I happened to be photographing Gizmo, my Bengal, the other day and got a notification that my memory

I happened to be photographing Gizmo, my Bengal, the other day and got a notification that my memory card was full. Huffing, because I haven’t gone through my memory card in literal years, I plopped at my computer chair and began scrolling through memories… such as these.

I’ve been okay with Herk’s passing but this got me. It’s been almost a year (it’ll be a year in August). I mean losing any dog, friend, family member is tough and isn’t easily subsided with ice cream and tears but his was especially difficult. He’s the reason I’m choosing the career that I am. He’s the reason for my love of dogs. He’s the reason why I love this truly spectacular breed. He was my “introduction” dog. If I could see him one more time I’d thank him. He’s taught me so many things. He taught me that not all dogs are the same. There is color and vibrancy in personalities. Dog’s are a lot like humans. They have irks, pet peeves, fears, favoritism, love… a lot of love. He’s taught me that dogs don’t owe humans anything. They don’t owe humans friendliness, kindness, affection, etc just because they are dogs and we are man. Too many people see dogs this way; that they should have perfect temperaments and never show any uneasiness towards strangers or else that makes them a bad dog. I used to think this way too. Now, after experiencing a dog that doesn’t care for people he doesn’t know, I couldn’t disagree more. Dog’s don’t owe us a damn thing.

I don’t think I posted much from their wedding because he died soon after and I couldn’t bare to look at them. So here they are. They were so happy that day. For a person who knows a bit about lymphoma, specifically canine lymphoma, you can see them clear as day.

Anyways, I miss him a lot. I hope you enjoy these photos. It took me about three hours to edit them all. Even then, they’re still not fully edited and basically raw. If there are any pictures of Meg, it’s from their wedding or they were playing together and that’s why she’s included. A lot of the pictures are blurry and in shitty focus but hell, why not?

Hercules, I miss you kiddo.