Rest in Peace, Maggie

Last December I was contacted by a photographer in Ohio who inquired whether I was available to photograph her Charleston friend’s dog, Maggie, whose health was rapidly declining. We scheduled a shoot, and although I was able to capture some nice images at that time, it was clear from the look in Maggie’s eyes that she was not doing well at all; a spinal tap later that week revealed a recurrence of cancer. Maggie initially responded well to chemo treatments—though she had her share of struggles—but last week Maggie’s mom contacted me to share the sad news that Maggie was going to be put down, and asked if I could come as soon as possible for another photo session.

It’s incredibly heartbreaking to take what you know will be the last images of someone’s beloved four-legged family member, and to capture the bond between her and her human, all the while knowing these last moments are all the more precious because they are so fleeting. Somehow I think Maggie knew we were creating something special that day, because in some of these images she looks almost puppy-like, and you would never guess how sick she really was. I’m so thankful she was so aware and present that day, and I hope in some small way that these images bring her mom healing and comfort over the loss of her precious Maggie.

Six days after these images were taken Maggie crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. Rest in peace, sweet, beautiful girl.