Long time followers of my blogs will know we had our first dog, a beagle, Tess in 2008. She turns 7 next month and is our whole world. She taught us everything we needed to know about beagles. Then she taught every beagle we own, fostered and boarded every trick in the book. She is the Don of The Beagle Mafia. 

And she is very very sick. 

She was diagnosed with severe stomach / gastro issues at a very young age. She was then diagnosed with pancreatitis about 4 years ago. She has had 2 bouts, both of which she beat. 

We changed vet when we simply had too many animals to run up and down to our old vet, a 1.5 hour round trip, and he literally saved her life, twice. 

Unfortunately this bout is incredibly dangerous and aggressive. Our girl is really struggling. She’s a fighter but we have been told that her recovery is not guaranteed. 

JT and I are like zombies. We’re literally unable to focus. We both have headaches and heart aches. We want her home, with a waggly tail. We want her to fight, because she’s too young to leave us and her many fans just yet. 

We have had messages, paws in the circle, high five paws, prayers and even prayers to the doggy gods from those who don’t pray. We are so grateful for every single thing. We love you all. 

 Here’s my girl this morning. 

If you could spare a thought, she would really appreciate it 🐶

Gunner is quite possibly the single most famous beagle I know.  He is quite the character and has taught many others his unique Beagle Speak.  (Check out The Beagle Mafia on Facebook so you can check it out for yourself!)

Gunner loves getting dressed up and posing for his mummy, Zoe’s, Facebook photos.  He is also incredibly wise and witty, a delicate balance.

He has been suffering with corneal endothelial for a few years now.  His treatment until recently has helped, but there came a time when Zoe decided enough was enough.  It was apparent he was in pain and it was time to remove the bad eye.  Thankfully just the one !

Zoe contacted me and asked if I would do a shoot just before his operation.  I was thrilled to be chosen to photograph this special boy.  We arranged to meet at Shugborough (as you know my favourite location studio) and after a good catch up over cups of tea, we got going.  Gunner did not disappoint, posing beautifully for us.

We will be doing a follow up shoot when his now-removed eye scar heals.  Watch out for that soon.

In the meantime, here is a favourite of mine.  Enjoy x

GUNNER006FB

All images Copyright 2024 Gill Taylor Photographer ... please don’t steal them, it’s not nice !