank you for the thoughtful e-mails and prayers. We bring our little Biscuit home later today from the hospital where he has been since Monday. This is all a new experience for us as Biscuit is our first dog for both of us and we have never gone through an experience like this before. We have been able to visit him the past two nights and he ate some Chick-Fil-A soft-serve ice cream last night! We hope that he will be more comfortable at home with us in familiar surroundings, although it will take time to heal. He, unfortunately, has to wear a cone due to his recent surgery for several more days. After a past surgery, Biscuit hated wearing his cone! In addition to wearing a cone, Biscuit also has a drain in him from the surgery, which will be removed sometime next week. The following week after that, the stitches will be removed (along with the cone).

We are really happy Biscuit made it through surgery and Doug and I will do everything in our power to help nurse him through the healing process one day at a time. Each day with Biscuit is a gift. I have been practicing faith during this time. The hardest part of faith, for me, is the waiting, the letting go, and the knowing that all will be well but that it is not up to me to determine the outcome, the when’s, where’s, and how’s.

“Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” ~Voltaire