Coping with the loss of a pet through photography.

Coping with the loss of a pet through photography.

Celebrating the life, love and legacy of your pet.™

There are probably few things worse than knowing you are running out of time, especially when it involves someone that you love dearly. Sadly, we are often caught by surprise when we are told that our pet is seriously ill. In a moment, all that time we thought we had, suddenly disappears, and we realize that we need to preserve the memories of our relationship with that furry family member. Knowing just how important it is to remember and celebrate your relationship is the reason behind the Posh Pets Heritage™ Session.

When I first spoke with Olivia about her Bella, she told me that she was her 11 year old black labrador, that she had had her she had her since she was a puppy. These two had grown up together. She also shared that Bella had only just been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and that the prognosis was not good. Could I create a session that would celebrate their relationship?, she asked. Of course., I assured her.

We made arrangements quickly and Olivia chose the park where she and Bella regularly went for walks. We took our time since Bella did not have the energy she had once had. Although, the sight of a ball still brought a light to her eyes and she chased it once or twice. Treats were, of course, graciously accepted. So, we walked and talked, stopping here and there to photograph Bella in her element with Olivia.

Olivia wanted me to be sure to capture the white muzzle and beautiful eyes of her dear Bella in a portrait. The dried reeds provided a beautiful backdrop against her black coat.

black labrador portrait

Even though some would consider the weather less than ideal, we were able to capture absolutely gorgeous images!

formal black labrador dog portrait

We then went on to document some sweet portraits of Olivia and Bella together.

dog rolling on grass with girl

girl hugging black labrador dog

portrait of a chinese girl and black labrador

girl hugging dog

We even got in a few kisses! Olivia was Bella’s world (and vice versa), so this was no surprise.

black labrador giving a girl a kiss

Inky, Bella’s older brother, also came along so he could be photographed along with her. He may only have a few months on Bella, but he practically dwarfs her in size.

dog best friends

dog family portrait

I’ve said it before, but I will say it again: I am always amazed at how a dog will rise to the occasion. Despite the fact that the medication and her illness left her fatigued, Bella showed us that she could still chase a ball.

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dog carrying ball

And, she still had the ability provide the loveliest of expressions for a portrait.

black labrador sitting in a pile of leaves

We ended the session with a few more images of Bella and Olivia together on a forest path.

girl hugging dog in a forest

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The final portrait was of lovely Bella herself. In her park. The way Olivia wanted to remember her.

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A week later, I received the e-mail I dread to receive: Bella had said her final good-bye, surrounded by the family she loved. I had already edited Bella’s images and ordered her folio box as well as her wall art, and Olivia was understandably eager to receive them. While they will never replace having Bella at her side, the images from our session will ensure that the memory of Bella stays alive in her heart.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, please do not hesitate to contact me and arrange a Posh Pets Heritage™ Session.

 

Pampered Pooches – Part 3 | Toronto Dog Event Photography

Pampered Pooches – Part 3 | Toronto Dog Event Photography

This post is going to be HUGE. It is the third, and final, instalment of the Pampered Pooches festival and all of us at Posh Pets were thrilled to meet all of you! If you missed them, you can find Part 1 and Part 2 here.

With this many dogs, names are hard to remember. If you would like me to mention your dog’s name, please let me know in the comments below and I will update the post.

So, with without further ado, here are the rest of the cuties we met…

The sun came out in the afternoon and the dogs loved basking in the sun.

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So many soulful, sweet faces!

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A gorgeous greyhound!

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This little girl was eager to please.

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This duo were getting lots of attention wherever they went.

Rottweiler and Pittie in Toronto, Canada

Nothing like a little white dog!

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And a sweet poodle girl.

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A little terrier with bows in her hair.

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Everytime I look at this face, I smile. Samson, you are one cute pooch!

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A little scruff nut came to visit.

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As did a gorgeous malmute.

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A happy Boston!

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Tongues were out and smiles were big.

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What a cutie!

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A little more serious pose. I think he was worried that I might not hand the treat over 🙂

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Such soft, clean hair. Not easy when you are white!

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This little poodle had the most beautiful coloured coat.

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Another dachshund…

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Then the puppies came along…this frenchie was sooooo cute.

frenchie puppy portraits

A beagle with soulful eyes…

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A happy beagle boy!

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Such a mournful look. Don’t worry…there are more treats.

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Even in the chaos, you can still get a head tilt.

beautiful dog head tilt

This little guy was just happy to be here.

posh pets event photographer

Another frenchie puppy with the most awesome colouring…

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Busy figuring out what else was coming…

pampered pooches TO event

There were lots of Bostons that came out.

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Okay lady, take my picture.

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I tell really good jokes 🙂

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This fluffy GSD puppy named Dino came to visit us. Those little tufts of hair are just wonderful!

german shepherd dog in liberty village

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A sleepy customer…

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Puppy. What more can I say?

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And a wrinkled little brow. Just makes you want to cuddle them, doesn’t it?

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Someone looks like they just got groomed for the event! One regal looking schnauzer…

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A little shih tzu named Oreo who also looks like he had just gone to the salon…

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Well, this guy let me know what he thought of everything!

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Whew! I think I got everyone! Again, THANK YOU for coming out and helping to make Pampered Pooches a great success!

Adoptables – Toronto Animal Services | Pet Photographer in Toronto

Adoptables – Toronto Animal Services | Pet Photographer in Toronto

Brrrrrr! It was cold out there in Posh Pets‘ land yesterday. Add to that, the ice and snow everywhere and we had a recipe for wiggly butts (human and animal)! But, we had beautiful sunlight from the setting sun which lit up the small area where we photographed all of the available and up-and-coming adoptables this week. What a way to end our last session of 2013!

These beautiful guys and girls are all available from Toronto Animal Services – North Region and would love to meet you. The cat adoption room was hopping with people yesterday (always a good thing!), so we didn’t have an opportunity to photograph any of our precious felines this week. We’ll be back though…

See you all next year!

black labrador dog on snowblack chihuahua on snowblack and tan chihuahuasitting golden retrieverjack russell terrier smiling at cameracollie and shepherd mix sitting on snowblack and white shih tzu standing on snow