Norman was a frail, frosty-faced gentleman who stumbled when he walked and took tiny treats gently with delight. On a Saturday a few weeks ago, I spent the morning with Norman and his foster mom, enjoying the beautiful weather as we sat near the river. I had met them through a post his foster mom placed on the Facebook neighborhood chat. She said her elderly dog loved people and that she would be at the park on a specific day. She invited the community to come down and say hello to Norman, who was a dog on hospice. I couldn't make the requested doggie meet-up, but when I saw them walking, I stopped to offer her a photo session for her beloved companion.
We selected the beach by the river to take his pictures, to give him a last look at the water and to let him enjoy the breeze on his muzzle one more time, as he watched the boats speed by. This was Norman’s “end of life” photo session. Seven years ago, Norman was a shelter dog with a diagnosis of stomach cancer. His foster mom took him home with the expectation that he probably would not live more than a few months. Norman had fooled everyone. He not only survived outside of the shelter, he thrived, living another seven years! He went through a surgery to remove a tumor on his chest last year, and I could see that there were other lumps on his torso. On that beautiful Saturday morning, while he enjoyed the river beach outing, I could see that this old-man dog was tired. He was ready. Norman dozed in the shade and squinted in the sun, barely keeping his eyes open. And yet, as tired as his old body was, he still sported somewhat of a doggy smile. For in that moment, all was right in his world.
I had only just met Norman and his mom, but it was evident that each had brought joy into the other’s world. I could tell that each had been the blessing that the other had needed to get through life’s rough spots. And now, it was time to say goodbye.
These kinds of photo sessions are full of emotion. Sometimes dog parents are overly anxious about capturing "just the right shot," painfully aware that this is the last time to record these memories. Sometimes, no matter how many images are captured, none make the pet parents satisfied. That's because photographing dogs at the very end can limit the creative inspiration of a pet parent who may desire a posing idea they saw on social media. I suggest gentle and natural compositions that do not challenge the limited energy levels, stiff joints and other issues of an elderly animal near its end.
Norman's final photo shoot was exactly that - gentle and natural interactions with his mom and exploring the beach area, enjoying the warm sun and the cool breeze. They were both living in the moment and loving it.
The most beautiful gift dogs can give us is to love us unconditionally. The best we can give to them is to love them enough to help them find peace at the end, even though it breaks the heart. On that Saturday I captured the images that would help to comfort in a time of loss. I created a lasting visual memory of Norman for those that loved him. Even though I just met him, that old gentleman secured a place in my heart, too.
