Life Lessons from My Boys

Lessons from My Boys 💖

When I was 17 I got my first dog, a male black lab, he truly was my best friend. We did everything together. He got me through a very challenging time with a boy in high school. He became my protector in the most gentle lab way to lead me away from an abusive situation.

When I was 30 I got my 2nd boy. My black lab, Elwood passed just a couple days after we moved into our home. Like he needed to be with us to ensure we were safe and then it was his time. My Becker helped us raise the kids, he was by my side through some of the biggest and hardest hurdles of my life. A time I honestly wasn’t sure if I or my marriage would survive. He was next to me always, he was one of the kids and such a comfort for me!

At 43, our boy Gunner arrived. Its amazing how life progresses. The day I saw him, I knew and my heart sank. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Beck yet, he truly had been my rock through so much. The week before we brought him home, it hit me as I walked through our living room… ‘What will I be faced with?’ this download stopped me in my tracks. I was hit with dread, worry, fear… and then puppy life carried on.

A part of me, failed my Gunner. When he was 6 mths old my brother died suddenly. In true lab being, he wanted to be with me all.the.time. He didn’t understand why mama was hurting. I couldn’t handle the overwhelm, the over stimulation and his training suffered. Just leave me in the corner and leave me alone. He wouldn’t let me do that. If I didn’t want to do anything with him, he was on the couch looking me in the eye. I honestly wasn’t sure I could survive the puppy toddler years. Yet, I did and it was so worth it!

Gunner has been the best addition, he was meant for our family, his first weekend at the cottage, my mom commented, its like hes been here before. He is glued to his mama, but fiercely loves his dad and kids too!

He’s our baby who has helped teach us boundaries, the power of sleep and 9pm bedtime, that clutter is fun for only the dog and trust… is everything 💖


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Published by Pamela Zmija Photography

Pam is a dedicated mom and wife who gracefully balances family life with her deep passions for photography, holistic wellness, and community. As a macro and lifestyle photographer, she has a unique eye for capturing the intricate beauty in everyday moments-illuminating details that are often overlooked. Through her lens, Pam invites others to see the world from a fresh, mindful perspective. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Pam plays a vital role in her family's HVAC and Plumbing business. With a background in CIM management, she brings a thoughtful blend of operational expertise and genuine customer care, contributing to the business's strong reputation for quality and service. A certified Reiki Master, Pam is also deeply rooted in the world of holistic health. Her journey through personal and family health challenges has shaped her into a compassionate advocate for energy healing and balanced living. Having overcome struggles with invisible illnesses, Pam has transformed her life by embracing a holistic approach-mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through all her roles-photographer, healer, businesswoman, and mother-Pam lives by the belief that life itself is an art form. She empowers others to slow down, connect deeply, and discover the beauty and healing power within the present moment.

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