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Legacy Sessions

Sunday, July 25, 2021 | By: Valerie Buller / Rough Coat Photography

Lena

Teddy

Dakota

This is not an easy topic - but saying goodbye to a beloved furry family member is something we all have to face one day.  We just hope that day is far, far, far in the future.

For pet owners who see their faithful friend is failing, there is something I call a Legacy Session - a special session reserved for terminally ill pets or pets who have little time left with their owner. 

I've been wanting to create these for awhile but kept putting it off.  Then recently, within two days these three beautiful dogs pictured above were gone, leaving behind their heartbroken owners. The shock of it provided the impetus I needed to sit down and think about Legacy Sessions, and what I wanted them to look like.

Photos above: (l-r) Lena, Teddy, Dakota

 

A Final Goodbye

I've done these sessions before - when as stricken owner calls, having received the worst news, and wants a final document of the bond they have with a failing pet.  Such was the case with Beth and her mare, Sis, pictured above.  Once our darling pets are no longer with us, its images like this that will warm the heart.  Yes, the sessions can be terribly sad, but the photos are not.  They will capture the love between you and all the little details that make your horse or dog unique. 

For my own dear Tinsel-pot who I lost 2 years ago it was important for me to have photos of all the things that made her so special to me.  Her bright expression, how her left ear had a tiny flip at the end, her whiskery eyebrows, her paddle-like feet, how her knees knocked together - little details that made her HER. 

She was so precious to me and perfect in every way, I would be lost without images to remember her by. 

pictured below: Annalisa and her four legged family member, Laurelai.  In the summer of 2020 Annalisa wanted all her dogs in her fall wedding photos but was worried about Laurelai's health.  We did a session for just the two of them and her gallery still brings tears to my eyes.  Tragically, Laurelai passed a few weeks before the wedding but Annalisa has these precious images in memory of her darling girl.

Legacy Sessions - the Details

  • A 60 minute session with a 30 minute option if your horse or dog is not strong enough for a full session.  30 minute sessions are limited to 2 subjects.

  • Legacy Sessions receive high priority booking

  • Photos will be full of detail, color and most of all, love   

  • For dog sessions the location will be one that I select for its seclusion and privacy, or it can be done in your backyard, front porch etc.  Horse sessions are almost always done at their barn.

Contact me for scheduling and pricing details. 

If time is of the essence please familiarize yourself with how my sessions work then call/text me at 717 537 1224.

Pictured above: Nancy and her retired Search and Rescue dog, Molly

It's always wonderful to have photos of your horse or dog when they are feeling their best, full of energy and a zest for life.  We grow accustom to the idea that our furry best friends will always be with us. After all, it's our dearest wish. Their only failing is that they don't stay with us forever. 

Things can change quickly and for owners who want lasting memories of their pet I hope they can find a measure of comfort in a Legacy Session. It will be a celebration of your pet’s life, their unconditional love, unwavering loyalty and honor their importance in your family.

Below: A favorite photo from Annalisa & Laurelai's session 

If you would like to book a Rough Coat Photography session for your pet, click the button below and I will be in touch shortly!

Have questions?  Request my no-obligation Inquiry Guide here.  

 

 

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