rainbow bridge session

Why I no longer share Rainbow Bridge Sessions on social media

As a dog photographer, I spend a lot of time in photography communities and social media groups. One question I see often is, “How do I get more people to like my posts?”

When I really sit with that question, I feel grateful that my work has never been about numbers or visibility. While I appreciate engagement and true connection with the people who book me, it has never been the reason I photograph dogs, especially during life’s most tender moments.

My work exists for the people who have been lucky enough to love a dog who changed the way they see the world. A dog who helped them slow down, a dog who taught them to find joy in the small, everyday moments, a dog who brought comfort, laughter, and unconditional love through every season of life.

Dog photography, especially senior dog photography and end-of-life pet photography, is about preserving feeling. The love, the adventures, the quiet routines, and the silly habits that still bring a smile long after goodbye. These photographs become reminders of a bond that never truly disappears.

Because of this, I have made an important decision: Rainbow Bridge Sessions will no longer be shared on social media.

A Gentle Shift in How I Share Rainbow Bridge Sessions

Rainbow Bridge Sessions take place during deeply emotional and vulnerable times. These sessions are created with patience, compassion, and respect, and they are meant to belong to the families who are navigating the loss of a beloved dog.

While permission may have been given in the past, I want to sincerely apologize if your Rainbow Bridge pet photography session was ever shared publicly. It was never my intention to reopen wounds or cause pain. With time and reflection, I’ve realized that even well-intended sharing can feel different once grief has settled in.

I also never want to grow my social media following through images that are so deeply personal and meaningful to someone experiencing pet loss. These photographs are not content, they hold memories along with so much love and at the same time they are goodbyes.

What This Means Moving Forward

Going forward, all Rainbow Bridge and end-of-life dog photography sessions will remain private. They will continue to be offered with the same care, gentleness, and intention but the images will live where they belong: with the people who loved their dog wholeheartedly.

Thank you to every family who has trusted me with something so personal. It is an honor to document these moments, and one I will always hold with deep respect.

Knowing when it’s time to let go of your dog and finding peace after

Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest things we face as pet owners. They give us unconditional love for years, and when the time comes to make decisions about their comfort and dignity, it can feel overwhelming.

How to know it's time

Dogs are experts at hiding pain. But as they age, there are signs to watch for:

  • They stop enjoying the things they once loved

  • Pain or illness becomes hard to manage

  • They struggle with basic tasks like eating or walking

  • Good days become fewer and farther between

If you’re constantly wondering whether they’re still happy, that may be the sign you’re looking for. Euthanasia isn’t giving up; it’s giving peace when life becomes more struggle than joy.

Why you might feel relieved

After saying goodbye, some people feel a quiet relief. No more medication routines. No more watching them suffer. That relief can feel wrong, but it’s not. You were carrying a heavy emotional load. Feeling lighter is part of the healing. It doesn’t mean you didn’t love them. It means you cared deeply.

Grieve without shame

You gave your dog a good life and a loving goodbye. Let yourself grieve in whatever way feels right. Talk about them, remember them, and be kind to yourself. The love you shared is still there. It always will be.

Woman with senior dog in a field for a rainbow bridge session.
Rainbow Bridge Session with a senior dog and his parents.

Book one last photoshoot: I call this one the rainbow bridge session

Before you say goodbye, consider giving yourself one last gift: a photoshoot with your dog. It’s a way to honor their life, capture the bond you share, and create a beautiful memory to hold onto. Even if your dog is older or sick, those final images often become the most meaningful.

Because I know how difficult it is to make this decision, I offer gentle, in-home or outdoor sessions just for this stage of life.

Book a Rainbow Bridge Session

Pudge + Puka

With the news of Pudge having a very aggressive form of cancer, Tori got in touch and we scheduled a Rainbow Bridge Session four days out. Meeting Pudge, he certainly was not ready to cross that bridge and the good news was that a leg amputation was an option to keep him around for a few more years. He was still spunky and so ready to be the center of attention :D as well as his brother Puka, who is a handsome, funny block head <3.

Small gallery of family pics below.