This week on the blog is Maryglenn and Major. I actually just did this session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, and a few days later Major passed away. It seems I have had a lot of clients doing end of life sessions throughout this past year, and Maryglenn is no stranger to the heartache the loss of a pet causes. It is no wonder we bonded (I see her at all the rescue events I photograph) with what she does as an animal advocate and because of what she does with her company, Paws to Remember. More about the great work she is doing in a bit but first let’s celebrate the life of sweet Major.
Major was an Old English Sheepdog and lived to the age of twelve and a half. His full name was Majordomo Billy Bojangles “Major” Warnock, named after a character in a Grateful Dead song, “Alabama Getaway”; character named Majordomo Billy Bojangles. (Maryglenn is a huge Deadhead).
When I asked what Major loved the most, Maryglenn responded “I honestly think it’s me.” (I have no doubt about that). He hated the garbage truck… “loathed, abhorred, and abominated the sound it made.” Her favorite things about him were that he is the sweetest dog and that his temperament was like a teddy bear. Her husband once described this cute dog as “nothing more than a bunch of wool wrapped around a big heart”, and Maryglenn thinks this is so accurate. “Major is pure love” and has been a faithful, loving and loyal companion. Maryglenn loves the Old English Sheepdog breed because they are smart, beautiful, fluffy, a little goofy, sweet, and so, so loyal.
Before Major, Maryglenn an Old English Sheepdog named Garcia. (Yes, after Jerry Garcia). The vendor spotlight is for her company Paws to Remember that formed after her precious Garcia passed away in 2011. “…nothing—absolutely nothing—could’ve prepared me for the anguish, the heartbreak, the profound, almost all-consuming sorrow of losing my beloved Garcia…Even in the depths of my grief, and even when I felt terribly alone, I knew I wasn’t the only one who had, or would, struggle so mightily after the loss of a pet. An idea began to form and while it took nearly 8 long years, I finally decided to do something about it.”
Working through the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement, Maryglenn completed her certification to become a Pet Bereavement Counselor and spent time interacting with grieving owners and learning more about the pet aftercare industry. She also became an ordained minister and Pet Funeral Officiant. And then, Paws to Remember came to fruition. This is a pet aftercare business that serves grieving pet owners in their time of need. It provides such services as: pet memorial services, celebrations of life, and funerals; pet bereavement counseling on both a group and individual basis; and assistance in creating meaningful memorials and tributes.
Since conception, Maryglenn has eulogized and celebrated companion animals from cats to Chihuahuas, counseled owners who’ve just lost pets and those whose pets have been gone for years, talked to pet lovers, veterinarians, specialists, and business owners about loss, about grief, and about grace.
“My advice for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet is this: know that you’re not alone, know that what you are experiencing is normal—and know there is help available. Pain is normal and inevitable—but misery is optional. Even in grief, we can make a choice to dwell on the sadness and sorrow and let it torture us and rule our lives—or we can take steps to heal from it. Help is available.”
Please check out these sweet photos of Major and Maryglenn!
~Mandy
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Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!