We hope this touching visual story from , Kim Hoover of Apple of Our Eye Photography will inspire you and give you plenty of ideas for capturing the lives of your beloved family pets.
Allow me to introduce you to Morris. Our buddy. Our rescue kitty.
It was a super stressful time in our lives. My husband had just been laid off unexpectedly and soon after, was offered a job out of state. We were right in the middle of preparing for a cross-country move, at the absolute worst time for us as a family of 5 to even consider adopting a pet. That’s of course when Morris starting coming around.
It’s kind of funny how that happens. He was a filthy, homeless, street cat. Thinking back, I think he knew we needed him just as much as he needed us. At first, we would say our hellos and he’d eventually get the hint and take off. He’d always return, and eventually more frequently purring and rubbing in between our ankles visiting for a few minutes a day. When it was hot outside, we’d leave water out for him. Then, eventually food. He was always hungry and very vocal about that.
He took a real liking to the kids. He’d come running when he saw them out playing or when he’d hear our voices. They so badly wanted to pet him and play with him. I was always very hesitant because we didn’t know his story or anything about his health. I’m not sure where he’d go, but he’d return with a thick layer of dirt/dust on him every day.
I came across a coupon for a free well check and I remember staring at it for a while contemplating whether to take the chance or not. I knew we were moving and we couldn’t possibly take an animal we know nothing about with us, but also couldn’t stand the thought of leaving him behind. I scheduled an appointment for him to have a quick once over just to see, fully knowing that a decision had to be made. Well, it turned out he needed some work… but not a lot of work. It was manageable work. He was relatively healthy, but also needed a name and an address.
Well, long story short… that was the moment he became ours.
Animals find their way into our homes and hearts and while we wish they could stay with us forever, the reality is that they don’t. Their lives are much, much shorter. Pets add another level of depth and compassion to our lives and while I always tell myself after losing an animal, that this will be the last one for a while. It never is. Whether we find a new one to love or if they find us, they become our family.
Capturing the connections we have with our family is important and that goes for our animals too. Morris found us at a time in our lives when we all very much needed that welcome distraction. I believe he knew it, and he’s very much a part of that journey. He’s completely spoiled, loves car rides since his cross country trip, and I’m certain he knows how lucky he is.
We hope this inspires you to capture your family pets more often in your photos and big thanks to Kim for sharing her family and Morris’ wonderful story!
I’m Kim Hoover. Photographer, wife and mom to 3 little girls who continually inspire me to see life differently. If I’m not lying on the floor or hiding behind furniture capturing their moments, then I’m probably on the lookout for new ideas for capturing others. It’s with each one of these encounters that I get to live my dream and I am so incredibly grateful for that. You can find more of my work here: www.appleofoureye.com.
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