Kelsey was one of my first friends in Detroit when I moved here about 6 years ago – although I wouldn’t have figured it was only 6 years ago as she is one of those people that you immediately feel like you’ve known for what seems like ever. I’d like to think it’s because she is a genuine, no-BS kind of friend that doesn’t get swept up in small talk or superficial connection. She’s caring, reliable, and loves with honest compassion. Time apart from talking or hanging out doesn’t change a thing; she is a long haul bud. And I think these things are why she also was such an incredible connection with non-human friends that she’s cared for along the way.
One of those friends is Forest, a handsome floof that found his way to her home nearly 4 years ago as a foster… and quickly became a forever family member. Over the last few years, I’ve seen countless adorable photos of Forrest snoozing, smiling in the sunshine, canoodling his other fur siblings, and generally loving life (might I add, Kelsey is also an incredible photographer, so Forest seems to very much know the drill when a camera comes out). I had the honor of walking with Kelsey and Forest this week to take some photos of them both, getting to make it rain kibble treats (and wooo can I just say, being on the receiving end of his yearning glances is a sight to behold??), and watch him love on his favorite human while they wander through the park trail.
There’s no easy way to part ways. Forest has been loved and held safe by his family, and if nothing else – this is what companionship and connection with your pet should look like. A pup that looks at your with nothing but love and gratitude, almost blissfully unaware of ocean’s depth of reciprocated love that they’ve refracted into the world by the virtue of just being a really damn good dog.
xoxo