We’ll always have Paris

Before I had dogs, we had an apartment in the 12th arrondissement in Paris, and I fondly remember those carefree summer days spent wandering the city. We lingered at sidewalk cafés, savouring endless cups of café au lait, buttery croissants, and croque monsieur, watching the world pass by. I was in love and in a city that breathes romance. For years, after that relationship had faded, Paris was always associated with that chapter of my life.

But when my journey with Darcy began, I was ready to create new memories. One of the first places we went was Paris. Walking the familiar streets with her by my side, I felt myself letting go of the past and embracing a new chapter.

When George came along, Paris became more of a stopover on our way to adventures further afield. It was no longer just a destination, but a familiar pause before the next journey.

George and I returned to Paris after Darcy left us, and it stirred up so many memories, leaving me with a deep sadness.

Earlier this year, I took Lulu to get her French passport. Through a pet psychic, Darcy had told me, it was time to let her go, not forgetting her, but to create new memories with Lulu and George. But there was a lingering quiet ache of the past woven wishing we could all be together.

Unlike the time when I wanted to replace old memories of past relationships with new ones, I found myself holding tightly to those of Darcy. I comforted myself with the thought—we will always have Paris. Because the memories of our time there are ours to keep, they can never be taken away and will always remain, no matter where we are today and what the future brings. Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember.

Over the years, I have always tried my hardest to capture moments of this city but never quite succeeded. When I discovered Rosie Phang, a pet photographer in Paris, I knew I had to ask her to capture special moments with Lulu and George. I didn’t want to look back with the same regret I had for not capturing more of my time there with Darcy.

And then a thought struck me—I asked Rosie if she could Photoshop a picture of Darcy, taken by Andrew of Raven Imagery, into one of our Paris photos. To my delight, she made it happen. With that, a complete picture—we will always have Paris.

Today, also marks 1,000 days since Darcy passed. 1,000 days of missing my girl, my love, my heart dog.

PHOTO SHOOT WITH ROSIE IN PARIS – check out her page here. She is absolutely lovely to work with. And it was worth the early morning rise.