One of the new things I’m proud to offer this year is an Emergency Session. {I struggled with what to call it, and all of the words I came up with were equally or more sad than “Emergency”…. if anyone has a better idea, I’d love to hear it} These special sessions are for terminally ill pets. They’re offered at a reduced rate, and can be scheduled as soon as you need. Griffin was my first Emergency Session of the year, and he really gave me affirmation to why I’m doing this for my clients. For many people, pets mean the world to them, and the least I can do is give an opportunity to capture what makes them so special, especially in such a difficult time. If you know of anyone who has an elderly or ill pet, please tell them about this special session, or better yet – give them the gift of a session. It’s only $100, takes place in your home, and comes with a free 8×10 {or 8×12} print.
Our session was the day before he started his chemotherapy, and he was amazing. If I hadn’t known, I wouldn’t have guessed he was sick. He’s only 7, and unfortunately cancer is all too common among Bernese Mountain dogs. His little sister, Mika {who is actually much bigger than him!} got in on the session, and it was great to see their relationship together. They’re both just big snuggly sweethearts, and Mika treats everyone like her new best friend.
Isn’t he handsome?
This next shot is my absolute favorite from the whole session… pure joy!
Beautiful Sarah! It’s so hard to ‘label’ this kind of session, I agree. I think you’ve chosen well though.
Aww, that is such a generous idea. I especially LOVE the first one, so much emotion from one picture. What about calling it a remembrance session? Its still a little sad but I think it would explain the sessions purposes, to give your clients beautiful images to remember their loved ones :)
Really, Sarah, I just have to say.. You are exactly the type of pet photographer I hope to be. This is so incredibly thoughtful and really goes to the heart of what we should strive to do.
The label is a tough one. Rainbow session? It’s hard to really call it something that reminds the folks that it is an end-of-life kind of thing, but I guess the people going through it know already. If I think of anything, I’ll let you know.
These dogs are beeeeyooootiful! I hope Griffin is doing well. I guess chemo for dogs isn’t as bad as chemo for people, so hopefully it’s just reducing his symptoms and letting him have more joyful moments w/ his Mika.
:) :) :)
LOVE that last shot! Bernese are beautiful, beautiful dogs.
You are too good for doing this but man, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to hand these posts. So sad. What a gorgeous dog. My sympathies to his parents.
What a fantastic idea; I know that our cats are true members of the family and we adore and spoil them. When we adopt our dog, he/she will receive the same treatment.
These are gorgeous pics and my heart goes out to the family. It’s so painful to lose a pet, but I really believe that they’re hear to expand our lives and to teach us unconditional love and then they move on. All dogs go to heaven (cats too).
Kimberly
This is such a good idea, although so, so sad…losing a pet is so hard and I’m glad there are people like you who recognize the importance of the pet-owner relationship!
This is such an amazing gift to a family who’s dog is ill. I know how much I would treasure those type of pictures of our family dog Fred, who was put down due to a rare and incurable kidney infection. This is a beautiful gift.
Sarah, you have such a generous heart. I know they will cherish these beautiful images. Wishing Griffin the best in his treatments.
This is such a great, generous idea!
I like Rainbow Session for the reasons Stacey mentions. Dogs are so in the moment and just so happy to be doing and being whatever is going on right now… maybe something to reflect that dogs ARE already what so many of us struggle to achieve on a daily basis (I think most of us hope a little of that Dog In-the-Moment-ness will rub off on us if we keep on spending our time with the fur balls ;)).
Maybe if you had a dog that reminded you to be in the moment, or if there is a particular place near your house that really reminds you of this every day… something as hopeful, vibrant & at peace as the pups you are and will be photographing?
Hope that helps!
Oh! And I love the photo of them running through the snow! Dogs just rock. He has no interest or care that he is going in for chemo. I’m sure he just wanted to beat his sister :)
Dogs are the greatest :)
Sending happy, healing vibes to his family.
Griffy is a wonderful dog. He is smart, playful, beautiful, and very loving.
I know because……he is our GRANDDOG!
I’ve know Griffin for several years – he is a love dog if ever there was such a thing. He is also considerate enough to clean off the coffee table if you should leave cheese and crackers unguarded for a moment – always a fanatic for neatness! These pictures are absolutely lovely.
Griffy is a wonderful pet, family member, companion. (And he has a wonderful family, too.) Prayers for the best for Griffy, Mika and Lori through this challenge.
sarah, these are gorgeous.
I work at the grooming salon mom bathes these two at, they are both such good sweet dogs! I hope to see you three soon!
As beautiful as Griffy is, he hasn’t always been enthusiastic about getting his picture taken (Mika, on the other hand, never seems to mind). These photos are absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for capturing everything that’s wonderful about dogs–and everything that’s extraordinary about these two.
…that last shot is AMAZING!
Sarah, you did a beautiful job with the kids. They are the most wonderful and loving dogs. I am so blessed to be able to care for them and walk them for their mom. I broke my ankle and have not been able to see them for a while and this was a nice surprise to be able to see their photo’s.
You are wonderful and giving soul… this is great gift you share and create for families with furry children. Thank for sharing your kindness with the world:>
The name is perfect, excellent choice.
Sarah, you did an amazing job capturing the hearts of Griffin and Mika.
They are wonderful dogs. And, they sure are handsome!
I also love the one of the kitty Mooshu!
I am blessed to know Lori and her fur-kids.
Oh my! Love that last one, those are some happy dogs! I am so glad to have found your site.
such happiness. beautiful session, sarah.
These pictures do a great job capturing the spirit of a Berner. They are such fun, loving dogs. I dread the day that mine ages and gets to the point where something like this is necessary but as I know it will happen someday its great to know an option like this is out there.