a west Texas goodbye
snowtree
THE LAST LAUGH
Ghosts
a west Texas goodbye
20101031-img003
20101031-img007
Hillside Clouds
scootermm

a west Texas goodbye

On friday night at 8:15pm my 13+year old Aussie shepherd/blue heeler, Maya died. I wrapped her in a mexican blanket and myself and two of my close friends immediately loaded her into the back of my truck and drove out to west Texas. She was put to rest in the desert at 1130am on saturday.

She was my best friend for over a third of my life... and all of hers.
The happiest I have ever seen her is when she and I would travel to west Texas and Big Bend to photograph and camp. Seemed a fitting place to bury her... and capturing her in a series of wet plates seemed equally fitting.

A larger version in case anyone cares to see:
[url]http://matthewmagruder.com/temp/8x10wpAL_MayaBigBend103010.jpg[/url]
Click to expand...
Location
West Texas
Equipment Used
8x10 and an old brass lens
Exposure
2secs wide open (F8ish)
Bertil
Agree with all things said above, and after having seen your picture several times I can't stop thinking/feeling that the way you choose to place her remains in your pictures has a very strong significance of your relation to your friend. Thanks for showing us such a personal document.
/Bertil
 
papagene
Matt... sorry for the loss of your companion. Your photos are a wonderfully loving tribute.

gene
 
scootermm
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the supportive words.
The process of creating these images while I buried her was amazing therapeutic and gave a wonderful sense of closure.
She will be missed.
These canine companions can have such an amazing impact on our lives.
 
MVNelson
so sorry for your loss .... I'm not sure my teary eyes could have focus the camera ! Great tribute.
 
dlin
Very sorry to hear of your loss, Matt. This is touching and heartbreaking to see. Peace.
 
ghostcount
Oh man - that's a heart breaker. Sorry to hear your loss - I'm sure she had great memories too.

I've got two Aussies also (blue merle is 8 months and red merle is 2 years old) I know their day will come but in the mean time we'll enjoy our moment in the sun.
 
Damn Matt, knew this day was coming...but still it hits hard. Maya was one of those special animals that just wrapped you up in her zest for living.

I am at a total loss for words, and .... well no words seem right.

You did her right...we will miss her.
 

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