Our dogs truly are a part of our family! Unfortunately, they just don’t ever live long enough to keep us on the right path. Darwin was more than a dog, as he showed us the way of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi with his tricks and sense of humor, as well as his skills and rugged personality.
As he had started shaking uncontrollably and clearly didn’t recognize us anymore, my wife and I had to make a tough decision today. We guided our heart dog, Darwin, to the rainbow bridge and allowed him to cross it for evergreen pastures and lots of play with his friends.
What a dog!
Our hearts are broken and we are inconsolable at this time. Our memories of Darwin will always stay with us.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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29 thoughts on “Darwin – 10/20/2001 – 3/29/2017”
As a dog lover myself,i can understand how you feel.
Really sorry for your loss.
He was so beautiful,it breaks my heart.
We are so sorry for your loss – his personality always oozed from the photographs you shared here and it must have been such a blessing to be able to share your life with him for so long. This blessing will always stay with you and I am sure you will meet again on the other side of the rainbow. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Run free sweet Darwin 🌈
Thank you very much, Xenia; it’s always so difficult to release them, but I felt privileged to make this decision for Darwin to let him run free for eternity.
I can totally understand Frank, we have had to make this decision ten times already (we sometimes adopted older rescue animals) and it does not get any easier. At the same time, we have always been so grateful that we can do this for them, our last act of love and kindness to set them free. He is free from pain now and his love for you all will always live on.
Oh, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss Frank. Darwin was such a cutie and obviously a much loved family member. I’m feeling for you right now. 💕
So sorry for your loss Frank. I lost my cat last March and I know how devastating it is. God give you strength. I’m sure Darwin is happy and at peace in the evergreen pasture.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
As a dog lover myself,i can understand how you feel.
Really sorry for your loss.
He was so beautiful,it breaks my heart.
Thank you very much!
Sorry for your great loss, nice photo for remembrance.
Thank you very much!
Somewhere in the future you may meet your beloved dog, as we all are going to pass away, the dog does not suffer anymore, because he is no more ill.
Thank you kindly!
So sorry for your loss. That is wonderful photo of your beloved dog.
I miss my two dogs too…
Thank you very much
Your beloved Darwin looks so lovely in the photo. That will be in your remembrance. A dog is part of the family. Sorry for your loss, Frank!!
I understand your loss, and although I have my new pup, Oberon, my heart still breaks from losing my Hunter. I truly am sorry for your loss.
It’s clear how much Darwin meant to you. So sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss – his personality always oozed from the photographs you shared here and it must have been such a blessing to be able to share your life with him for so long. This blessing will always stay with you and I am sure you will meet again on the other side of the rainbow. Thinking of you and your family at this time. Run free sweet Darwin 🌈
Thank you very much, Xenia; it’s always so difficult to release them, but I felt privileged to make this decision for Darwin to let him run free for eternity.
I can totally understand Frank, we have had to make this decision ten times already (we sometimes adopted older rescue animals) and it does not get any easier. At the same time, we have always been so grateful that we can do this for them, our last act of love and kindness to set them free. He is free from pain now and his love for you all will always live on.
Oh, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss Frank. Darwin was such a cutie and obviously a much loved family member. I’m feeling for you right now. 💕
Thank you very much, Miriam. It’s difficult to lose him, but his memories will always live within our hearts.
Of course they will … cherish them Frank. They’ll get you through.
It’s so difficult to say goodbye. Hopefully, happy memories of your wonderful companion will bring you joy to overcome the sadness.
Thank you very much for your kindness.
I’m so very sorry Frank for this loss. I know how dear my fur babies have been over the years! It is never easy to lose one. xx
Thank you very much, Mac. I really appreciate it!
Of course! xo
Losing an animal that has become a part of your family can be heartbreaking. I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you very much, Khürt!
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Dog’s are truly lifelong companions that have an innate ability to speak to our hearts and souls
Sorry for your loss. 😦
Thank you.
So sorry for your loss Frank. I lost my cat last March and I know how devastating it is. God give you strength. I’m sure Darwin is happy and at peace in the evergreen pasture.
Thank you most kindly! Yes, they are such a huge part of our lives, that their departure leaves a huge hole in our hearts.