This was my anniversary present to Maria, a framed print of this photograph. To me, this photo captured a bit of her loving and rich soul. The photograph was timeless to me, not really about Rocky, not really about her, but the ancient and deep connection human beings have for animals, a connect that has been pushed aside and often forgotten in our world.

In our own imperfect and uneven way, those of us related to this photo, those of us reading it, we are seeking to keep this connection alive. Some of us through pets, some of us through other animals, some of us through farms, through breeding, rescue work, therapy work, cuddling on the couch, all kinds in many different ways. Although we are all very different, in this, I think we are united. We are all different, we are all the same. So this photograph is about all of you.