The first week of January 2024, our Wheaten Terrier, Dunkin, was diagnosed with a perineal hernia.

I had never experienced a dog needing major surgery before, and it was a terrifying and heartbreaking experience. Dunkin was in so much pain, and it hurt to see him suffer without being able to explain what was happening. He would scream in pain, a sound so haunting that my youngest could hear it inside the house while I walked him in the yard. This went on for about a week, as his symptoms developed right before Christmas, leaving us unable to get him seen immediately.

This time in our lives brought to mind an incredibly difficult period that taught me lessons and gave me a perspective beyond measure. When my oldest was undergoing cancer treatments, I turned to photography as a way to cope, feeling compelled to document every moment. It helped me process what was happening, even though much of it was a blur at the time. Now, I look back on those photos with gratitude, knowing they hold pieces of that journey. The night before Dunkin’s surgery, I made sure to take countless photos of him. That act felt like a way to hold on to the moments we had, no matter what the outcome might be.

Thankfully, Dunkin’s surgery was a success, at least for a time. By the beginning of December, I began noticing familiar symptoms. After bringing him back to the vet, he was diagnosed with a second perineal hernia within a year. We’re currently managing his symptoms with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes, but he will need a second surgery at some point soon. For now, we're taking it day by day. We’ve made adjustments in our routines to ensure he gets the best care possible. Since Dunkin’s second diagnosis, I’ve been forced to be incredibly present. While I’ve always adored him, I am especially mindful now of every moment we share. He is a daily reminder to never take anything or anyone for granted.