Sweet, sweet...

sweet Murphy and Shelby. I was given the utmost pleasure of photographing two of the most precious doggy babies yesterday. I am already a huge animal lover and dogs just happen to be my favorite, but these two, especially Murphy captured my heart and probably will never let it go. Just so you know who is who...Murphy is the gigantic, black hunk, and Shelby is the gorgeous, tan, camera hog. I want to share their story with y'all so that these photos mean that much more to all of you reading. I have so many people on the edge of their seat, waiting on this heartfelt story.

Let me start by saying Murphy and Shelby are very blessed to have their human parents. They were both adopted from rescue shelters and given a life that has spoiled them to the core. A life that unfortunately not many animals are given the opportunity to have. Murphy was rescued 7 1/2 years ago as an itty bitty puppy out of California and has been the baby of the family until Shelby just recently. He has been by M&D's side through it all. College days, marriage, and moving. Shelby is about 2 years old and was rescued from Shelby County Humane Society. She is Murphy's new baby sister and definitely has all the baby sister qualities. He knows when he needs to put her in her place. She will chase his ball and get to it quicker than him but she knows not to pick it up...She leaves it sitting there just for him. He has told her that the ball is his only. She has her outside toys and he has his.

Around October 2009 Murphy started having trouble breathing at night. M&D took him to their regular veterinarian who then sent him to Auburn for further tests. It was the news they were given November 9Th that would change this beautiful family forever. Murphy was diagnosed with Canine Lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer that causes malignant tumors in the organs and lymph nodes. It is a very serious disease and can be fatal. The life expectancy without treatment is a couple of months and with treatment a year and a half. When they were told the prognosis they knew what they had to do. With regular chemotherapy it is possible to send this nasty disease into remission. Murphy has 10 treatments left and apart from getting a tad tired every once in a while he has responded wonderfully. The doctor says his blood count is looking much, much better. I have faith that Murphy will beat this nasty monster inside of him and he will be here to see his photograph hanging on the wall for many years to come.

M&D I cannot express to you enough how much I enjoyed my time with you and your precious babies and I feel completely honored to capture these priceless memories for you. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you, Murphy, and Shelby. I hope you don't mind, this is a super huge sneak peek but that's only because I just could not pick a few favorites out of the huge pile of keepers you have. Give Murphy and Shelby a huge kiss from me and I will be in touch with you guys very soon with the rest from this AMAZING session. Until then...Enjoy!!!