One photographer who specializes in photographing one last, emotional photo shoot between elderly pets and their owners shared these tear-jerking photos.
Lauren Smith-Kennedy, 28, who lives in Portland, Maine, takes poignant black-and-white photos of owners enjoying cherished time with their beloved pets as the animals approach the end of their lives.
Pet photographer says that the photographs will provide comfort for owners after the pets are gone.
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Powerful: Pet photographer Lauren Smith-Kennedy, 28, who lives in Portland, Maine, captures animals and their owners when the pets are nearing the end of their lives – pictured: Jill and Amy Barkley-Roy hug Winston the 12 year old golden retriever
Just before you go: Opie the dog struggles with ill health as his owner comforts him
They express grief differently through two siblings: Two brothers hug CC their 11-year-old border collie. The girl recalls childhood memories while the boy weeps.
Smith-Kennedy says: ‘It really is a truly heartbreaking time for any family on their own journey of grief.
“It’s that deep feeling of heartbreak when the animal has left you. Any pet owner can understand that.
Although she says that she has trouble containing her emotions as she looks back at the photographs, she manages to keep it in check while taking the pictures.
“When I’m there I’m doing what I have to do and if my feelings get in the way of giving my family the gift that is remembrance, it will take away the gift.”
“But, when I drive home, and then when I look at the photos while driving, those are when my emotions get in touch with me.”
Discussing some of the hardest photoshoots she’s done, she says watching two young children saying goodbye to their 11-year-old border collie, CC, was difficult.
This photo depicts the siblings crouching around their pet after being asked to do so. Each one expresses this love in a different way.
Smith-Kennedy says she is moved by black-and-white photos that show elderly pets in their homes. Pictured: Odie the 11-year-old black lab sits in the middle of Albuja family for a final goodbye
She says that she is able to feel emotions while shooting, but it can also cause her to cry when looking at the photos. Pictured: owner Kat Cavalry sits beside Indi the Irish wolfhound
Smith-Kennedey says that remembrance photographs can bring you comfort. Pictured: Tim, Brian, and Malibu (11 years old) rest between them.
He is so moved that he wants to hold his pet and his mother sympathizes with him.
The same photo shows a little girl sharing a memory with her dog. This prompts her grandparents to smile and look down in love.
A photographer who lives in the same house as him. Brendan, her 30-year-old boyfriend, and Percy, Percy’s four-year old cat, said that the photos’really demonstrate the different dynamics of people dealing with grief.
“I don’t tell my dogs how they should feel. I encourage them to have fun with their dog, and that creates fond memories which lead to a different feeling.
Photographer: The emotion is honest Pictured: Ron & Phyllis cuddle Winston, their golden retriever 12 years old.
Winston (12 years old) enjoys the affection of his owners. Right: Lisa Rose-Ewing, owner of Abigail (her 15-year-old golden retriever), holds hands.
Laurie Garrity washes Lola the 14-year-old golden retriever as part of her family’s pets.
“I asked them about their pets and that is what makes the emotions in these images so genuine. It would make me crazy if they were to look at my photographs from another perspective.
Smith-Kennedy works also as a wildlife rehabilitation worker and began volunteering to be a end-of life pet photographer after her cat Tilly died unexpectedly.
The work was a way for her to deal with her grief, and it also allowed her to be able help other people.
She says, “It all has grown so fast, and it has been a privilege witness, and I hope that we all can help as many families as we possibly can,”
Hello, little lady! Owner Andrea Lynn poses Maggie, a 12-year-old Chihuahua, in a loving pose
Lisa and Brett Ewing hold Abigail, their golden retriever 15 years old. Right: Zoe, the owner rests her head on Lola’s 8-year old chocolate labrador.
“I’ve been overwhelmed with inquiries, and some even offered to fly me, but because of my animal rescue work, I’m unable to do so every day.
“It was Tilly who inspired me to do this. It allows me to grieve and also honor all the wonderful animals. It’s been very therapeutic.
Lauren is not only a photographer whose main interest is dogs but she has been requested to capture the final moments for other animals, including pet rats.
Misty Lee Coolidge (emotional owner) is seen cuddling Bruno, her labrador of 13 years.
Carolyn Kendrick, Alex Steed, and Vera were the owners of Vera, a 12-year old pitbull/boxer mix.
Sweetie, see you again: Sweetie, a 14-year old dog named Sweetie, enjoys cuddling with her owner
Not just dogs: Kennedy says she’s started to snap other animals with their owners, including Sophia Cuff, seen here kissing Velma the rat
She hopes to be able to take photos of many species in the future, so that people can see how closely they have become one another.
She stated that Velma was a very special rat and didn’t have a long life expectancy. However, her loved ones were very fond of Velma.
“Lots and lots of people don’t think that rats are as much of a love as cats or dogs, but the important thing is the bond we make and the memories we share.
“In the future, I would like to see representations of more species because there is a bond that exists regardless of the animal.