Thorne - Old faithful : dogs of a certain age

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To my grammother, Doris Elwyn Young, for her 102nd birthday

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To all the old and faithful dogs who have passed before my camera, and for those who have passed away.

In 2013, I photographed my grandmothers hundredth birthday party.

It was after that birthday that I found myself wanting to explore the idea of aging. However, I had always photographed human subjects and was looking for a challenge (a change?). I have a huge soft spot for older dogs, and I began really noticing how much character older dogs showed in their faces. I had never photographed animals before so I knew I had found my subject.

I found myself seeking out elderly dogs and their owners. I didnt really know much about senior dogs, having moved away from home before my dogs golden years. I knew that older dogs are often passed over in favor of younger, cuter puppies in shelters and elsewhere. Yet I knew that they were the ones that more often than not needed more attention, not less.

I was naive going into it. I was initially interested in photographing old dogs as caricatures of old guys and gals. My perception of the project quickly evolved as the owners emotional responses made me aware of the deep connection that owners have with their pets, especially ones they have had for a good portion of their lives.

And it wasnt until I created a Facebook page and began posting the images alongside their testimonials that I saw the incredible degree to which the images and subject matter were resonating with people. People from across the globe began posting pictures of their own dogs and sharing their own pets stories.

I noticed how distinct older dogs faces are compared to more youthful ones: lumps and bumps, gray hair, chipped and missing teeth. Some dogs had lost their eyesight (some were missing their eyes altogether)evidence of both a struggle with old age and of a life well lived.

And I began to realize that it wasnt that these older dogs needed more attentionit was that they commanded more attention. In my grandmothers first hundred years, she saw more things than most of us could even imagine. More joys, more triumphs, more sadness, more everything.

In Old Faithful, the dogs lives are written all over their faces. Lifetimes of digging, barking, licking, loving, and being loved. These dogs have comforted you, frustrated you, peed on you, and been your friend through it all. From thunderstorms to bath time. From housebreaking to heartworms.

Today, people from all over the world send me messages of gratitude for sharing the stories of these old dogs and for increasing awareness of the plight of abandoned and neglected animals. The next stage in the evolution of the project is to take it on the road. By expanding the project outside of Toronto and across North America, I can increase the projects audience, share more old dogs stories, and perhaps help us to reassess societys dismissal of elderly subject matter in favor of youthfulness.

If there is one message that has resonated with everyone involved with this project, its that despite everything were told, faces, like companionship, just get better with age.

PETE THORNE

SHIH TZU, 12

While Zoe is frequently mistaken for an Ewok, she is indeed a twelve-and-a-half-year-old purebred shih tzu. She might be little, but she makes up for that in personality.

Over the years, Zoe has been my shadow, following me all over the house, in the garden, and up and down the stairs, and accompanying me on short jaunts around the city and long trips across Canadian provinces. She loves life in the country, and when she was younger, shed chase bunnies all summer long at our cottage. These days shes slowed down due to heart problems and blindness in one eye. It seems I am now her shadow, as I keep an eye on things she can no longer see. Despite these conditions, Zoe still does a twirl for her breakfast and supper and runs around like a puppy when I come home at the end of the day.

I have been blessed to be her lifelong companion. She has taught me how to love life and be present in the moment. When shes playing, that is all shes consumed with. When shes eating, she thinks of nothing else, except eating her own food and then the cats. She loves prime rib bones, her stuffed bear, chasing paper balls, and running in open fields. After all these years, her puppy dreams bring a smile to my face every time.

My little cuddle bug has been with me through the good and difficult times, and I am grateful to be there for her in the very same way. Zoes had her difficulties lately, but she keeps getting back up and proving me wrong. She can be stubborn like that.

MEGRET YABSLEY

CATAHOULABORDER COLLIE MIX, 11

My Maggie is now eleven and a half years old. Its only the last couple of years that Ive called her Bubba Girl. Bubba, an endearing nickname in the South, a big hunk of love.

Ive seen her age over the last couple of years. Its sometimes hard for her to get up after shes been lying down for long periods. Her walker bought a ramp last year to help her get into the SUV because Maggie was having trouble jumping in and out on her own. There are times she chooses to stay downstairs and sleep because its hard for her to get up the stairs. She looks tired, and has slowed down. Shes become ornery.

I know Maggies time will come. I dont think I will ever be ready for that. Shes been there for me in ways I cant even express. Shes shown me such simple pleasures and has taught me so much. After all this time, I realize that it really has been Maggie thats been taking me for the walk... the best walk anyone can have.

JACKIE POZENEL

MIX, 11

We adopted a tiny black ball of fur from a local pet shelter. As a puppy, Chopper was playful but easygoing. He grew and grew and grew. Now at one hundred and thirty pounds, he may look intimidating, but he is a gentle giant. Chopper is great with kids as well as dogs of all sizes. He has always welcomed the many dogs we have fostered in our home. Even though some have shown aggression toward Chopper, he has never returned it. His quiet, tranquil disposition seems to be calming, and helps them to transition into content and confident dogs. Chopper has matured into a very distinguished-looking fellow with his white muzzle and eyebrows. Always a gentleman, he is an extremely loving part of our family. We are truly fortunate to have such an amazing dog in our lives.

BONNIE LESLIE

KOREAN JINDO, 13

At the shelter, Buster had a sign on his pen that read: CAUTION: SHY DOG. It wasnt promising, but the volunteer said we should try him anyway. We took him out in the yard. Right away he jumped up in my lap. He has never done this againI think he had watched other dogs at the shelter and figured out what he needed to do to get out. It worked.

For the first six months we had him, he seemed to only tolerate living with us. He didnt seem to actually like us for months. But he eventually decided we were his people. Buster is unlike any dog Ive ever had. Hes like a cat in a dog suit. Unlike our lab mix, he has no interest in pleasing us. But he does love us on his terms. Living with him has been like having an endless series of negotiations. I love watching the wheels in his head turn as he addresses a new challenge. I miss his youthful energy, but I dont miss his willingness to take on all challengers.