joan + joy

This was a special session that Joan’s friend got for her as a gift. Joan and Joy, her  Black Lab, have been together for many years. Joy is her rock, her best friend, and has saved Joan’s life on more than one occasion. Joy is a Service Dog. She lets Joan know when her blood sugar is low and when she’s about to have a seizure. She places herself under Joan to break her fall, stands firm to help her up, and stays by her side day and night.

I came into this session knowing that Joan is on Hospice, and doesn’t have much time left. I had no idea I would be meeting such a vibrant, funny, happy woman. She was so blessed having Joy come into her life, and her eyes lit up with every story she told of her. She told me that Joy was her gift from God, and taking these photos gave her something wonderful to look forward to. Their bond is palpable, and it’s easy to see that both of them are very loved. I could have stayed and talked for hours.

Joan helped bring me back down from the crazy, hectic schedule I’ve had these past months, and reminded me that what I do has real value. Not value in a monetary sense, but value in creating lasting memories for people like Joan and her family and friends. It was an honor to meet you, Joan. I hope that you and Joy find each other again some day.