A Bittersweet Burnaby Pet Photography Session

If you had been following me on FB, you would know the following story.
BB was my friend’s dog, scratch that; in my opinion if your life had been blessed by this type of loyal companion of 13years, it’s no longer just a DOG, it’s a family member. I received a call last weekend from an old friend’s sister, she was wondering if I could come over to her house…if I had the time. I causally ask what’s up, and then she said, “My dog…” then she started to choke in tears.

I suddenly realize that my friend had mention something about their old dog being sick. I was ask to take some photos of BB, a 13 year old dog who had suffer from kidney disease for about a month. The vet had just told Kelly that the treatment had no longer working. She was told to make a decision, if you love him as much as you think you do, you would want him to leave when he is still comfortable. I race over to her house, not just for taking photos, but I know how much she must be suffering. It’s a tormenting decision, do you want him to suffer more or do you want him to leave with dignity. Do you choose to help him fight on for weeks/months, or do you love him more so that you are willing to let go?

I grew up with pets, I had my fair share of bidding good bye to your childhood friends. Some of these relationships actually had last longer than me with people. During the session I talked and shared with Kelly what I had gone through with pets that had passed away. Some of them are sudden, some of them had a long and painful long haul before they succumb. It’s hard, you can see BB is calm, but he is really tired.

When I went home that night I was emotionally drain. I wish my first pet session was under better circumstances, but I am still glad that I got to be the one who photograph this beautiful angel, documenting the last few paw prints he marked in my friends’ life.

UPDATED:

BB had passed away yesterday, surrounded by his beloved owners. He closed his eyes and passed in the embrace of love, on a sunny morning in their backyard, his favorite spot on earth.

When I first saw this raw during editing, I started to cry. It’s peaceful, heavenly, eternal hope.