Indiana Woman Receives Outpouring of Support After Inquiry About Her Dog’s End-of-Life Photoshoot

Saying the Forever Goodbye

Back in March 2020, we faced the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to our beloved 13-year-old Akita, Kodi Bear. He had undergone hip and knee surgery as a pup, but after 12 years, it became clear that his sweet old body was just worn out. The arthritis from his surgeries was incredibly painful, and he struggled to stand and control his bowels. Kodi was always the dog who never had accidents in the house, so we could see how embarrassed he was when it happened.

We scheduled an appointment with the vet, and if you know Akitas, you know they often require muzzling because of their aggressive nature. But Kodi was the gentlest soul, and when the vet heard it was time for him, she assured her staff that a muzzle wasn’t necessary. We let him ride in the back of the truck for the appointment, and the wonderful team at Warrick Veterinary Clinic came outside to greet him, easing his nerves. He allowed them to place the IV and passed peacefully, just as we hoped.

Before my husband took him in, we spent that chilly March morning with Kodi. Being a big furry guy, he loved the cool weather. We took a short walk to say goodbye to his best friend, Lucy, and to visit the neighbors he adored and would sneaking off to see. We also took some photos to cherish those memories. A few months earlier, I had lost my 17-year-old Chihuahua unexpectedly, and I found comfort in the pictures we had together.

End-of-Life Pet Photography in the Evansville Area

So, when I saw Jessie Werner’s post in the Evansville photography group, it struck me as such a beautiful request from a grieving dog mom. And the Evansville-area photography really came through.

Is there anyone who does “End of Life” photos for animals? I know that may be an odd request… I got some pretty heartbreaking news about my Lab today. She turns 12 tomorrow and I’ve had her her entire life. She is truly my heart dog and I’d like to try and get some pictures of the two of us and her alone before she’s gone. I’d need someone who was available this Saturday or Sunday. Thank you in advance.  

Jessie & Lilly's Story

I reached out to Jessie about her request, and she shared all about Lilly, her heart dog and best friend. "She will always be my first baby. I’ve had her since I was 17, and I’m now 29."

Her story felt so familiar. Lilly has been by Jessie’s side through family changes and some tough times. "She’s gotten me through some of the darkest days of my life, including three of my children being born premature and staying in the NICU. She’s always been there for me, no matter what, and just seems to know when I need her."

Lilly, a 12-year-old Lab/Border Collie mix, was recently diagnosed with severe congestive heart failure. While Jessie is doing everything she can with medications, time is slipping away for Lilly. She lost her Shepherd last year and like me wished she had something tangible to hold onto.

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She wanted to create something special to always remember her girl. Jessie posted her request in the Evansville Photography group and admitted she initially felt a bit awkward about it, but was amazed by the outpouring of love and support. Research has shown that losing a pet can be as hard, if not harder, than losing a human loved one and the community stepped up to help out a total stranger. There were 58 comments from local photographers offering custom pieces, many donating their time. Aimee Dempsey, who creates beautiful composites shared some of the pieces she's done.

The puppy and elderly dog side-by-side from Aimee Adams Photography got me in the feels!

Aimee told me that the black dog below named Zoey is her dog and the first one she ever created a composite for. "She had changed so much over the years that I thought it would be nice to have a side-by-side to be able to see the difference because she had changed so much. She is 17 and doesn't get around as easily as she used to, so I love that I have this photo of her."

How Jessie Decided on an End-of-Life Photographer

Jessie had a lot of really phenomenal options but ended up going with Haley Brown. When I asked Jessie how she made her decision, she said, "When it came to choosing a photographer, I wanted someone with experience in this situation because it’s so important to me. I chose Shutter by Haley Brown, LLC because her work from another 'End of Life' session I saw was absolutely stunning. I also appreciated her as a person; she advocates for sobriety and supports recovering addicts. While I’ve never had that issue personally, I’ve been close to several people who have. Plus, she gives back to the community through I Do REDO, which I think is incredible. The fact that she offers 'End of Life' sessions for free was just an added bonus for someone like me who really doesn’t have the extra money but desperately wanted to do this."

As of today, Lilly is still with us on this side of the Rainbow Bridge. As she prepares to say goodbye, it’s clear that the bond they share is incredibly deep, and the void left behind will be impossible to fill. But what a beautiful way to honor the profound impact Lilly has had on Jessie’s life. Creating these lasting memories isn’t just a tribute to their time together; it’s a celebration of the unwavering love that will stay in her heart forever.

How to Find an End-of-Life Photographer in So. Indiana

If you are looking for an end-of-life photographer in the Evansville area, check out the Facebook post comments for some amazing options and see the photos from Jessie and Lilly's photo shoot below.

More About Pet End-of-Life Care

• What I Learned About Grief When My Dog of 16 Years Passed Away
• Read More: What I Learned About Making the Choice to Say the Forever Goodbye