Adding a photo shoot to your pet’s bucket list
With so many recent stories about creating bucket lists for pets, like dogs traveling cross-country, or creating a snow day in the summer, it’s fun to think about what kind of “bucket list” items you might want to do for your own dog. (Or cat!)
What do they want?
It’s important to keep your pet’s best interests in mind when coming up with activities. Think about their favorite things, places, or friends:
Do they love visiting a certain park, or do they dislike car rides?
Would a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio be a fun experience, or would they be happier with a quiet, relaxing day at home?
Are there any favorite neighborhood dogs they'd love to see, or do they prefer to keep to themselves?
While it's easy to think of things you'd love to do with them, make sure to choose things they'll enjoy as well. It's not your bucket list, it's theirs!
Giving a gift to your future self
After all the items have been checked off the list, you’ve taken the end-of-life journey with your pet and said goodbye, what will you have left to remember your best friend?
Something to consider, that could benefit both of you, is arranging a professional photo session. For many of us, our pets are family, and it’s so important to have tangible memories of our loved ones. Looking at photographs transports us back to those moments in time, and triggers other, related memories as well. After they’re gone, photographs can help with the grieving process, and keep them “alive” in our hearts.
You can even check off a couple more bucket list items to capture during the shoot, and make some wonderful memories:
Would your dog love a fun trip to the lake? What a great location for photos!
Is it time to spoil your best friend with whatever food they want? Capture their excitement while picking up chicken nuggets or ice cream at the drive-through, or their anticipation while you grill up a steak.
Do they have a devoted fan club? Invite all their friends and family over for a party, and capture special images with each one.
If your pet isn’t as mobile or energetic as they used to be, keep things a little more low-key and let them relax in their favorite spot in the yard. Some of the best images are just simple, loving moments together.
Investing in a professional photographer
A professional photo shoot makes the day feel extra special. If you get dressed up, give your dog a bath, and make a little bit of a fuss about it, they’ll be able to feel your excitement and energy.
Yes, it can be an investment, and you may already have substantial vet bills to pay, but when everything is said and done, what will you have to hold onto? A photograph of a moment in time – that you can never have back – becomes priceless as time goes on.
You probably have hundreds of pictures of your pet on your phone, but how many of them include you? A good photographer will create compositions and capture moments that you could never get with selfies, but if professional photos aren’t in the budget, just ask a friend or family member to take a few pictures of you together with your pet. I promise you won’t regret it!
Is a photo shoot is right for you?
It’s ideal if you have time to plan photos while your pet is still looking and feeling good, but not everyone has that luxury and you’ll need to assess your unique situation.
Is a photo session going to be beneficial for you, or worth the investment?
Are you going to enjoy looking back on these images, or will they make you sad?
While creating photos with your pets is ultimately for you, the owner, it can also just be wonderful time spent together. And isn’t that the one bucket list item that all of our pets really want?