By: Kassandra Dzikewicz
True loyalty and companionship can be hard to find, but the inseparable bond between a photographer and his dog will reassure you such faithfulness still exists. Denali is a short film that shows the bond between a man and his most loyal friend as they face adversity and celebrate triumphs together.
In 1999 Denali and Ben met for the first time at a dog shelter, where Ben says Denali “chose” him, and they remained inseparable for 15 years. As Ben fought cancer in 2004, Denali would lay beside him in the hospital and never leave his side. As Ben regained his strength, the two continued on the road, embracing adventure.
A few years later Denali fell ill. From cancerous tumors to respiratory and kidney problems, Ben stayed with Denali and took him to their favourite spots one last time, reciprocating the loyalty Denali had previously showed him. “Denali taught me the importance of being there as a friend for someone no matter how tough things are, to listen and pay attention. At the end when he couldn’t travel or do as much, he taught me patience and so much about pure love,” he said.
The relationship shared between Ben and Denali will make you realize that having to walk two blocks in the rain or having to borrow a yoga mat are insignificant problems in the grand scheme of life. It is important to cherish loved ones, whether they are human or animal, as time passes by far too quickly. And lastly, through the words of David Dudley, the duo teaches us, “When someone you love walks through the door, even if it happens five times a day, [you should] go totally insane with joy.”
Image source: instagram.com
