Arthur, Our First Love: A Tribute to the Italian Greyhound Who Stole Our Hearts
When I was just 18, a serendipitous weekend in New York forever changed my life. My best friend and I had checked into a hotel, and there, prancing with delicate elegance, was an Italian Greyhound puppy. In that instant, I knew: one day, I’d have a little Iggy of my own. I even picked a name—Arthur—long before I was ready to welcome a dog into my life.
Fast forward nine years, and the stars finally aligned. After countless dreams of that perfect little companion, we contacted a breeder who had a fresh litter of pups. I remember walking into their home, heart racing, unsure of how to pick. But Arthur, our blue-coated girl, made the decision for us. She followed us with such confidence, her little paws stamping an unspoken promise: I choose you.
Arthur was unlike any Italian Greyhound we’d ever met. Her personality was as vibrant as her sleek blue coat. Outgoing, playful, and full of sass, she broke every Iggy stereotype. And her ears—those glorious, perked-up ears—became her signature charm. They made her look like the most elegant little deer, and I couldn’t have loved her more.
From the start, she was more than just a pet; she was our shadow, our joy, our everything. We brought her everywhere—bike rides, shopping trips, road adventures. She traveled the world with us, experiencing life in ways most dogs never could. She romped in the snow in the Swiss Alps, strutted down the Champs-Élysées, and even donned a costume for Venice’s Carnivale. Arthur wasn’t just a dog; she was our little globetrotter, soaking in life’s beauty at every turn.
But beyond the adventures, Arthur was my comfort. She was there through my darkest days, her warm presence and soft nuzzles healing wounds I didn’t even know I had. She was the glue that held my world together, her tiny frame carrying more love than I thought possible.
When we brought Audrey, her little brother, into the family, she wasn’t thrilled at first. But over time, she embraced him, and they became inseparable. Watching their bond grow was pure magic.
Arthur was my muse during my early photography days, the inspiration behind every click of the shutter. She was my first pet model, gracefully posing for the camera with a natural elegance that made every shot shine. Whether I was experimenting with lighting techniques, practicing new angles, or simply capturing her in quiet, everyday moments, she was always patient, always stunning. She had a way of making even the simplest backdrop look extraordinary, her personality radiating through every image. I have hundreds of photos of her—some professionally crafted during my learning journey, others candidly snapped in moments of joy or comfort. Each one is a treasure, a frozen slice of time that tells a story of love, companionship, and the unspoken bond we shared. These photos are more than just memories; they’re a testament to the life we lived together, a visual diary of a beautiful chapter that will remain forever cherished.
Losing her in December 2023 was one of the hardest things we’ve ever faced. She became ill so quickly, and the days leading up to her passing were filled with both heartbreak and gratitude. We had six precious days to say goodbye, to shower her with love, to let her know just how much she meant to us. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love she had given so freely.
Now, over a year later, the pain of her loss still feels fresh. Arthur would have turned 15 this month, and as her birthday approaches, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact she had on our lives. There’s a deep ache in her absence, but also immense gratitude for the life we shared, the adventures we embarked on, and the unconditional love she gave us every single day.
Arthur, my sweet baby girl, you were the beginning of a beautiful journey, and your legacy will live on forever. Thank you for choosing us, for loving us, and for being the best part of our lives. You are missed every single day. 🖤
To anyone reading this, hug your pets a little tighter today. They are our greatest companions, our fur-ever friends, and they leave paw prints on our hearts that never fade.