Parents photograph son and dog on the first day of school – 14 years later, recreate it at grad
Your dog is an important part of your family. They live, sleep, and eat in your home, and sometimes, if they are lucky, go with you on vacation. They are usually there during the biggest moments in life, such as your child’s first day of school or when they leave home for college, along with other important life events.
Many families catch these moments on camera. This story is about one such moment, a juxtaposition of two life events, the start and ending of life in school.
Creating many memories together
When Dylan Bliss first started school all the way back in the first grade, his mom, Corie Bliss, took a picture of him and the family dog, Ruger. No one knew at the time that the opportunity would present itself much later to recreate that cherished moment — this time with Dylan as a high school graduate.
As Dylan’s graduation approached, Bliss had an idea.
“I was looking at old pics and came across Dylan’s first day of first-grade pic with Ruger, when Ruger was a puppy,” Bliss said. “I wanted to recreate the picture the night of his high school graduation.”
The past and the present, side-by-side
The picture came out perfect. Bliss teared up as she looked at the two photos, a perfect contrast of the years that had passed and the bond that spanned all of those years.
“Lots of running mascara,” she said. “So many memories.”
It was as a puppy that Ruger formed a lasting bond with Dylan. The family had adopted Ruger as a puppy. Dylan was only a little boy at the time, but over the years he had reached many major milestones throughout his life with Ruger by his side. Dylan agrees with his mom when it comes to the memories that he and Ruger shared.
“Having Ruger with me throughout school was great,” Dylan said. “No matter what grade I was in, I always have memories of coming home and getting greeted by Ruger at the door.”
Ruger has gotten older
Of course, as Ruger has gotten older, he has had to face some health challenges. That hasn’t stopped the family from including him whenever they can, especially when it comes to family outings. Fortunately, the dog is more than happy to help his family make even more memories.
This includes the many camping trips the family has taken over the years. Unfortunately, Bliss fears that he is nearing his last camping trip with them due to his age.
Always by the family’s side
“He was always there with us,” Dylan told WMUR-TV. “No matter if it was vacations or coming home from school, leaving school. He was always there on the couch or hiking with us. So, it’s like he’s kind of in all my memories.”
Ruger also likes to enjoy life on the family farm. “We have a small farm, and he loves all of his critters on it. He loves to run around, go in and out of the pool all day,” Bliss said. “He has a very nice life.”
For more on this sweet story, watch the video below.
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