remembering killian
Laurie is awesome. She was one of my first pet studio clients, is one of my biggest fans, and a wonderful person. When she called me last week to get some shots of her and her Newfoundland, Killian, one last time, I of course said yes. Killian has been with Laurie for the past 12 years. She’s helped her through multiple moves, jobs and boyfriends. She was a companion, friend, so much more than a pet….. Laurie put it beautifully when said that Killi has been her “way of life.” It’s so true. When your dog is your family, you plan your day around her. You choose apartments to live in and restaurants to frequent that accommodate you both. She’s there when you get up in the morning, when you get home from work…..She becomes your way of life.
Killian had been having some health problems off and on over this past year, and just recently started to go downhill fast. Going outside one night, she collapsed. The emergency vet diagnosed her with severe hip dysplasia, arthritis and diabetes.
I photographed and sat with Laurie and Killi for a couple of hours right before her vet appointment to be put down. I got some great images of the two of them together, really feeling the love they have for each other. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and Killian got to lay out and see a few of her friends that morning. Laurie has always wanted bright blue skies for photos of Killian, and that day we had a perfect sky.
I sat down with Killi while Laurie brought her car around with another friend to help at the vet. The whole time she was gone, all Killi did was look for Laurie. She couldn’t get up, but she really wanted to go after her, to be with her person. We helped get Killi in the car, exchanged hugs and tears, and she was off to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
I cried more over Killian than I have over any of my own pets who have passed on. There’s just something about her giant, gentle soul that touches you. I still tear up going through these photos, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of her life.
Had to get one of the two of us together….
I went back through the archives and found some favorites from past sessions with Killian. These studio shots are back in 2008 when I was still figuring out what I was doing :)
This was our second shoot, on what seemed like the coldest day ever. I love how Killi would grab her leash to walk herself…
These are from last summer, on Killian’s “date” with her boyfriend, Archer. They totally loved each other.
Goodbye, sweet girl. I hope we will see you again some day.
Thank you to the wonderful people at Lake Harriet Veterinary for caring for Killian and helping Laurie through this difficult time.
19 comments
Chris - These stories are never easy. Having gone through this myself just a week ago, this one really got me. A sad time definitely, but great work! Its clear to see why Laurie was your biggest fan.April 8, 2010 – 6:54 am
Julie - These photos are beautiful!! They really capture killian’s personality and the love between her and her momma. She will no doubt be greatly missed by many! My heart goes out to Laurie and her family.Killian is in my heart foreverApril 2, 2010 – 11:44 pm
marissa nicole - my Chevy is still a baby at a mere 3 years old and around her birthday I said to her “what am I going to do without you?”. Just reading this post brought those thoughts in my head. how hard it must have been for all involved to know that was the last photos of K. what a beautiful gift you have given.April 2, 2010 – 8:52 pm
Deb H - I’ve gone back to this set of photos a dozen times this morning and a dozen times its made me cry.
I heard this when my precious poodle passed, and it seems fitting here: “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.” Killian will live forever in your memory and heart.April 1, 2010 – 1:27 pm
Shelly - I know this post all to well… it is the reason what you do is so important. We have such a limited time with our dogs and they leave a huge paw print on our lives. You did an incredible job with this work! It breaks my heart into tiny pieces reading this post but the memories you created will live forever. Awesome work.April 1, 2010 – 11:11 am
Meredith Perdue - Thank you for sharing this, Sarah. Your photos, your words, everything was perfect.April 1, 2010 – 7:42 am
Laurie L. - My friend shared the link to your web site with me. Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures and story. Our family also had to say goodbye to our beloved Newfoundland Lou on December 18th. It was extremely difficult. We miss him terribly. I just loved looking at pictures of Killian!March 31, 2010 – 9:02 pm
alexa - What a fantastic tribute. Lovely, meaningful images. She’s lucky you’re her friend!March 31, 2010 – 9:01 pm
Laura C - The combination of Sara’s talent and Laurie’s affection for Killi makes this such a touching memorial. It is awesome that you both made this happen. What a beautiful presence Killian had. She and Laurie were obviously meant to spend these 12 years together. Laurie, perhaps you can take comfort in the thought of being with her again, in some other way and in some other time. Your souls are forever united, in life and in death. Until then, these beautiful photographs, along with your memories, can help keep her close to your heart. My prayers are with you, Laurie.March 31, 2010 – 8:38 pm
Shauna (Fido & Wino) - Oh my god, I’m totally crying. Hugs to you all. I know Killian will be very well taken care of up there.March 31, 2010 – 8:03 pm
Mel Freer - I cannot think of a more beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog. Your story brought tears to my eyes. You did a wonderful job capturing Killian’s beauty. I’ve never met her, but just from the way you described her I wish I had. Thanks for sharing her and her mom’s story and her photos.March 31, 2010 – 6:25 pm
stacey - alright, i’m crying! so sweet. i’m glad killian had such a great life with a mama who cared so much for her. lovely images, sarah!!!March 31, 2010 – 6:19 pm
Jennifer Dolan - Sara,
Thank you so much for making such a beautiful tribute to my 4-legged niece. I was able to drive from Sioux Falls to be with Killi and Laurie in Killi’s final hours, and, as painful as it was to put my own furry friends to sleep there was something even more heart-wrenching with Killi’s situation. Maybe it was because I knew that as long as Laurie had Killian she would never be alone. Or maybe that in her final moments, Killi did not want to leave her girl for fear that nobody would take as good a care as she did.
The world lost one of its best last week, but she was not alone and she was well-loved as she was crossing over the rainbow bridge. Sara, you did a beautiful job capturing some of Laurie and Killi’s happiest moments.
And Killi, you did a beautiful job of bringing happiness to so many people that you met while you were on this earth. I love you and miss you, and take care of my furry kiddos until we see each other again some day. I love you, Auntie JennMarch 31, 2010 – 4:56 pm
Erin - You capture the bond between people and their pets, in photos and words, so beautifully. Thinking of Laurie and Killian!March 31, 2010 – 4:41 pm
Laurie D - Sarah, you are amazing. Words cannot express my appreciation for your work. The photos from her last day bring her spirit to life. Thank you so much.March 31, 2010 – 4:33 pm
Aymi - Sarah Beth- my sister Barb RAVES about your photography and shares it often. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with Laurie and Killian.March 31, 2010 – 4:30 pm
debbie - I’m bawling too – not in small part to the fact that I see a lot of my Belle in beautiful Killi. Twelve years is a long time with a newf – but still not long enough.March 31, 2010 – 4:18 pm
NIcki - I’m bawling. Those are beautiful. Looks like she had a fabulous life.March 31, 2010 – 3:54 pm
Tish - There are no words to say but what an awesome post. What a great dog and wonderful owner. Going home to hug my little ones tonight.March 31, 2010 – 3:54 pm