Cleveland-based wedding photographer Maria Sharp and Chubby, her loyal dog of 16 years, had been inseparable ever since Sharp adopted her when she was seven.
When Chubby’s health started declining rapidly, Sharp knew the end was near for her dear friend, and decided to say goodbye with a touching photo tribute.
It comprised old images taken over the years, plus some newer shots of Chubby before she passed away.
The German Shepherd, Collie, Hound Dog mix had been Sharp’s constant companion, watching her grow from a little girl to a young woman.
“Chubby has basically been around for all the important years in my life. She’s seen me graduate from high school, attend and graduate from college, and has met most of my friends. She could always detect a bad egg boyfriend. And if they didn’t like her then clearly they were crazy (foolproof). She was there for me when I moved home and none of my friends were around. She saw me start my own business and fulfill my dream as (sic) becoming a wedding photographer,” wrote the 23-year-old photographer on her blog.
Sharp engaged fellow photographer Suzanne Price for a portrait shoot during Chubby’s last days.
She passed away shortly after the shoot, but Sharp was grateful for the opportunity to capture their bond one last time.
Check out some photographs below of the pair throughout the years, and read Sharp’s entry here.
[via PetaPixel, images by Maria Sharp and Suzanne Price]