[Hazel is a precious Cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle mix) that Katie met when Hazel was 6 months old. Katie had been looking for a dog to adopt when she had moved into an apartment that allowed dogs. Katie was in her early 20s. She spotted Hazel in an online listing. Hazel was a “leftover” from a puppy mill, rescued from an auction. In seeing just that one picture of Hazel’s face, Katie knew that Hazel was meant to be with her. And Katie was right. Over 14 years (5,317 days to be exact), the two of them formed a bond that Katie will forever feel, even now that Hazel has transitioned. Hazel + Katie were everything to each other: sisters, mothers, daughters and best friends. Hazel was right by Katie’s side over the many years, including during 12 moves and 20 airline flights and the birth of Katie’s first baby. Hazel slept by Katie every night, laying close to Katie on her pillow. Hazel was the best mix of athleticism and cuddly. Though Hazel was small, she could hike miles with Katie, and then go right to being perfectly happy sitting on Katie’s lap.

We photographed Hazel (and her sister Kaya) on March 6, 2024. Katie said good-bye to her Hazel five days later, on March 11, 2024.]