Rest in Peace Shayla - Raleigh Pet Photographer

I spent last night with a very good friend Kelly and her sweet doggie Shayla. Shayla had had some unexplained illness for a couple weeks and then two days ago the vet found a large tumor on her spleen. Her prognosis was days. Kelly asked me to come over to take some photos of her as she didn't feel like she would make it through the night.  We spent a lot of time laying with her, petting her, and remembering her silly spirit. I feel blessed to have been able to capture the special bond between Kelly and Shayla. In her last hours as she laid with her mama she was so peaceful and accepting of the love that surrounded her.
Only those that have lost pets know the depth of pain an owner experiences.  Cherish each day with your best friend!

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates

and call St. Francis

to come escort this beloved companion

across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,

for she has been a faithful servant

and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,

for they are doing so in love and compassion,

freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.

Help me remember the details of her life

with the love she has shown me.

And grant me the courage to honor her

by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well

and let her know that I will always love her.

And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,

please allow her to accompany those

who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,

for the gift of her companionship

and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,

for granting me the strength

to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998