In sharing Linda and Finn’s story, I wasn’t sure whether to talk about the role that our four-legged family members play in our lives, or to highlight the importance of not waiting to book the photo session you’ve been thinking about. Instead, I’m going to tell you their story and let you take what you need from it.
Linda first contacted me last summer. She wanted to know if I would be willing to do a photo session for her and her dog Finn. Finn was a 14 year-old golden-doodle. Her age had two points of significance; Finn had been part of Linda’s family since before her daughter was born, and she was likely nearing the end of her years. We made a plan for the session (some frisbee in the backyard and a walk by the lake) and set a date. But then we had to postpone because Finn got an eye infection and was not looking her best! As so often happens, the busy-ness of life swept the days and weeks along. Before we knew it, spring had arrived, Finn was still hanging in but slowing down. Linda knew we needed to get the session booked.
On what turned out to be an unusually warm day at the beginning of May, I met Linda and Finn at their home in Oakville and we took a walk down to the lake. Finn seemed to have recovered a bit of a spring in her step that day, clambering over the rocks to pose for some great photos. Back at the house, we played frisbee in the backyard with the family’s other dog, Keira, a westie, joining in. Overall, we created a great collection of images that showcased the special connection that Linda and Finn shared.
Two weeks later, Finn died. Even though they knew it was coming, the family was devasted.
When I next talked to Linda I asked her if she was able to look at the photos. I wasn’t sure if they would be a comfort in her grief, or too hard to look at. She told me what a great comfort they were to her. She was so thankful that we hadn’t postponed the session any longer.
