Bev Hollis Photography

We spent the evening with delightful Bella. A young golden retriever escorted by both of her humans for a farm session.  While we expected to have both of Bella’s parents, Jeff and Wanda,  ramble about the farm with us we were surprised when Jeff exited their vehicle on a pair of crutches with one very swollen and braced knee.

Seems Jeff wrestled with a slippery watermelon and in his attempt to salvage a crashing melon put a torque on his knee that stressed some ligaments beyond tolerance.  So, we settled Jeff in the barn studio with a good book and an elevated knee and set off with Wanda and Bella..

There is a bit of irony to Jeff’s watermelon story that ties in to the story of Bella.  Jeff has served his country in the Army for a very long time and had seen many tours of duty.  His most recent though, took him to Iraq for 12 months.  And for the first time in 26 years he knew when he deployed this time, Wanda would be alone.  The children were grown and out of the house.  Wanda had an empty nest.

Thus entered Bella.  And her mission.

Jeff gave Bella to Wanda as a goodbye gift of sorts.  Thus entered the newest family member!  Bella and Wanda attended training classes and spent enjoyable weekends together. In fact, we met Wanda & Bella at Breaux vineyards when Wanda was there on a “girls” outings with some friends.

So for us this shoot was special. We loved the fact that Jeff realized that his long-served “military wife” was facing yet another challenge in his absence.  We also love that he understood the value of the bond an animal would provide.  And lastly, all political views aside, we honor Jeff for serving his country. We’re so glad he returned safely, only to meet up with a very nasty watermelon..

I love this “lost in the grass” shot!