Memorial Pet Sessions

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve had them, saying goodbye is never easy, and there isn’t any amount of time with them that’s ever long enough. This I know to be true.

Oof. These are hard. I know they can’t stay forever, but it’s still never easy to let them go. The number of end-of-life/memorial sessions I’ve done this past year, and had inquiries for, breaks my heart. Especially as a mom to a 16-year old geriatric pooch, knowing that my time left with her is limited purely based on her age. It’s given me a greater appreciation for every second I get with Emmie Lou. So much so that I’ll stop what I’m doing at home, SO many times during the day, to go in and peek under the covers to say hi & give some love. She spends most of her days lately under the covers in my bed, and is extremely annoyed when I do this to her but I need her to know how loved she is. It’s quite morbid, but I’ve been dreading the second she goes from the moment I picked her puppy body up in my arms and instantly fell in love. I have a hard time with goodbyes in general, but when it’s someone I love so deeply, it’s hard for me not to think of them being gone. It’s just how I’m wired. But I think that makes me appreciate deeper, and take things less for granted.

Watching these dog parents love on their dogs, often times on their pet’s last day on Earth, never gets easy. Especially as a highly sensitive person that feels everything deeeeeeply. But I truly appreciate the fact that I’m able to give these moments to fellow dog parents. My hope is that the photos will comfort you after they’re gone, helping to heal the giant hole they leave behind. I’ll love on your fur baby hard, I’ll hug you tight when I leave, and check in on you afterward. Your pets will squeeze their way into my heart, just like yours, and I’ll tell their story of love and joy. They were here. They were loved. They are your family. They will always be remembered. They make our lives better just by existing. Telling their story through photos is the best way to honor them.

Newborn Baby Boy & Golden Retriever Brother in the West Loop [Chicago, IL]

If you’re new here and not aware of my slight (!) obsession with dogs, and dogs + babies together, you’re in for a treat here! This sweet family’s session was in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago and included all the wonderful things that make this photographer’s dream come true. An adorable new baby boy, a sweeeeeeet big fur Golden Retriever brother, loving parents, a Chicago city view and a beautiful nursery. Definitely not saying anyone has to have all of these things in their photos in order for them to be great. Not at all. It’s truly about connection and relationships for me, but add in all of those other things and you’ll make my photographer heart beat real fast!

This little guy is already walking and that just shows how behind I’ve been with blogging! I’m going to try to be better now that I’m entering hibernation mode. For now, enjoy this beautiful session!

Portage Park Lifestyle Couples Session With The Most Adorable Dog [Chicago, IL]

I’m going to preface this blog post with a warning that this may make you want to adopt a rescue pup.

Lifestyle session with a cute couple and their adorable dog? Yes, please! I met Mindy and Alex at their lovely home in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago for a fall session recently. We took some photos on their front porch with their Mr. Personality (Elliot!) and then headed to the back yard where Elliot ran and ran and ran in the leaves, playing games with his humans. He LOVES playing with Alex and he never leaves Mindy’s side. I think they’re all so lucky to have one another, especially this year. After playing outside, we went inside for some beers and doggy snugs for a few minutes. Elliot enjoyed his perch on the couch while his mom and dad enjoyed their beers. I love sessions like these sooooooo very much!

After their session, we all had a beer outside, in masks, on the most perfect fall evening in Chicago. Here’s to clients that turn friends, good beer and 70 degree fall evenings.

Mr. Elliot now has a furever spot in my heart and I love him so much. This may happen to you also. While we can’t have him, there are so many other pups searching for their forever homes. Adopt a rescue. If you need a Chicago recommendation, Alive is wonderful!