It’s 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2019. I’m sitting at my desk thinking I might finish early and head outside to soak up some sunshine.

But my mind is elsewhere. I’ve just received the kind of news that breaks my heart and stops me in my tracks. Bronson, a very special Bernese Mountain Dog and a dog I’m supposed to photograph again in a few weeks, has passed away.

They may not be my pets… but for a while, I immerse myself into their worlds to truly capture their lives, personalities, and what makes them happy. I often feel attached to them even after the photo session. And Bronson was no exception.

Bronson | Bernese Mountain Dog | 2008-2019

I first met Bronson last April for a photo session that included bluebonnets, something his family had always wanted to do.

Sadly, there was a reason why we needed to have the session right when we did. Bronson had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. The diagnosis came when he had to have emergency surgery last February and ever since then it was a race against the clock to give him more time.

There are a lot more ups and downs to the story but ultimately, his family was blessed with over a year more with him which was more than originally estimated. No doubt this was thanks to their relentless dedication to do anything and everything possible to keep him comfortable and happy.

Bronson enjoyed many fun times with his parents and furry sisters. He traveled to Colorado. He celebrated a birthday by going to one of his favorite doggy hangouts, Bark Out Loud. He had his very own custom calendars (something I created from his photo session) and gave them out over the holiday season to his oncologists, vets, friends, and admirers. And so many more wonderful moments!

I’m told I’m just one of the MANY who adored him and I’m not at all surprised.  As his mom said, he touched so many people and had a magnetic personality that drew people in. I couldn’t agree more.

My favorite thing about Bronson was his spirit. He was a strikingly handsome Bernese Mountain Dog but what captured my heart the most was how happy and easy going he was, even with all of his health challenges.

Ans he was actually a bit goofy- showing more of a smile it seemed in his photos rather than a stoic Berner pose. He smelled the flowers, he let the wind blow his hair and stood there with his eyes closed. He might have, just once briefly, lifted a leg on some bluebonnets… It may be preserved as photographic evidence lol. Bronson truly seemed to enjoy the attention, treats, and adventure.  I bet he slept really good that night.

He was delightful to photograph in the bluebonnets and even indulged me with an iPhone selfie afterward (below).

jenna regan photographer with bernese mountain dog

A Tribute to a Bronson

Bronson’s Mom shared this touching Winnie the Pooh story below along with a photo from our bluebonnet session in her email announcing his passing. My heart is breaking for his family and I’m sad to know I won’t see him again. Yet I’m so thankful for the opportunity to know and photograph him. Along with many other pets who have a permanent place in my heart with their wonderful memories and photographs.

“You see,” began Christopher with a long sigh. “It’s like sleeping for a long, long time.”

Christopher Robin was surrounded by his friends under his favorite tree. It rested on the top of a hill overlooking the entire Hundred Acre Wood. He was older now, and he knew that he didn’t have much more time left with them.

“But going to sleep means that some day you’ll wake up.” Pooh said with a smile.

“Precisely!” Owl exclaimed.

“And we’ll be here when you do,” Kanga added. “I’ll even make you breakfast.”

Christopher couldn’t help but smile. “I would very much like that. But you all have to understand that it will be a very, very long time.”

“Oh ho ho! We are great at waiting a long time! Rabbit here waits every year for the carrots to grow in the garden.” Tigger chimed in.

“And every year you destroy them!” Rabbit snarled.

“But Christopher!” Roo interjected, jumping into Christopher’s lap. “What are we going to do when you’re gone?”

“Oh I won’t be gone Roo. I’ll be right here.” Christopher placed his finger over Roo’s heart. Roo giggled and scrunched up into a ball.

“We’ll be just fine,” muttered Eeyore. “I’m used to being alone anyways.”

“None of you will be alone! You’re a family now, and while I’m gone you will all take care of each other.”

“B-b-b-ut you will b-b-be back r-r-right Christopher?” Stuttered Piglett.

Christopher let out a soft sigh and looked around at all of his friends. It was going to be difficult to help them to understand. They probably never would…

“Sometimes good things come to an end. But here’s the secret everyone— come close!” They all huddled together underneath the tree to listen to Christopher’s secret.

“Memories. Are. Forever.” He whispered and tapped Pooh on the nose.

“Memories?” Said Pooh. “Well I have plenty of those! Like that time we saved you from the Heffalumps!”

“Or when you helped me fix my garden!” cried Rabbit.

“Or when you organized my library for me!” Exclaimed Owl.

“Or that time you built me a new house out of those sticks you found in the woods.” Eeyore added sullenly. “It didn’t last the night…but I remember it.”

“Yes, yes! All of those are memories and you will have them forever. Just like I will have my memories of all of you.”

Christopher stood up and took one last look over the Hundred Acre Wood. The sun was setting in the orange autumn sky and the trees were beginning to lose their leaves. It was time he went home.

Christopher gathered all of his friends together and began walking back down the hill. They were all busy discussing the memories they had had with each other.

“Christopher?” Pooh said, looking up at Christopher as they walked hand in hand. “You aren’t coming back, are you?”

Christopher looked down at the ground and took a moment before he responded. “No Pooh. I won’t be coming back this time.”

They walked in silence, listening to the sound of the crunching leaves underneath their feet.

Pooh suddenly stopped and looked intently into the ground. “I believe I am going to miss you Christopher,” he said with a soft, broken voice.

Christopher leaned down and took his lifelong friend into his arms.

“I will miss you too Pooh. I will miss you very, very much.”

A Few of My Favorites from Bronson’s Dog Photography Session

 

bronson senior ill bernese mountain dog photo shoot carrollton texas

 

PS- I just have to say it… I hate that we have to lose them someday, but it’s inevitable.  If you’re considering a pet photography session, please don’t wait for someday or the time to be just right. Reach out for more information. Someday, both you and I will be so glad for these memories, moments, and photographs. <3