A number of people have asked me what actually happens at and end of life dog photography session, how does the session work and what is expected of them and their dog.

I’ve written more than one  post about senior or end of life dog photography sessions, and why you need them, why I do them, how they can benefit you in your time of grief.  Here’s another one to read. But I realized I’ve never discussed how one of these sessions works.

When we are able to plan, when we know when our dog’s last day will be, we often give them one final amazing day - a drive to their favourite place, a steak dinner, or simply cuddles on the couch, before we help them have a loving and dignified end. But as a memory for ourselves and to honour what their life has meant we can often plan for an end of life photo session.

Here’s what to expect at a senior or end of life dog photography session

• I will make every effort to find a day and time on my calendar for a last minute session if that is what is required.

• Sessions last up to an hour, depending on the ability and physical condition of your dog.

• Sessions may take place at your home or if the dog is able and you prefer, we can meet at an outdoor location. This is usually your dog’s favourite hangout or park, but can be at any location of your choosing.

• The sessions are what you want them to be. Is it about a leisurely walk with your dog, but you happen to have a photographer with you to capture those sweet moments? Then that’s what we will do! On the walk, we’ll stop at spots for you to sit with your dog and embrace or connect. We will get photos of him or her enjoying the sights and smells. Some dogs are even still able to enjoy a run and if that’s the case we will photograph that too, a time to remember your dog in action!

• Is it about a sitting around at home and capturing some loving embraces and special details that will always remind you of your dog? Is there a special spot that your dog loves to be scratched? We will capture the look on his or her face when you find that spot. Does your dog love cuddling? We will capture that. Does he or she have a special place that they love to sit? Maybe looking out the window? Or a certain place on the couch? Then we will capture that!

• We take things slowly and at the dog’s pace. We don't ask your pet to do anything that might cause stress or discomfort.

Let me know what you hope for and I will accommodate you as best I can. But whatever the case, it is always about capturing your special bond.

If you have recently lost a pet or have a pet that is nearing the end of his her her life, I hope that this post will help you to cope and provide some comfort in your time of loss.

As a last word, let me remind you that you will never regret having a senior or golden dog photography session, but you will regret waiting too long and losing the opportunity to do so. 

I offer End of Life or Senior dog photography sessions that I call “Golden Sessions”, in the Greater Toronto area, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Brampton, Mississauga and beyond. I’m always available for a complimentary consultation so click the button below to connect with me!

I know that most pet photographers will do their best to fit in someone with a terminally ill pet for a last minute photo session. I’m interested in learning more about their end of life sessions. Let’s start by checking in with Jessica Wasik with Bark & Gold Photography, revealing the three gifts an end-of-life session offers as your pet prepares to cross the Rainbow Bridge.  Then click on the link at the bottom of her post for more on end of life sessions from pet photographers around the world.