Blog Assignment #6 Response to Literary Journalism Piece

"Tara and Tito."

"Why is this uncomfortable for me to look at? I realized it's because when I'm having an experience or I wanna do something, candid, I don't want to stop and worry about my angles.  I don't see myself in my own memory."  Photographer/journalist, Tara Israel's fast-paced lifestyle and her faithful furry companion, Tito are the focus in A Girl And Her (Extremely Patient And Unnaturally Photogenic) Best Friend.  Noah Rosenberg is the interviewer who dissects the bond between a dog and a dog owner who remain inseparable and unmoved by whatever the world throws their way.  Rosenburg makes sure to keep himself out of the piece by only mentioning his questions, which I believe was the right call.

Tara's life as a small town girl has always been surrounded by pet animals like dogs, cats, rats and even salamanders.  Her initial thought was to adopt a stray dog with larger features and the strong capability of learning tricks and signals.  Despite her ideal vision of a dog, she wound up receiving a Pomeranian pup from a pet shop as a gift from her mom before she went off to college.

A typical free-spirited woman, Tara enjoyed traveling and embraced the opportunity for a new experience but her love for Tito's company equally matched her desire for adventure.  She started off by taking Tito with her while meeting her friends in NYC clubs while using him as an ice breaker in the process.  Her life as a photographer takes her from one side of the world to the other, which naturally leads her to take photographs of the places she's seen only these pictures have the tendency of exclusively featuring Tito.  Nowadays it's more rare to see Tara without Tito than with him in places like a packed college campus, a private plane, or even on a bell buoy.

What makes her story interesting isn't so much that she travels the world with her dog but the kind of effect Tito has had in her life.  She describes how the two have been able to remain healthy in the twelve-year span they've been together because they eat healthy and remain active, and having him by her side has allowed her to keep in touch with her inner-child.  It's the reason why Tara has been able to avoid becoming stagnant or experiencing the usual slumps people go through as they get older.  Tito's character traits happen to rub off on Tara while her wild lifestyle has become a norm for him.  Tito is just as beneficial for Tara as she is for him.  Their bond is a gateway of opportunity to face the world with open arms as well as optimism.  

What started as a habit became a hobby and now a great visual of Tara leaving her mark wherever she lays her hat while having her partner in crime by her side.  One particular quote that stands out is, "At some point I realized if I waited until I found someone to come with me to do the things I wanted to do, I would waste my entire life waiting.  So I just started going.  So did Tito."  This quote intrigues me because I have two dogs at home and I have the tendency of feeling guilty of leaving them home alone so I end up putting things on hold just so I can come home to them.  Tara does the opposite, instead she uses Tito as not just a companion but as a reason to create friendships, memories and adventure.  Also, I don't think anyone can match the unconditional love that dogs offer.   

"That sense of imagination, most people lose as an adult.  I've never had to conform to being a non-playful person."  This quote stands out because it illustrates the importance of holding onto who you are and in Tara's case, Tito's presence will always be the reminder she needs to enjoy life. 

The piece was effective because I believe it's easy to relate for those who own pets and for those who enjoy living a fast-paced life that includes a ton of traveling.  She seems like an ordinary person but what sets her apart is the fact that she lives her life on her own terms during moments when it becomes difficult to do so.  Her times in college followed by transitioning into the workforce, witnessing her grandmother's dementia worsen, and so forth could have very well led the average Joe mad but not Tara.  She is too busy looking forward to what tomorrow brings as well as Tito's position in front of the camera.