Andrea Domjan is known for her exceptional skills as an artist, conveying stories through her captivating photographs. Among her subjects, some stories hold more emotional weight than others. The story of Dori and her beloved canine companion, Alf, is one such poignant tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Although not a typical project for most photographers, we are grateful to Domjan for capturing and sharing the touching story of Dori and Alf with us.
Meet Alf, a lovable Bullmastiff. Domjan was approached by Dori to capture precious moments of the duo before it was too late. Sadly, Alf had recently been diagnosed with a severe form of cancer, and these pictures would serve as a tribute to his life. The statistics say that almost half of all dogs are diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, making Dori and Alf’s story relatable to many. It’s heartbreaking, but their story is one that will resonate with pet owners everywhere.
Over the years, Dori has saved numerous Bullmastiffs from shelters, and each one has had a positive impact on her life. According to Domjan, Dori has always had a soft spot for older or disabled dogs, providing them with a better quality of life in their final days. To commemorate the unique bond between Dori and Alf, who enjoyed going on walks, admiring the scenery, and cruising around in Dori’s convertible, Domjan wanted to capture these special moments.
It’s been quite some time since Alf left us. In fact, Dori had to say her final goodbyes to Alf just weeks after the cherished photoshoot. However, Domjan’s photographs will always hold a special place in Dori’s heart, and ours too. We believe that Dori and Alf’s story can offer comfort and motivation to other dog owners who are dealing with cancer in their furry companions. These pictures have played a significant role in helping Dori heal.
When asked about the impact of her art on Dori, Domjan said, “These photos have been therapeutic for her because they bring back memories of the good times they shared, like going for walks together or sitting side by side, taking in the breathtaking surrounding nature. Despite Alf’s illness being evident in his eyes, all Dori can recall is their perfect harmony and how important Alf was in her life, how he completed her.”
Dori used to think that she was responsible for her dog’s cancer and blamed herself for not treating him well or providing enough love. However, she later discovered that cancer was a genetic trait in her dog’s family, as his mother, uncle, and brother had already succumbed to it. She also realized that the food and lifestyle provided by owners could be a crucial factor. Since then, Dori has been cautious about her pets’ diet and prefers BARF raw feeding to prevent any illnesses. She firmly believes that it is possible to overcome cancer and knows many dogs who have survived it.
According to Dori, it’s important to give our all in the fight against any illness that our furry companions may face. However, there comes a time when we need to accept the inevitable and let them go. Although it’s never easy to bid farewell to our beloved pets or watch them suffer from an illness, we can be their unwavering support system just as they have been ours. We can cherish and love them for eternity, even after we’ve said our last goodbyes in this physical world.
As the writer, I would like to express my gratitude to Andrea Domjan and Dori for sharing Alf’s journey with us on iHeartDogs. It hit close to home for me because my beloved Corgi is currently battling lymphoma. Fighting cancer is a tough road, and I can attest to the struggles that come with it. This story serves as a reminder to all of our readers that as dog owners dealing with cancer, we are not alone. Even though it is tough, we can support and uplift each other by sharing our experiences, shedding tears together, and holding onto the one thing that ties us all – the love we have for our furry companions.