It sounds weird to say this, but this was the most fun Joy Session I’ve ever had! Nine year old Pit Bull, Ronin, was so happy and full of joy; you could just feel the love and incredible bond between him and his dad, Jim. There’s a book called Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, by Jon Katz, where he talks about giving your pets one last, perfect day. Take off work, do all the things they love most, and create some great memories. I learned about the book a few weeks after our session, and found it very timely, as this is exactly what Jim had done for Ronin. We started at his parent’s house and threw some sticks in the yard, then hopped in the car. One of Ronin’s absolute favorite things was Chicken McNuggets from McDonalds, so we took him through the drive-through for a couple boxes. He got to enjoy a few on the way to the lake, where we spent a good half hour throwing his ball into the water, Ronin swimming out for it, bringing it back, repeat. You’d never guess that crazy, energetic boy had cancer. Our session was definitely unique, filled with lots of smiles and laughter, and everything we did was special and meaningful for these two best friends. There were some sad moments, as there always are, but this session was overall an amazing, happy experience.
Some Joy Sessions are truly last-minute, capturing beautiful moments with you and your pet shortly before you say goodbye, but it’s so wonderful when people are blessed with the time to arrange something like this, to give their pets – while they’re still feeling good – a perfect day.
This may be the best joy session, indeed. What a great… Captured on film. Nice work. Love the drive thru picture the best.
oh gosh, this just about brought a tear to my eyes – he looks so happy and full of life! lovely idea to give them a last perfect day i hope when the time comes for mine i can give them the same
These are beautiful! What an amazing dog, and an amazing day. And I love the unforeseen irony of the McDonald’s photo. These definitely brought tears to my eyes.
That’s what we did for our Molly girl, who we said goodbye to in October. Took the day off, went for a walk in the park, ate ice cubes and yogurt and a McDouble, ride with head out the window, pets and snuggles. It was a bittersweet day but the best possible way to go out. I highly encourage everyone to do the same.
I love all these pictures and your narration along with them always brings on the tears. Beautiful work.
wow.. amazing photos
if that doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, I don’t know what will
You were so loved Ronin!!!
This is a happy session. I’m so glad they were able to have such a great day documented!
Beautiful! your photos and words have me crying…what a special gift to give to this family
Crying like a baby. Beautiful work, Sarah!
What a beautiful idea!!!! Something worth remembering down the road, hopefully not for quite a while…and in the meantime, something to pass on to other dog folks.
Amazes me how many pups want McDonald’s! Out of all the dogs and rescue fosters I’ve had, it’s only worked out like this- where there was a happy day to do things in advance- once. And McDonald’s featured heavily!
Agreed, the drive-thru picture is fabulous! 9 yrs old :(
Great pictures, Great idea….only would have chosen the Big Mac ronin!
oh man this one really tugged at my heart strings as i have an 8 yr old pitbull who LOVES all the joys that ronin did. the ball shots looks so familiar :) loving every minute i have with him and hoping for many more years to come. what a beautiful photo shoot and what a magnificent breed.
I’ll never forget how Ronin used to get into my bedroom up north and jump on me to wake me up in the morning.He really liked that.
I was glad to be part of his life.It was way to short.He was fun to be around and I really miss him.
Oh man, i just found you and i’m already hooked.. this post really got me in the gut. I love my doggies so much i’m dreading the day when they leave me. i try to take photos of them as often as possible and love on them all the time. they truly are part of our family. love your work. xxxx
You’re doing such an amazing job on this project!
Even if it’s a painful moment you’re making it joyful and bright…I must admit I broke down in tears many times in just a few pictures, but I realize that you took the best from every moment letting go of the huge sadness!
Great job, thanks!!!
Claudia
(Italy)