Philadelphia Portrait & Pet Photographer | April Ziegler Photography

My heart hurt to hear of the passing of Winston Churchill (lovingly referred to as Church or Winnie). My friends and clients, Michelle and Greg, lost Church suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday. I’ve known Michelle for years through her work with HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue, and I’ve been lucky to get to photograph her 5 times now (2 pet sessions, an engagement session, a wedding, and a commercial session for her wonderful business Uniquely Yours Pet Care). I’m constantly inspired by her selfless devotion to rescue and her own bulldog family. She is a beautiful person with a big, big heart. The way that she changed Church’s life is nothing short of amazing. The way that he transformed between when I saw him in 2009 and in 2011 is almost unbelieveable, heartwarming, and a true testament to the power of rescue. I want to share the story that Michelle wrote about how Church came into their lives. Below are Michelle’s words…

On December 19, 2008 I was rushing home on my lunch break when my phone rang. It was Kara telling me there was a dog at the shelter who was about to be euthanized. Unlike the person I have become, which I am not proud of at times, the person in 2008 said: “I am passing that exit now. I will grab him and we will figure it out after the holiday.” Not a waiver, not a thought, no questions about what the dog was like, who he liked, how he was with kids, cats, dogs, trees, wildlife… None of that. I went to save him!

Upon arriving at the shelter I was greeted by volunteers warning me of this dog, I didn’t waiver. They showed me his in take paperwork and described what was happening in the back. I was a bit nervous but as I read the paperwork and it said: “Does your dog bite?” And the answer was: “Only when you hit him.”

At that moment, I knew he deserved a chance. They brought him out to me and it was not love at first sight for Church. But we safely made it to my jeep. I opened the door and he jumped right in my passenger seat. As clear as day I recall touching him and promising, “it’s ok buddy, you are safe.” The plan was to take him home and begin the search after Christmas. If his birthday was accurate he turned 6 that very next day. It was quite a journey, 7 months to be exact that he spent separate from our pack. We eventually worked through those issues and I learned to never give up. Not a week, a month, a few months… 7 months before we broke ground. But on July 17, 2009- we never looked back. He became a member of our family, one of what we fondly refer to as the “core4” (George, Mick, Church, and Zoey). He was left with one big issue, the vet. We had been through 2 vets before meeting Dr Keefe. One of our prior vets told me I was “wasting my time.” Anyone who knows me knows that was just a challenge to be defeated. So for the last 5 years he was cared for by one of the most amazing and talented veterinarians I know. Who never once gave up on him but instead would say, “what’s our plan this time?” So grateful beyond words.

He came to be the wallflower of our group, always taking a step back and even allowing the ones who came after him to take a higher rank in the group. He just wanted to be loved, be the first to bed at night, to trip me as he darted for my car every chance he got. His best day was our trip to myrtle beach when he spent 12 hours in the car. He was my co pilot, George’s stunt double, he loved to chase the birds, and he loved his neighbors Bob and Nancy more than anything.

Rest soundly my sweet boy. You taught me so very much about patience and the power of love and forgiveness. My most profound gratitude is to the family who had him first. If I saw you today, I would say thank you. Thank you for giving up on your dog. Because he wasn’t your dog, he was mine. And although I would give anything to take away his pain, because of you he became mine. He was one of the loves of my life and my heart will never heal, but I will do it over again. For you Church- “I knew what I knew, and I knew it was you.” Always and forever our bed will be too empty.