06/04/2026
Tilly Project - Trouble ❤️
We met at Peaks of Otter for Trouble’s session, and before long it was obvious why Cassidy had described him as loyal, silly, and loving.
Trouble is 16 now, and while age has slowed him down some, he still seems determined to be part of whatever is happening around him. He spent the evening investigating smells, watching bugs, soaking up the fresh air, and generally making sure nothing important happened without his supervision.
One of my favorite moments came when he decided the grass deserved his full attention. What started as a quick roll turned into a full production, complete with feet in the air and not a care in the world. He got so committed to it that we had to keep an eye on him a couple times to make sure he didn’t accidentally roll himself right into Abbott Lake.
Honestly, that felt like the perfect summary of who he is.
Cassidy had told me beforehand that Trouble has always been her shadow, and that was impossible to miss. No matter where we went, he always seemed aware of where she was. Whether he was leaning into affection, relaxing nearby, or checking in on what she was doing, there was never much doubt about who his person was.
The thing that stood out most wasn’t his age. It was how much of himself was still there. The curiosity. The stubbornness. The goofy personality that had him studying bugs one minute and nearly rolling into a lake the next.
When Cassidy reached out about a Tilly session, she told me she wanted to remember who Trouble is and what it feels like to be loved by him. After spending an evening with them, I think those two things are impossible to separate.
Trouble is loved deeply, and it’s easy to see why.
Thank you, Cassidy, for trusting me with these memories.
❤️
This session was part of The Tilly Project. I choose to offer these sessions at no cost because these moments deserve to be remembered. If your family is approaching this chapter and would like memories preserved, please reach out!
