How End-of-Life Pet Photography Can Bring Comfort & Healing

Last summer I spoke with Candace shortly after a devastating diagnosis for her dog Peanut. Lymphoma had returned after months of remission.

“The best dog of my life”

That’s how she described Peanut to me. Peanut & Candace had been together for 10 years and never spent more than 48 hours apart since she adopted him from the shelter. She didn’t know if she she could handle an end-of-life session; it felt too sad, too final. But after some thought, she realized she didn’t want to miss the chance to honor the love they shared while Peanut was still here.

We met on a late summer afternoon for Peanut’s memorial session.

You’d have never known Peanut was sick when you met him. Despite his swollen lymph nodes and side effects from the medications keeping him comfortable, Peanut was playful and outgoing. He spent much of our session trying to break into my camera bag to steal the coveted squeaky pink piggie.

The session was simple and quiet. We met in a beautiful quiet park with beautiful light. There were no grand poses — just real moments of connection. Peanut played and snuggled and ate his favorite treats. Candace spent the warm afternoon just focused on being with Peanut. It was a gentle reminder of a lifetime of love.

After Peanut passed, Candace told me how much those photos meant to her. She hadn’t expected the comfort they would bring, but now, she looks at them and smiles, grateful that she took the time to create something lasting. It wasn’t just a picture—it was a reminder that the bond they shared would never fade.

These photographs became a part of her healing process.

Albums give you something to hold onto—a beautiful reminder of the life they lived and the love they gave. They are so much more than just a book of photos; it’s a reminder of the joy, laughter, and countless moments of unconditional love. The images from a memorial session aren’t just for you now—they are a gift for future you to look back on for years to come. They can be a source of comfort, knowing you did everything you could to celebrate their life.