Her name is Babette and she was 14 years old. She’d had some health issues but was doing okay until she fell and badly injured her back leg. Her mom Patty made the gut wrenching decision to say goodbye to her.  

Saying goodbye is always hard. It’s especially hard when she’s your first dog and you’ve had her for 14 years. 

Patty’s friends knew how hard this was going to be on her and one of them reached out to me and purchased a gift certificate for a photo session for her. I contacted Patty and we scheduled the photo session for the next day.

When I am contacted about photographing a dog whose time is almost up, I will rearrange my schedule to make certain it happens. I know all too well how important these photos are.

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you know this feeling too.

I went to Babette’s house for the photo shoot. It was a beautiful, sunny March evening. The light that was cast upon her makes me think of heaven.

I suggested that we bring Babette’s bed outside so she could lay down. I wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. 

I spent about 30 minutes with her and her mom now has a beautiful album and all the matching digital images to remember her beloved Babette. 

Here’s another heartwarming part of this story: when two of her other friends learned about the photo shoot, they contributed funds to use towards her album. Having friends like these, in times like this definitely helps.

I’m a photographer so it’s no secret that I think photos are important but when you know goodbye is just around the corner and photos are all you will have left, they are invaluable. I am honored that I was able to give this photo album gift to Patty.

Please don’t judge my video skills but here’s the album.

If you have an elderly dog and you’d like to discuss have a photo session, please reach out.

I occasionally participate in a blog circle and this is one. At the end of each blog post is a link to another dog photographer. This week’s topic was “photographer’s choice” so there could be any type of topics and cute dog photos shared. Next up is Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography fetching pet and family portraits, as well as commercial and editorial animal photography in Coppell, Carrollton and the greater Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex. Be sure to click the link at the bottom of each post until you’ve made your way around the circle.