The Un-Made Photograph

A moment I wish I had a photograph of was when I was 11 years old, in 2007. My father and I were living in Jerusalem, Israel at the time, and I finally convinced my Dad to get a dog. We drove a couple of hours to a desert ranch. For miles around the land was flat, and the air was dry and dense in the high elevations. I remember only several images in my mind, especially of the dozens of puppies inside the wooden dog coup. They were of the long-haired miniature dachshund breed. The mother sat fat and tired, panting in the corner of the coup. Several puppies were feeding off her, and many others ran around chasing each other inside. My Dad, myself, and the ranch owner stepped inside the coup to examine the dog we wanted to take home. Most of the little puppies hopped around our feet and jumped at our legs. We picked up one dachshund to inspect him, and he was trembling with fear, looking around and wincing. I remember he was very scared, and I felt bad about taking him away from his family. I was looking at the panting mother staring back at us picking up her babies, I remember her unconcerned demeanor, which surprised me. The second dog we picked up was the one we took home. I was too scared to hold him, so my Dad did it for me. This dog, unlike the last, stared back at us, and was completely still. He looked calm, and perhaps slightly annoyed that he was being picked up. I thought this was a very brave dog, and a very strong soul, especially for a puppy of two months of age. The moment I wish I had a picture of, was looking at my Dad’s arms holding our dog (who we later named Otto). I wish I could have captured his calm face, his strong demeanor and human-like eyes. It was like looking at a longtime friend. Now he is twelve years old, and he is still one of my best friends.

            The reason for not having a photo of this moment, is simply because I did not have an interest in photography at the time. If I did, I most certainly would have taken a photo of at least something that day. To have had a camera and interest in photography at that age, I would have brought the camera everywhere, as the way most young kids bring their favorite toy or object with them most places they go. Unfortunately, I did not get into photography or filming for another three years.