Pet photographer Jennifer Starr’s specialty is an unusual one: end-of-life photo shoots.

Starr’s journey as a pet photographer began in 2009 when she started photographing pets at local animal shelters. When she began receiving requests from people wanting emergency photo sessions, she realized there was a need for a special type of session celebrating a pet’s life and bond with their owner.

“Typically, they would tell me their pet was diagnosed with cancer or another unexpected illness and wanted to capture their pet before they crossed the rainbow bridge,” she says.

 

 

 

This realization spurred Starr to create Going with Grace. Her mission is to offer custom photography for senior or critically ill pets at a reduced rate.

“I hoped offering a discount would encourage more people to have their pets photographed, since so many are also juggling the expenses of end-of-life care,” says Starr. “Helping people navigate these delicate moments in their life gives me a sense of purpose… I feel called to perform this service.”

In January 2021, Starr did an end-of-life session with a dog named Vinnie. She had met and photographed him at an adoption event 10 years earlier, helping him find his forever home. A decade later, his adopters reached out for an emergency session after he was suddenly given a limited time to live.

 

 


Cara Neill & Vinnie

 

“When we found out that he was sick this past January, Jennifer was one of the first people I contacted, says Cara Neill. “We were still counting on a few more years with him, and after an unexpected and grave diagnosis, we only had a matter of days. When you're dealing with saying goodbye to your pet and trying to plan how to spend their last days, you want to capture the memories while you can. I was so glad I knew about her Going with Grace sessions and that we could get some final family photos with Vinnie.
I think it's so important that dog owners know about this when their dog is healthy so they know who to reach out to when that time comes.”

“It was a reminder how time-sensitive these sessions are,” says Starr. “Vinnie crossed the rainbow bridge just four days after our session.”

Brooke Budke also booked a session with Starr. “Hudson, my twelve-and-a-half-year-old English Bulldog, helped me advance my career, move several times, overcome adversity, and celebrate the little things,” she says. “He was with me through all of the big and small moments in my life. For me, the memory of Hudson makes me both happy and sad, yet when I look at the images Jennifer shot during our Going with Grace session, I am brought to tears of joy seeing Hudson's sweet face.”

 


Hudson

 

 

When Karen Arokiasamy’s Shepherd/Husky, Betty, received a sarcoma diagnosis in November 2014, she reached out to Starr. “I emailed Jennifer the same day and said, ‘I hate that I need you, but I need you,’ recounts Karen. “Her photos captured my Betty's spirit perfectly. It was such a gift to connect with Jennifer.”

“I see how much these photos mean to people, especially after they say goodbye to their pets,” says Starr. “Just knowing that a simple photo session can provide such immense comfort during and after their loss is beyond touching to me. It’s the heartfelt messages from people telling me how thankful they are that really keep me strong.”

 


Hudson

 

Advice For People Facing the Loss of a Beloved Dog

As photographer Jennifer Starr’s dog Abby's health declined, she found peace by giving her dog a bucket list during the last couple months of their life together. “She experienced Burger King burgers, steak, ice cream, and even getting married, and adopting puppies,” says Starr. “I loved giving her extra attention and it was also a healthy distraction from focusing on end-of- life negativity.”

She urges pet parents to photograph the family and pets together every year and compare photos as the years progress. “Even if you don't choose a professional, you can use the self-timer on your phone and set up a tripod,” she says. “Remember to take lots of videos too—the videos we discovered after our beloved Abby crossed the bridge provided us great peace.”

» Find more about Jennifer and her Going With Grace photo sessions at petsgoingwithgrace.com.