My mom is in hospice and has a short time remaining. This is her dog Benny. He has been by her side the entire time and growls at anyone who comes near her. I was lucky to capture this image. I love that her hand is resting on his paw. It just happened and wasn’t staged. Mom loved dogs more than most people. All of her kids share her love of animals. I will miss her terribly.

UPDATE: Mom passed away peacefully on Sunday. My two younger siblings were recalling a funny memory and laughing loudly just as she slipped away. Mom left this earth hearing her children laughing.

Many are asking about Benny. He will be staying with my sister’s family. That is where he and mom have been living the past four years.