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celebrating 20 years of scruffy | burlington pet photographer

The end of a pet’s life is such a difficult, emotional time. Each person’s experience is unique, since each person’s pet is special and the bond they share is so personal. It is a heartbreaking time. But when a client contacts me to capture the last days, and sometimes hours, of their pet’s life, I feel so privileged — privileged to meet such an important member of their family, even if it’s just for a short time, and honoured they would invite me into their lives during such a personal experience. It is so meaningful. And even though it’s hard for me, too — there are always tears shed in the car on the way home — I just love being able to capture such poignant memories.

Amanda got in touch with me to book a Celebration Session for her cat Scruffy. These sessions are for terminally ill or elderly pets where time is of the essence. Scruffy was 20 years old — the oldest cat I’ve ever photographed — and had cancer. After booking the appointment, Amanda called a few days later to let me know Scruffy had taken a turn for the worse. An hour after speaking with her, I was on her doorstep with my camera.

Two days after our session, Scruffy passed away peacefully with Amanda by his side. After sharing two decades together, these two had a very special relationship. And despite his frailty and heavy medications that he was on, I saw glimpses of how Scruffy must have been during healthier days. His personality was still there.

Orange cat.
orange cat and woman
orange cat and woman
orange cat
cat paws
orange cat and woman.

This is one of Scruffy’s favourite places — laying under the canopy of the hosta in the backyard.

orange cat
orange cat
cat paw.
orange catorange cat and woman
orange cat

Amanda ordered a beautiful 10×10 photo book with lots of images of Scruffy to remember him by. I say it over and over, but pet photography is so important — make sure you capture memories of your four-leggers while you can! Now everybody please go hug your pet!

Amanda, thank you so much for trusting me to capture such a precious time for you. And old Scruff man, even though you are no longer with us, it was truly lovely to meet you. You brought lots of happiness into Amanda’s life for 20 years!

Wags,
Stacey