When we first bring home our furry friend, we are well aware of how limited our time together will be. We can forget for the most part, but we always know the time will come. Maybe when we're younger it seems like 10 or so years is a long time, but I've learned as I've gotten older, that 10 years or even 15 years, goes by so fast and it's never enough time. It seems a big part of getting older, is about experiencing loss and grief.
Our dogs change so much over time, but it's hard to notice the subtle differences in those middle years. But the changes are there. We might just miss them because the changes are so gradual. That is why I recommend taking lots and lots of photos of your dog and getting professional portraits done throughout his or her life. Those memories are so important. From the fun, crazy, naughty puppy stage, to the active 2-year-old, and then the perfect years. Those are the years of subtle changes. Maybe a little graying of the muzzle. Then the senior years, where you notice the slowing down and the softness in the eyes. It melts and hurts your heart all at the same time.
What is a Rainbow Session
I'm pretty sure everyone is familiar with the Rainbow Bridge. A rainbow session, sometimes referred to as an end-of-life session, is when a session is scheduled as a result of either a terminal diagnosis or limited time due to advanced age, and we capture those moments with one last portrait session. As difficult as it might be, these images can help in many ways. The grief period can be a rollercoaster. Some days you may wonder if you should have waited longer, but then looking at the images, you remember, that it was time. Other times you may just want the comfort of seeing those wise, soulful eyes again.
It's possible that your dog might still feel pretty good, and you'll want to remember that.
We can capture your special relationship with you fully in the image if you'd like, or we can make it more about your dog. Your session will be customized for you so that you have the beautiful memories you need.
What to expect when you schedule a Rainbow Session
We'll start with a consultation to determine what type of location is best for your dog. We have a few options, where we can park close to where we shoot to avoid any extra walking if mobility is a concern. We will also discuss what is important to you as far as what to capture, the health of your dog, and any specific needs. The most important thing will be ensuring the comfort of your dog. From there, I want to hear about your dog, what makes your dog special to you, and I want to know about your relationship, and how you've spent your time together. This will ensure that I capture the images that fill your heart, and maybe even help you heal.
Your dog will determine how the session unfolds. We may just find a patch of grass to relax in, and I'll move around to get different angles and images. If your dog is still pretty active, we can capture that. Either way, it may be hard, and there may even be tears, but a final portrait session is something you'll never regret doing.
With time being limited, we will schedule your session as soon as possible. My schedule always has spots available just for this reason, and if your schedule accommodates it, I can usually get you in within 3 days.
If you would like to discuss scheduling a Rainbow Session for your dog, please reach out to me through my contact form, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
This blog post is part of a pet photographer blog circle. To learn more about end-of-life sessions, continue through the blog circle, starting with MA and NH pet photographer Darlene Woodward of Pant the Town Photography shares a memory session experience and the joyful story that these photo sessions tell.
7 Comments
Jun 14, 2022, 4:26:21 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Tracy.
Jun 12, 2022, 4:09:11 PM
Tracy Allard - I love the image with the dog laying on her legs....heart melting. So many great points about time flying and not missing a minute!
Jun 10, 2022, 1:43:55 PM
Darlene - Beautiful images, Nicole. Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart and offering these sessions for pet families. Our dog's lives are way too short, and it goes by too quickly.
Jun 10, 2022, 12:45:37 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - They truly are.
Jun 10, 2022, 12:44:57 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - So true Angela. <3
Jun 10, 2022, 12:11:42 PM
Terri - These photos are so important. The memories they provide are irreplaceable
Jun 10, 2022, 11:53:30 AM
Angela Schneider - Thank you for calling grief a rollercoaster. It so is. And the rollercoaster doesn't go by days or weeks or even by hours. It goes by seconds and minutes. Just when you think you're having a good day ... BAM! ... here comes grief knocking on the door. Understanding that is an important facet to navigating a client's anticipatory grief during a session.