This past week, the photographer behind Humans of New York shared a photo he wished he didn’t have to post.
Brandon Stanton’s dog Susie, who inspired hundreds of senior dog adoptions, passed away at the age of 16.
Related: Owners Share the Special Bond They Have With Their Senior Dogs in New Book
The photographer paid homage to his dog on the Humans of New York Facebook page, starting with how Susie came into his life five years ago.
“I was photographing in Brooklyn one evening when I saw the coolest little dog sitting on a stoop. I sat down to pet her, and after a few minutes, her owner told me that he was unable to care for her anymore. He asked if I could take her. I was broke at the time. I was sleeping on a friend’s couch. And everyone that I asked told me that it was ‘not the right time’ for a dog. But I was so charmed by Susie, and the whole encounter seemed so fated, that I offered to take her. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
Stanton goes on to write how Susie changed his life, sharing that the only thing she wanted in life was to be by him and as a first time dog owner, he understood the power of unconditional love.
Related: 10 Reasons Why Senior Dogs Are So Unbelievably Awesome
“There was now a joyous reunion waiting for me at the end of every workday. And I learned that there are few greater blessings than a wildly happy dog greeting you at the door.”
Susie not only helped Stanton but also hundreds of senior dogs. Stanton’s fiancé, Erin, developed a special bond with Susie, and the dog was the inspiration behind her nonprofit, Susie’s Senior Dogs, an organization focused on getting elder dogs adopted.
“Erin and I are both very thankful that Susie came into our lives. She was such a special friend. She was my introduction to the love of dogs. And she helped Erin discover her purpose in life. So in a way she’s going to stick around forever.”
RIP Sweet Susie.
Below is the full post:
https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/photos/a.102107073196735.4429.102099916530784/1239883486085749/?type=3