For Sligo

This image holds immense significance for me, not only because it was captured in one of my most cherished areas in Death Valley for photography. The evening before I took this photograph, my wife sent me a message on my Garmin InReach informing me that my beloved dog, Sligo, had crossed over the rainbow bridge to her forever home. I suppose there's a certain irony in receiving such news in the heart of the desert, where solitude magnifies both the beauty and the pain. No one was there to witness my tears except for my two friends, Seth and Christian, who provided invaluable support as I navigated through a whirlwind of emotions.

The following morning, I found myself lacking the motivation to even emerge from my sleeping bag, let alone muster the creativity to hold my camera. But I knew that if Sligo were by my side, she would have nudged me to rise and embrace the day. As I made my way to the base of my favorite dune, the overcast skies cast a blanket of dull, uninspiring light over the landscape. Discouraged, I set my bag down and sank into the sand, contemplating amidst the quietude of the desert.

For nearly an hour, I lay there, lost in thought, breathing in the raw beauty of the wilderness. I observed a kangaroo rat scurrying about in search of breakfast and witnessed an approaching storm from the Eastern Sierra. It was during my journey back to my tent that I stumbled upon a set of kit fox tracks leading toward the dune. In a fleeting moment, the sun pierced through the clouds, casting ethereal patterns of light across the landscape. It was as though Sligo herself was guiding me, taking one last stroll towards her final resting place. Overwhelmed with emotion, I found myself shedding tears like never before.

Though my heart still aches with an indescribable emptiness and sorrow, I find solace in reminiscing about the countless adventures we shared. Sligo was more than just a pet; she was my steadfast companion, my confidante, my source of boundless joy. I will forever cherish the memories we created together. Farewell, dear Sligo. May you chase after all the birds and rabbits in the endless expanse beyond.

P.S. For those who don’t know, Sligo is the dog in my logo.

Sligo loved our walks along the beach, especially when we would just sit and watch the sunset.