Anyone who has been fortunate enough to have a pet knows that they are more than just animals—they’re family. Losing a beloved companion is deeply painful, and the pets we lose deserve to be honored and remembered. With this in mind, Ohio-based, award-winning pet photographer Holly Hildreth created her End of Life photo series.
This heartfelt photo series captures intimate portraits of terminally ill dogs and their families in their final days together. Many of Hildreth’s clients reach out at the last minute, as their beloved pets’ health declines rapidly or they prepare for compassionate euthanasia.
Whether taken at a park, the beach, or in the comfort of a pet owner’s home, Hildreth ensures that each photo beautifully captures the special bond between the dog and their family. One image, featuring a woman with her Shetland Sheepdog named Chloe, was taken just hours before Chloe passed away.
“We spent that evening at their favorite park, and Chloe’s owner said that this was the first time Chloe had wagged her tail in months,” Hildreth tells My Modern Met. “Chloe naturally passed peacefully at home after the session. Chloe’s mom was so grateful that we were able to give her one last adventure with some of her favorite things before she died.”
Hildreth’s End of Life series is deeply personal, inspired by the sudden and unexpected loss of her own “soul dog,” Stoli. “It’s been a decade since Stoli died, and not a day goes by where I don’t think about him,” she says. “Since I’m the one that’s always behind the camera, I don’t have many pictures of Stoli and I together.”
The photographer never had the chance to capture End of Life photos with Stoli; however, she cherishes one old picture of him, where she playfully holds his cheeks in a big, comical grin. “I had it printed as a canvas that hangs in my home where I can see it every day,” she says. “Looking at that photo brings up happy memories. Stoli was such a clown that he always had me laughing and even now he can still bring a smile to my face 10 years later.” Hildreth adds, “I know the power and significance of these photos for families who are dealing with a loss.”
Every session is an emotional experience, but it also brings a sense of comfort. It gives families a special moment to process their grief and soak in their final memories with their beloved pet before saying goodbye. “While the nature of end-of-life pet photography may seem inherently sad, many owners find the experience actually ends up being much more joyful than they expected,” reveals Hildreth. “Owners’ faces always light up when talking about and interacting with their dog, and every session ends up with genuine moments of laughter, because dogs are the best at getting us to smile.”
Before the photoshoot, Hildreth takes the time to talk with pet owners, learning about their beloved companion and any special needs to make sure the pet feels comfortable. They work together to select the right location, making sure to choose a quiet place that offers enough privacy. Hildreth even brings blankets, treats, and a soft dog bed for the pet to rest on.
When taking the images, Hildreth offers a compassionate presence, encouraging pet owners to share their favorite memories and the special things they love about their dog. She also understands if a client prefers quiet moments instead, allowing them to simply be present with their pet while she gently observes and captures their bond.
“This is a sacred time together for you and your dog, and it’s important to know that your session is absolutely judgement-free,” says Hildreth. “Whatever feelings you have are valid, and you don’t need to justify or hide those emotions from me. Heck, I’ll probably be tearing up behind the camera right along with you!”
If the dog is feeling up to it, Hildreth includes some of their favorite activities in the session—like taking a swim, playing with a beloved toy, or enjoying a special treat—creating a sort of “doggy bucket list” moment. “Many owners have expressed the gratitude they feel for giving their dog one last ‘adventure’ before they pass,” says the photographer. “Often, they remark that they haven’t seen their pet this happy in weeks or months, which helps bring the family peace knowing their dog was able to do some of their favorite things one last time before they go.”
Hildreth’s sessions offer pet owners a meaningful way to find closure while creating lasting memories through beautiful photos they’ll treasure forever.
Check out some images from the End of Life series below and find more from the photographer’s portfolio on Holly Hildreth’s website.
Pet photographer Holly Hildreth’s End of Life photo series helps pet owners honor and commemorate their beloved pets in their final moments.
Chloe and her human
Hildreth has dealt with her own grief after the loss of her dog Stoli, whom she never had the chance to take end-of-life portraits with. But she has this one photo that always brings a smile to her face.
Stoli
Through her End of Life series, the photographer aims to help dog pawrents experience and immortalize one last moment of love with their pets.
Every session is an emotional experience, but it also brings a sense of comfort.
It gives families a special moment to process their grief and soak in their final memories with their beloved pet before saying goodbye.
Holly Hildreth: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Holly Hildreth.
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