celebrating paco | waterloo pet photographer

I met Paco, a gorgeous Maine Coon cat, and his family in their light and airy Waterloo home on a weekday in March for a Celebration Session. Paco had been ill for several months and about a week after our meeting, he passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

Paco was about 12 years old, and was adopted from the Toronto Humane Society when he was two. He was the head of the household, which he ruled through sheer cattitude.

Also part of the family is pesky cockapoo sister Beatrice who adored Paco and loved to attack him with affection — she followed him around with kisses always at the ready. In fact, she canoodled her way into a few of the photos. Although Paco tolerated her advances, the feeling wasn’t exactly mutual! Beatrice, however, never had an inkling that it was a one-sided relationship.

Celebration sessions aren’t meant to be depressing and sad. They are difficult — we all know the reason why I’m present — but I try to keep things light and natural. It’s a time for love, chatting about memories (one of Paco’s favourite things to do was sit on the back deck on a sunny day and sniff the air) and celebrating the cherished life and bond of a furry family member. Despite Paco’s limited time and illness, this really was a “normal” Waterloo lifestyle pet photography session — full of smiles and laughter, thanks mostly to “bananahead” Beatrice as her owners affectionately call her. Her goofy antics and clear adoration of Paco, to his chagrin, was a true reflection of everyday life for this family. Paco will be missed, but there are now lovely images of him in the home to keep his memory alive.