In the past year I have decided to focus more on the Pet Photography portion of my business. I love working with pets and their owners, it’s so fun to play for a living! Now, don’t get me wrong… it’s hard work, but even the boring office parts are a little easier when I am ultimately doing what I love.
But each time I complete a session I feel ‘the tinge’. I think it’s because I have had dogs, dear, precious dogs to me pass away. I feel the tinge that I just captured something fleeting, forever. I know the pain of loss, so each time I click the shutter I feel that I am helping a dog owner hold on to the moment, the personality, the quirk, the memory of love, for always.
I saw a post on Facebook this morning of a friend’s dog, that I had never met or photographed, had passed away. I commented my condolences with a heavy heart. But that prompted a comment from a past client that I was not expecting. Buddy, dear Buddy, is no longer with us. He passed August 11, 2011. He was a rescue with special needs and Patsy took him in because her house was already outfitted with ramps from a previous dog with disabilities. It was difficult for him to move around when I met him, but his spirit… was lively and as loving as a puppy. Anytime I hear of a rescue dog with physical limitations, I think of Buddy. His physical limitations did nothing to hinder his loving spirit. 
I am not sure why the tears surprised me. Then I realized that other than our own dog Jasmine, I have not been notified of the passing of any dog that I have photographed. I knew that it would happen. And it will again. I feel it a tiny bit each session that I have, but my fears have never come true… until today.
Hold your furry ones a bit closer today. I am off to snuggle with Peanut and Calliope in the middle of the day. Because they are here.
**UPDATE**
After this posted I received a call from a blog in AUSTRALIA (!) that wanted to feature dear Buddy. Check it out at www.prettyfluffy.com
Laura Olsen Imagery 
September 11th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Hi Laura – I’m Patsy’s sister, Linda, I live in Columbia. Patsy forwarded this e-mail to me. How lucky Patsy is to have such a caring friend. This is such a sweet memorial to Buddy. He came to my house several times, and we all loved him. I hope I can meet you one day. I’ve never met a person who loved animals that I didn’t like. Thank you for doing such sweet justice for Buddy. He deserved it.
In loving memory of Buddy, Linda
September 11th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Oh my goodness, thank you for your kind words. He was such a sweet dog. And what Patsy is doing with aging and disabled dogs is truly special. I do hope to meet you one day too.
🙂 – Laura
September 24th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Hi Laura,
I was Buddy’s mom until Patsy agreed to take him and do for him what I could not. He was a gift from my mom, who died also on 8-11, but 6 years ago. The decision I made was for Buddy. I loved him dearly and wanted a better life for him. I am forever grateful to Patsy for taking him and and giving him so much love and opened up her heart to him. He was an amazing dog, companion, and family member. I will NEVER forget those eyes…….. Thanks for the pics and the amazing tribute you made for my boy! Peace, Cara
November 2nd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
This is the most beautiful pet photoshoot I’ve ever seen. I can’t even look at the photos without tearing up. You have such a gift! Thank you for sharing it.
March 31st, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Hi, you photographed my dog Oscar at a pet helpers event. Your link popped up in my memories. He sadly passed away a few weeks ago. The picture was perfectly timed. Thank you.