Some stories touch the heart so deeply that they stay with us forever.Devon’s letter about her beloved Soul Dog, Lucky, is one of those stories. Lucky was more than a companion — she was a guardian angel, an adventure partner, and a true best friend.I had the honor of meeting and photographing Lucky shortly before her passing, and through Devon’s words, you can feel the incredible bond they shared. Her story is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and I’m grateful to share it here in hopes that it may bring comfort to others walking a similar path of love and loss.
Written by Devon P.: "Have you ever heard of a “Soul Dog”? Lucky was without question my Soul Dog. She and I shared a bond no words could ever describe. I may have rescued her from a shelter, but it was she who really rescued me in the end. Lucky was a guardian angel who came to me in my darkest hour and from that point forward became the light of my life. Without ever being asked or saying a word, Lucky filled the void in my life with unconditional love and support I’d always longed for. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the gentle nudges of that little dog making me get up and face whatever I felt I couldn’t that day. There were a lot of those days in the beginning. Eventually all that patience and determination paid off and those nudges would become playful gestures herding me out the door to go walkies. Lucky didn’t look like it, but she was an adventure dog and the two of us hiked thousands of miles of trails together here around the Flathead. There was nothing on this Earth that brought me more joy than watching her floppy ears bounce around as she blazed the trail ahead of me. There was nothing that warmed my heart more and washed away a bad day faster than opening my front door and being greeted by her loving eyes and wagging tail. It was like Lucky was made specifically to be my perfect companion and nothing will ever convince me otherwise.There was never any doubt in my mind that Lucky and I had many more years together. We had so many more adventures waiting to be crossed off our long list. But her illness was so sudden, so shocking and she was taken from me so fast. There wasn’t any amount I wouldn’t have been willing to pay, so we did all the treatments and I held onto hope she’d pull through - but in my heart I knew. It was while lost in that anticipatory grief I found Rita. I didn’t know what I needed, I just knew I needed to preserve as much of my Lucky as I could while I was still able. That was all I could manage to write through my tears the night I reached out. Thankfully, Rita all but took my hand and guided me through how to do a “Celebration of Life” photo session. I was convinced I would cry through the whole thing, but our session was the most fun and one of the best memories I have from the last month of my Lucky’s life. Just one short week after that beautiful evening, I would kiss her goodbye as she passed peacefully in my arms. I’m so grateful I have those precious photos.The saying “Both our lives ended that day. But only you stopped breathing.” is the most accurate, real thing I have ever experienced. The person who walked into the Pet Hospital with Lucky didn’t come back out of there that morning either. I wasn’t Lucky’s mom anymore, I didn’t know who I was. I walked out into a completely different world from what I had known. Had it not been for the complete stranger who ran from her car to hug me and just let me sob into her shoulder, I don’t think I would have been able to drive home safely after saying goodbye to my precious girl. Just like this kind stranger and Lucky, I believe Rita also showed up exactly when I needed her. What are the odds the photographer you stumble upon happens to also be involved with a pet loss support group?I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t sleeping, my grief was overwhelming. So I went. I went home that night and actually slept that night. For the first time in two weeks I didn’t sit up all night crying. I’m looking forward to the next meeting and what new calm it may bring me. These wonderful creatures who come into our lives are not “just pets”. They are our family and best friends. The pain and grief that comes with their loss is so much more than you could imagine if you haven’t experienced it. A few compassionate ladies recognized the impact that loss can have and took it upon themselves to create a place of healing and support. When I didn’t know who to turn to, I was so thankful they were there. Grief is hard, but you don’t have to face it alone. To help me cope with mine and maybe help you with yours, I’m honouring the memory of my Lucky by starting a Rainbow Tree. Anyone is welcome to hang a collar or request that one be hung with their beloved pet’s (big or small) name on it so they can join her. There was never a friend Lucky didn’t want to make in this life and I can promise she’ll take good care of your fur baby across the rainbow bridge. To request a collar be placed on Lucky’s Rainbow Tree in memory of your beloved pet, please leave their name in the comments below."
💬 I would love to hear from you, too. If you’ve lost a beloved companion, please feel free to share a memory or your pet’s name with me directly — either on my social media or by reaching out personally. You can message me on Instagram and Facebook, or email me directly at rita@romayev.com Together, we can honor their memory.