Dogs and Newborns and Love and Hope

Life is a lot lately. Almost 9 months of this dismal year that is 2025 and it’s felt like a thousand awful years. My mental health, like so many of yours, is not well. In order to stay in the game, in the fight, I have to not read the constant “breaking news” emails that are flooding my inbox all day every day. I can’t look at Instagram anymore. I’m exhausted. I hate it here and I’m feeling hopeless, which is what they want.

PS. The only hell/war-zone-ness about Chicago is ICE terrorizing innocent people and peaceful protestors. If you believe what they’re saying about our democratic cities, come visit and see yourself. I’ve never been more proud to be a Chicagoan.

In order to keep going, I have to try to find even the smallest moments of joy in this saturated darkness. My photography and dogs are what I’m gravitating to. I get to photograph moments of joy, love, hope and sometimes sorrow in end-of-life pet sessions. The highs and the lows of this life. It’s made my heart full, even more compassionate and most importantly a way to give back & to see the good that’s still in this world in spite of the hate thrown at us every day.

Here’s a little love, joy and hope to help brighten your day. Mr. O became a big fur brother and is slightly in love with his little sister. I adore this family so so much.

Keep going,

Courtney