Paws, Look, Listen: Capturing the Magic of Now

In the hush of the first snowfall in Telluride, a dog pauses, inviting us to paws, look and listen to the small moments that make life extraordinary.

A dog taking in the first snowfall of the season on mainstreet in Telluride Colorado

The snowfall has stated a little later here in Telluride. So of course I was eager to get out and capture what felt like a snow globe moment. With little visibility and the season starting slow, I decided to go on an adventure.

On this day it started out with rain, but later turned into over a foot of snow. With visibility low, most people had gone inside to warm up as it seemed no one was prepared for the snow. I walked the town taking pauses to listen to the silent snowfall and take in any moment I saw. I was watching others stories being written right in front of me. The folks who help create the heart of what Telluride is.

A man in a yellow jacket shoveling snowy sidewalk outside the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride Colorado

With mostly locals out shoveling and getting ahead of the snowfall, I wanted to find more. As I continued to walk the town to the sound off offbeat shovels scraping the ground, the snow became heavier. The red brick buildings starting to be the only thing standing out. I was just about to head inside for the day when I noticed a dog running in circles in the snow. His color fur stood out as the snow he was playing with went flying. He paused for a moment, waiting for his family to catch up before crossing the street. *Click*

A dog standing in the falling snow by a crosswalk, waiting for his family to catch up.

As I had quietly lowered to his point of view to take the photo, his family had caught up with him. I stand up and say hello to them. His mom said "oh im sorry if he got in the way of your photo". I let her know "No No, He was my photo!" She was excited to hear this. As she pushed her baby's stroller across the snowy street I walked with her to show her what i had captured. Her husband was excited to see! He let me know that his dog Desmond loves a good photo! He called Desmond over and asked him to sit. As we thought we may have to direct him to look at me, i decided to capture him in his present moment. Desmond had already unfocused on us, and started focusing on the snow falling. It was as he was listening to every snowflake quietly land on his nose. *Click*

A dog on mainstreet taking in the moment as snowflakes land on his nose in Telluride Colorado

A dog taking in the first snowfall of the season on mainstreet in Telluride Colorado

He held his position as if nothing else mattered. His breathe was slow and deep, as if he was reflecting on the cold sent, a memory maybe. There was something extra special about this moment. It was as if I was being reminded to take it slow. and take a look around. I shared this photo and next thing you know, i was seeing it everywhere. on news stations, friends stories etc. It was as if this photo didn't just resonate with me, but a lot more people. It was as if this was the perfect time for everyone to take in the little moments, even around this holiday season.

I continue to look at this photo daily and I can hear the quite of the snow when i do. I always wonder if sometimes a photograph is so strong, that the viewers who were not there, can also hear and feel the same moment.

In general, this photo is a great reminder. To pause in the little moments. Look around. Listen to everything the moment is offering. There is something to be said about living in the moment. to me, there is something even greater when you truly take in the moment. As we continue through the holiday season, remember kindness, to those you love, and the strangers around. We never know someones story. What they are really going through. Spread kindness. A simple hello, wave or even offering to help someone who is struggling to open a door can go alot further than you may think. I do believe spreading kindness is alot stronger than spreading hate or anger. Paws before you say something something. Look around to see if there is something you can do to help. Listen to those who have something to say.

Paws, Look, Listen.