Minolta developed

After finishing up a roll of B&W film in my Minolta I went on target eager to see what I had shot over the past months, it was a nice surprise when I came across the shots of Jake. I really like this camera.

These Are Villains

On Sunday I was able to photograph my friends Sadie and Tyler for some band photos. We spent an hour or so just trying a few different ideas indoors since the weather was so poor. I included some outtakes as they are half the fun.

They have a few of their songs on their site. Listen

A glimpse of Jake

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." (my father's favorite quote for dogs)

On Friday my family and I said goodbye to Jake, our almost 9 year old golden retriever. On Friday, March 23rd Jake was diagnosed with Lyme disease and time wouldn’t slow down for me until Friday at 10am when, for an instant, everything froze. I listened to a voicemail from my father saying it was time to bring Jake back to the vets, he’s not taking to the treatment.

We were somewhat taken by surprise of the diagnosis and being a very healthy and fit dog that he would pull through.

Jake was my best friend. Always there for me when I needed a smile after a long day. To wrestle with, to dress up, to treat like my lap-dog.

He often greeted me with one of my shoes in the morning to get me out of bed, if I was lucky he would plop down next to me and catch a few more zzz’s until dad would yell down the stairs asking if I was up. Even for a nine year old he was full of energy, still acting like a puppy most days.

I’ve compiled some photos from over the years. Some shot by me, some from other family members. To share a small small slice of what Jake gave to his family.

v>


















He was such a ham.

And he loved the camera

When we adopted Rusty from my aunt and uncle, Jake was able to reinvigorate him for the rest of his time with us. After Rust passed we waited a short time to bring little Tony into the family. Jake now took on the role of old dog and you could tell his change in demeanor.

Nearly every day of his life Jake would go to work with Dad and be his greeter to customers. Sometimes I think Jake had met more people in Fargo-Moorhead then I have.

Towards the end Jake rested a lot. With the loss of appetite and dehydration there's not much else to do.

Hanging out at the shop. One last time.

(Thanks Kristin for this shot)

Even at the end he was still greeting the customers, such a curious little puppy.

Like I said on Facebook, I think I will miss him greeting me at the gate the most. His signature "Roo-Roo".

Goodbye Jake. I love you