A Space Only A Dog Could Fill: Remembering Oscar

Our furry friends fill a space in our hearts that no one else can. They are always there for us… constant, loving, always present. They know just when to nudge up against you, just how to tilt their head, and just how to look at you with those adoring eyes. When you have a friend like this, it makes you smile bigger. It makes your days more playful. And it becomes a connector — to your community, your neighborhood, your life.

Our pup, Oscar, was with us for almost ten years. I still can't fully put into words the impact he had on our entire family. He gave us a new perspective — a way of seeing the world the way he saw it. He took care of us. Every night, before he'd finally settle down, he'd check on each of us, making sure we were all okay. And every morning, he was the first one up, resting his head on the side of the bed with one big, little exhale, ready to start the day.

He was our “Great Protector.”  He landed exactly where he was meant to be…with our family.  As my dear friend said, “He loved each of you fiercely…and with unwavering loyalty.”  He was our best pup. Always ready to play. And he was always, always there to welcome each of us home.

From the moment he popped his sweet little face out of the "Birthday Box," tilted his head, and hopped out, we were in love. His white marking always reminded me of the North Star…  perhaps even a cross, leading our hearts with patience and goodness. Our home was his favorite place, and it was our favorite too, when we were all in it together. He'd walk from room to room, checking on us, knowing his family was close, and it made him happy. And in the afternoons, he'd lie outside under his favorite tree, his big red ball never far away, always ready for the boys to play.

Oscar crossed over the rainbow bridge on June 2, 2026, and I know he's watching over us now. The space he left behind is hard to describe. It feels empty, and yet somehow it feels so full at the same time. In one moment, I want to burst into tears because I miss him so much. In the next, I want to celebrate everything he brought into our lives.

So many of us share this kind of connection with our furry friends — people of every age, in every kind of home. Our pets become part of our families. They become the center point of our homes. And when they're gone, it isn't necessarily a space to be filled with sadness… it's a space to remember. I think it's so important that each of us takes the time to celebrate our pups, because it truly is pure joy to be loved by a furry friend.

It is so heartbreaking when they leave, almost paralyzing…as if time has stopped.  It's hard to process. The way they look at you with those loving eyes when they don't feel good, and all you want is to fix it and make everything better.   But loving them, and just being with them, is the most important thing you can do.

Some days, I would bring my editing home just so Oscar could lie in our front foyer in the sunlight while I worked at the kitchen table, instead of heading to the studio. Because when I left, he would look at me and ask, with just his eyes, when I'd be back.

I know I'm not the only one out there missing a pup right now… whether the loss is recent or from years ago. They stay with you. They live in a space in your heart that nothing and no one else can ever quite fill.  And for so many of you who have pups, new and older who are at your side, ready for an adventure, a quiet afternoon or some snuggles…love on them big…because they are such true friends.  Cherish all the moments and each relationship with everyone in your home. 

Thank you for being our pup, Oscar. For loving us more than we could have ever imagined, and for always keeping us safe. We love you, and you are so missed. Please keep watch from above. We'll look up at the stars, and at your tree, every night, and dream of you.

September 16, 2016 – June 2, 2026

In honor of Oscar and our furry friends, I've pulled together some of my favorite shots featuring my clients' beloved pets. Capturing their essence and connection is always such an honor. If you've been waiting for a sign to get a picture with your pet, maybe this is it.

A Note from the Editor: Renée has a beautiful way of making everyone feel truly seen. A few months ago, she photographed me with my dog, Beaux, during a Street Style shoot, capturing a candid moment that somehow held everything I love about having a dog: the joy, comfort and unconditional friendship they bring into our lives. It’s a photograph I’ll cherish forever. Reading Oscar’s story, it’s clear he was loved just as deeply and left an equally lasting mark. Thank you, Renée, for sharing Oscar’s story with us and for using your incredible gift to help so many of us hold onto the memories of our beloved furry friends.