Some dogs leave a mark so deep on our hearts that no amount of time could ever fade it.
Bo was one of those dogs.
When I arrived at Beth and Doug’s home for their rainbow bridge pet photography session, I knew how much this meant to them. Bo had cancer.
After Bo's diagnosis, while his parents were digesting the news and determining the best course of treatment, their dear friend reached out to me - making sure they had the opportunity to capture these moments with Bo. It was something she knew they would cherish forever.
Bo was an incredible boy. He wasn’t just their dog; he was family. Their best friend. Their confidant. For Doug, Bo was his “soul dog,” the kind of companion that comes into your life once and changes it FOREVER. It was clear from the very first moments of the session that their bond was something truly special.
The Beauty of BEING AT HOME FOR RAINBOW BRIDGE PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Traveling for Bo’s session was an easy decision. I often do professional pet photography sessions in-home for dogs who are aging, sick, or simply more comfortable in their own space. Not all dogs travel well, and when time is limited, I want to make the process as easy as possible. For Beth and Doug, home was where Bo belonged, and it was the perfect place to document their love for him. If you have a dog who might not handle travel well, know that a session at home can be just as—if not more—meaningful.
It’s Okay to Be Emotional
Throughout our time together, emotions ran high. Beth and Doug were overcome with love and grief all at once. And that’s okay. In fact, I expect it. I often see pet parents get overrun with emotions when the stakes aren't nearly as high. It's a natural response to the experience and it's nothing to be nervous about. These sessions are not just about creating beautiful images; they are about honoring a relationship that has shaped your life. There is no need to hold back tears or pretend this isn’t emotional—because it is. And that only makes these images even more powerful.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Bo’s session is a reminder of something I hear so often—“I wish we had done this sooner.” So many pet parents don’t realize how much they need these images until their dog is older, sick, or nearing the end of their journey. Just imagine having photos of your dog when they were young and vibrant, full of life and personality. Imagine being able to look back on those memories without regret. If you have a best friend who means the world to you, don’t wait. Make it a priority to capture their spirit now.
A Friend Who Knows What You Need
Beth and Doug’s friend knew just how much these images would mean to them. She championed the process, making sure they didn’t miss the chance to document their love for Bo.
Do you have a friend with a dog who is their whole world? Someone who you know would cherish these memories? Maybe they just need a little nudge to make it happen.
Bo has since crossed the rainbow bridge, but the love he shared with Beth and Doug lives on in the images we captured that day. When I look back on their rainbow bridge pet photography session, I see a dog who was adored beyond measure and parents who gave him the best life possible. And now, even though he is no longer physically by their side, they have something to hold onto—something that will always remind them of the incredible life they shared.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a professional pet photography session but have been putting it off, consider this your sign. Our dog's time with us is never long enough, but the memories we create can last a lifetime.
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