In Loving Memory: Tank’s Cherish Session

As promised, here is the rest of Tank’s beautiful Cherish session from Britt Croft.  I’ve become teary-eyed several times over this post, but it is one of my favorites because the love shows in the gorgeous photos and in Lindsay’s words.  

From Brittani:  “Tank is a Mastiff/Sharpei mix, and sadly his mom just found out just a few weeks before this session that he was suffering from bone cancer, a common disease for the Mastiff breed. It was deemed untreatable, and Tank’s pain had progressed quickly, so his mom Lindsay knew that his time was limited. Like many dogs, he isn’t a fan of the camera, and Lindsay knew that it was now or never to get better pictures of him to remember him by, so she quickly scheduled a Cherish Session. We spent an hour walking around Boone Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, and letting Tank explore a little. He was really excited to be on a ‘field trip’ and loved staring at the horses and checking out the different parts of the plantation since he had never been. This session was truly one of my favorites from the year, and I hope to remind Tank’s mom of how strong and beautiful their relationship was.”

From Lindsay:  “Tank came into my life as a 12-week old puppy in 2001. I was 16, and in no position to care for a dog, so he spent a couple of months living at my friend’s house with his sister while I wore down my mother’s resolve with pleading and short visits to our house. In our 12 years together, Tank saved me more times than I could ever count. I’ve dubbed myself ‘crazy dog lady’ in jest, but I truly feel that Tank was my soulmate.

 He was by my side, and often times my rock, during the most important and trying years of my life. He saw me through the better part of high school, college, and two moves to new states. Tank could read me better than anyone. He knew exactly what I needed and anticipated my emotions before I even felt them. I just love that dog more than anyone, and my heart aches from missing him every day. It’s difficult to put into words just how much Tank means to me. If I had the money, I would have cloned him because he was my perfect companion. He touched so many people’s lives and changed self-proclaimed anti-pet people into huge dog lovers (or maybe just Tank lovers). Tank was likely suffering from bone cancer for quite some time, but he hid it well. I know he did that for me. I needed him too much and had to process it in my own way. When the vet broke the news, Tank got up from where he was sleeping, pushed me away from the vet, and began whining like crazy. He didn’t want her to tell me, and he was trying to prevent me from hearing it. I was lucky enough to spend one whole month with Tank after his diagnosis. The first thing I did was schedule a session with Brittani Croft.

 I knew immediately that she was the right person to capture Tank (he hated getting his picture taken). I felt comfortable sharing our story with her, and she understood when  I got teary-eyed. I was so worried that Tank wasn’t cooperating enough to get good pictures, but she assured me that he was doing great. The photographs are absolutely beautiful and have been complimented by everyone that has viewed them. I am so thankful for Britt and will cherish these photographs always. Tank enjoyed his last days running around gleefully despite his bum leg in North Carolina. He passed with dignity and grace with his head in my lap.” 

Thanks to Lindsay and Brittani for letting us get to know Tank.   You can see more photos of Tank on Brittani’s blog.  Be sure to follow Britt on Facebook for some gorgeous wedding and pet photography.

About Britt Croft Photography:  Serving the Southeastern states, Britt Croft Photography specializes in down-to-earth and genuine natural light wedding and pet photography.  Britt lives with her husband and their two dogs Lexi and Riley.