Just recently I’ve had news that three of the pets from the sessions I photographed last year have just passed away, two of which were on Boxing day!  It’s really sad news, but in most cases the dogs were in their later stages of life and had truly lived their lives to the fullest having been part of a caring and loving family.  Looking back on the photos and remembering the sessions it really makes me sad and brings a tear to my eye just thinking about the close relationship these lovely people had with their dogs.  I know I would be a complete mess if anything ever happened to my Peanut! However what makes it all worth while is the rewarding feedback I’ve received about how precious the images are to these families, now that they no longer have their special pet with them.

Wendy (pictured below with dog Cooper) wrote me this message: “Hello Erin, I would once again thank you for your wonderful photos of our dogs, Cooper, Nelly and Tammy. Sadly we had to put Cooper our German Shepherd down this Boxing Day 2011, he was very treasured to us.  Your photos will be a fantastic memory for us to keep forever. He will never be forgotten.  Thank you again.”

You might recall my post about Lauren and her Labrador, Bindii, who had lost a lot of her mobility due to arthritis in her old age, view the full post here.  Bindii was also put down on Boxing day at a grand old age of 17!  Lauren had put a lot of her time and effort into caring for Bindii in her old age and ensuring she still got the chance to live a happy and full life.  Lauren is really passionate about raising the awareness of caring for senior dogs. She believes that limited mobility doesn’t mean limited happiness in life and there’s no reason to cut their lives short if they aren’t in pain.  Lauren and Bindii’s relationship really did touch me and I am truly in awe of the commitment she made to caring for Bindii. Lauren can now take comfort in knowing she did all she possibly could to give Bindii the best life possible.

Lauren says: “I do feel an overwhelming comfort knowing that her beautiful portraits watch over me whilst I sleep – I have you to thank for that.  Another photo is being framed and placed on the cupboard behind where her bed sat.  Your work will provide a gorgeous reminder of Bindii to me and the rest of the family too.”

Trish, Lauren’s sister, provided these kind words: “The photos are a constant reminder of the special bond that Bindii and Lauren shared and we won’t ever stop looking at them. You really did capture Bindii’s personality and the relationship between Bindii and Lauren. Lauren will be forever grateful to you.”

Thanks Wendy, Lauren and Trish for your amazing comments and continual support.  I am very sad and sorry to hear about the passing of your pets. Our pets are part of the family too and I believe they should be remembered as such. Unfortunately they aren’t often with us for long enough but we can preserve their memories and value them in our hearts forever through their photos.