Sanya by the Window

Sanya was the best dog ever (really, every dog is the best dog ever - but for the purposes of today's story, Sanya wears the title).  As is usually the case, he chose his owner.  My Dad didn't like dogs before Sanya.  We had always had them and he was fine with them, but he never warmed up to them.  The day he came home saying he found a dog and wanted to keep him, we were shocked but, but knew this one was special.  Sanya had followed him to the office.  He had been abandoned and somehow knew that my Dad would take care of him.  After a day at the shelter, confirming no one would claim him, he came to live with us.

That was twelve years ago.  He became my parents' companion.  Quiet, yet affectionate, he didn't ask for much.  He loved the occasional treat or tummy rub.  During Spring and Fall he spent most of his time on the outside deck watching the neighborhood.  When inside, he loved to sit by the sliding doors.  The sun warmed him while he could keep his nose cool by touching the glass. One Thanksgiving I came up the stairs and took a picture, just on a whim.  It's one of my favorite photos to date.

Sanya passed away a couple of years ago.  I started this needlepoint to spend some time with his memory.  To feel the tranquility he inspired.  It hangs in my parents' house - on the wall, next to the glass doors.

The needlepoint has been hanging for a some time now but I've never kept my own record of it.  When I was finished, I rushed to get it framed in time for the holidays.  Scanning it, photographing it didn't occur to me.  Perhaps I'd been looking at it for so long I thought it would be forever etched in my retinas. 

Finally this weekend, visiting for Father's Day I was able to get a couple photos.  It's been a while since I looked at it closely.  If you look in the wndow, you can see Sanya's reflection.  You can also see the deck through the window and the light on the curtains.

Critical of my own work (I think we all are), this is my favorite piece I've made so far.  You can see the original photograph below.

Comments

[Rebecca]

What a beautiful memorial for your Dad to hold on to.

[vincent]

I am so touched...that is why I don´t want to own a pet. I know I would be so attached. A life partner is attaching enough. :)