Honoring Senior and End-of-Life Pets with Love, Baxter
Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest journeys we face as pet parents.
Our dogs leave such a big imprint on our lives in such a short time. That’s why I call my end-of-life pet photography Celebration Sessions—because even in those tender final chapters, there’s so much love, joy, and story to honor.
How to Honor Your Senior Dog’s Story
Recently, I became part of Love, Baxter, a new platform dedicated to supporting families through the senior and end-of-life stage with their pets. Love, Baxter is the world’s largest resource for pet end-of-life support, connecting families with compassionate professionals who understand how meaningful this season is.
Through the platform, families can find:
In-home euthanasia services
Pet death doulas who walk with you through the journey
Cremation support and guidance
Planning and Legal services
Grief Support anticipatory and post-loss
Memorial Store with keepsakes to hold close
End-of-life pet photographers (like me), who help you capture your pet’s story in images and artwork
What makes Love, Baxter so meaningful is the safe space it creates—giving families the courage to start conversations about what lies ahead, and the freedom to decide how they want their pet’s story to be honored.
Why End of Life Portrait Sessions Matter
As a dog photographer here on the Crystal Coast, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to pause and create lasting artwork of your dog in their golden years. These sessions are not about sadness—they’re about celebrating the bond you share, the quirks you love, and the little everyday details you never want to forget. Whether it’s the way your senior pup tilts their head, the softness of their graying muzzle, or the joy of one more walk along the beach, those memories deserve to be preserved.
One thing I hear often from grieving pet parents is that they wish someone had encouraged them sooner. So many tell me: “I wish I had scheduled that family portrait while my dog was still okay—still snuggling, still greeting me at the door, still being themselves.”
As your dog enters their final chapter—maybe slowing down, but still lighting up at the things they love most—there’s incredible beauty in capturing those moments. Having artwork created now means you’ll forever hold onto images that honor their true spirit, instead of wishing later that you had preserved those everyday joys while they were still by your side.
Love, Baxter’s mission aligns beautifully with mine: helping pet parents feel less alone in this season, and reminding them that honoring a pet’s life through photography is a way of saying thank you for a lifetime of loyalty.
~Retired Marine K9,
Cri, a week and a
half before his
family had to
say goodbye.🖤
If you’re walking through this tender season with your own beloved companion, I’d love to talk with you about a Celebration Session. Together, we’ll create timeless artwork that reflects the story you and your dog have written together.
Every dog’s story deserves to be remembered, and every family deserves to hold onto those moments.
If you or someone you know is walking through the bittersweet season of loving a senior or terminally ill pet, you’re not alone. Visit their Pet Memories resources page for gentle guidance and ideas to honor their story.
And please—share this post. Spreading the word about Love, Baxter and Celebration Sessions may help another pet parent capture priceless memories before it’s too late.