My beloved boys, Forrest and Luke were born on this day March 6, 1997.
I still remember bringing them home. It was a brisk sunny day in April, the sky deep blue with a hint of spring in the air. I was in the back seat of my Grand Cherokee with my two precious pups.
Luke was quiet and cuddled deep in my lap, totally content while little Forrest yipping, tried to bury himself in my arms, look out the car window and explore the back seat all at the same time.
"Eight weeks old and I could already see
How different they were, though brothers they be
Irresistible both, they were coming with me"
I have posted a wonderful series of photographs that I took on their first birthday. Have a look and follow the paper birthday hats. Guess who is wearing his hat and who is tearing it off!
Always true to themselves and always true to me.
In celebration, Finn and I are taking a long hike through the snow. The sun and sky are shining bright in their honor.
Somehow, I am certain they will be walking with us.
Happy Birthday my loves. I love you both so much and miss you with all my heart.
" Photographer Donna DeMari has shot the most prominent names in the fashion industry - Naomi, Kate, Heidi, Christy - but it is two names we do not recognize who have impacted her life most. In this poignant tribute to her beloved labradors, a photographer close to our heart explores the depth of a loss and the healing power of recollection." The Anthropologist
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Remembering Winter with Luke and Forrest
These precious little glimpses toward the end of their lives were all that I had on film.
My heartfelt thanks to Elliot Kern who used his magical talent to weave these tiny fragments
together so beautifully.
Come walk with us through the snow and mountains we loved so much to journey together.
Sending all my love to Forrest and Luke
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Luke and Forrest Wins 2013 Independent Publishers Book Award
I am so incredibly honored and humbled to announce that my precious book
"Luke and Forrest My Saviors, My Salvation" has won a Gold Medal for Outstanding Book of the Year 2013
This is my first book and one that I had envisioned doing throughout the life I shared
with my beloved labrador retrievers, Luke and Forrest
This is the greatest honor I could ever receive
These medalists were chosen from our regular entries for exemplifying this daring spirit -- he book projects our judges found the most heartfelt, unique, outspoken and experimental among over 5,000 entries. All of these books earned IPPY Award gold medals.The "IPPY" Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. Established as the first awards program open exclusively to independents, over 3,000 "IPPYs" have been awarded to authors and publishers around the world.
"Luke and Forrest My Saviors, My Salvation" has won a Gold Medal for Outstanding Book of the Year 2013
This is my first book and one that I had envisioned doing throughout the life I shared
with my beloved labrador retrievers, Luke and Forrest
This is the greatest honor I could ever receive
Announcing the 2013 Outstanding Book of the Year Award
These medalists were chosen from our regular entries for exemplifying this daring spirit -- he book projects our judges found the most heartfelt, unique, outspoken and experimental among over 5,000 entries. All of these books earned IPPY Award gold medals.The "IPPY" Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. Established as the first awards program open exclusively to independents, over 3,000 "IPPYs" have been awarded to authors and publishers around the world.
Independent Voice Award (tie)

Syzygy, Beauty, by T. Fleischmann (Sarabande Books) and Luke & Forrest: My Saviors, My Salvation, by Donna DeMari (Willow Creek Press)
Syzygy, Beauty, by T. Fleischmann (Sarabande Books) and Luke & Forrest: My Saviors, My Salvation, by Donna DeMari (Willow Creek Press)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Luke and Forrest featured in Anthropologie's Facebook Page
I was so excited for my photographic piece on Luke and Forrest to be featured on Anthropologie's Facebook page.
Luke and Forrest is now available in all Anthropologie stores
throughout the country on November 15, 2012.
Luke and Forrest is now available in all Anthropologie stores
throughout the country on November 15, 2012.

Luke and Forrest - Love, trust, salvation, saviors, best friends,
and companions - Photographs by Donna DeMari
DD: For the greater part of twelve and a half years, I accompanied my beloved Labrador Retrievers every day on magical journeys through the Berkshire Mountains and upstate New York where we lived. Luke and Forrest were my best friends and the loves of my life, our daily walks together were as inspirational to me as they were joy filled. I was rarely without a camera, recording both their lives in every detail.
Luke & Forrest - My Saviors, My Salvation
Hello everyone,
I am so thrilled to announce the realization of my heart's most fondest dream.
In 40 years of shooting, there is nothing more dear or closer to my heart than my tribute to my beloved boys, Luke & Forrest.
My book speaks to all of us who have so loved our dogs beyond any words or photos could ever express. I did my very best to convey that love.
Purchase Luke & Forrest
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