All pets that I photograph who cross the rainbow bridge are immediately honored on my pages. Their personalized photo is posted on this Facebook page and also on the “in memory” photo galleries on my main website and Going with Grace website.  A Going with Grace session is not just a photo shoot. It is a celebration of your pet’s life and can be a source of peace, comfort and closure. My wonderful Facebook community of pet lovers also share your pain and wholeheartedly offer their condolences, similar experiences and love with you. If your pet is aging or terminally ill, please consider having a professional document their memory forever. I promise you will not regret that decision.  Thank you to everyone who has chosen me to document your pets. I am honored to be a part of your lives.

Message Home from the Rainbow Bridge
Author Unknown

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “it’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew
… in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… smile and watch you yawning
and say “goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.

Below is a slideshow of all the beautiful furry souls I have photographed who have since crossed the rainbow bridge.
]]> http://www.fixyourimages.com/going-with-grace-capturing-your-senior-or-terminally-ill-pets-memory-kansas-city-pet-photographer-jennifer-hague/feed/ 0 http://www.fixyourimages.com/rest-in-peace-sweet-asa-kansas-city-dog-pet-memorial-photography-going-with-grace/ http://www.fixyourimages.com/rest-in-peace-sweet-asa-kansas-city-dog-pet-memorial-photography-going-with-grace/#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:41:49 +0000 Jennifer http://www.fixyourimages.com/?p=3219 Gregg recently had to say goodbye to his beloved Ridgeback Asa.  I documented their bond back in April and it was quite clear how much they meant to each other. I am often asked how I am emotionally able to document aging and terminally ill pet’s lives and my answer is always that I have been given a gift. I have a strong and empathetic heart and understand the deep pain one feels when saying goodbye to their furry child.  I have been blessed to be able to document their lives and the bond with their humans while keeping complete composure and creating an experience which is a celebration of their life and a cherished memory for their owner.

From Gregg: Asa-his name means healer. He lived up to all that word embodies. Every day for over 13 years his love and devotion constantly amazed me. I was not always the best parent but the past three years were a wonderful way to set that right. He saved my life more then once. For all of this I will be forever grateful. To those of you who helped me to care for him anytime over the past years, thank you. We could not have been more blessed to have you in our lives. And thank you my friend, companion, and teacher Asa – October 4, 1999-December 7, 2012.

If you are going through a similar loss, remember that you are not alone. Please visit my separate division www.petsgoingwithgrace.com/main.html for a source of comfort and peace.

Melissa Sigler, a fellow photographer, chose me to document the bond she shared with her kitty. I was honored to be a part of it and I visited her family’s home in Lawrence where we could spend a day celebrating Jessie’s life. Jessie had been in chronic renal failure for 2 years, and while a strong survivor, she was not able to fight any longer and they made the heart wrenching choice to set her free of pain the day after her photo shoot.

Here is a helpful article if you are experiencing a similar situation and struggling with the idea of setting your pet free.

How do I know when it is time?
Courtesy of http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu

Perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is so sick or so severely injured that he or she will never recover normal health is to have your veterinarian induce its death quietly and humanely through euthanasia.  Your decision to have your pet euthanized is a serious one, seldom easy to make.

How will I know when?
If your pet can no longer do with you and your family the things he or she once enjoyed, if your pet cannot respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in his or her life, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option.

What if Your Pet Has a Terminal Illness?
Your veterinarian understands attachment to pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet’s condition, estimate your pet’s chances for recovery, and discuss potential disabilities and long-term problems. He or she can explain the medical options and possible outcomes. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is important that you fully understand your pet’s condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet’s future that you don’t understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision.

Will it be painless?
Euthanasia is almost always accomplished by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following the death-inducing injection, your pet will immediately go into a quiet and irreversible deep unconsciousness. Death will come quickly and painlessly.

How can I say goodbye?
The act of saying goodbye is an important step in managing the natural and healthy feelings of grief, sorrow, and sense of loss. Your pet is an important part of your life and it is natural to feel you are losing a friend – for you are.

Once the decision for euthanasia has been made, you and other family members may want to say goodbye to your pet. A last evening with your pet at home or a visit to the pet at the hospital may be appropriate. Family members who want to be alone with the animal should be allowed to do so. Farewells are always difficult.

How can I face the loss?
After your pet has died, it is natural and normal to feel grief and sorrow. The forgiving process includes accepting the reality of you loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet.

There are many signs of grief, but not everyone experiences them all, or in the same order. Even before death has occurred, you reaction may be to deny your pet is sick or injured when you learn the extent of your pet’s illness or injuries.

Anger may follow denial. This anger can be directed toward people you normally love and respect, including your family and veterinarian. People will often say things that they do not really mean, perhaps hurting those whom they do not mean to hurt. You may blame yourself or others for not recognizing the illness earlier or for being careless and allowing the pet to be injured.

You also may feel guilt and depression. This is when you usually feel the greatest sense of loss. The tears flow, there are knots in you stomach, and you are drained of all your energy. Day-to-day tasks can seem impossible. Sometimes you may even ask yourself if you can go on without your pet. The answer is yes, but there are times when special assistance may be helpful.

Once you and your family come to terms with your feelings, you can begin to resolve and accept your pet’s death. When you have reached resolution and acceptance, the feelings of denial, anger, guilt, and depression may reappear. If this does occur, the intensity of these feelings will be much less, and with time, these feelings will be replaced with fond memories.

Although the signs of grief apply whether the loss is of a loving pet or a human loved one, grieving is a personal process. Some people take longer than others to come to terms with denial, anger, guilt, or depression. If you understand that these are normal reactions, you will be better prepared to cope with your own feelings and to help others face theirs. Family members should be reassured that sorrow and grief are normal, natural responses to death.  See the Normal Grieving Process.

They may not understand
Often, well-meaning family and friends may not realize how important your pet was to you or the intensity of your grief. Being honest with yourself and others about how you feel is best. If despair mounts, talk to someone who will listen about your pet and the illness and death.

Remembering your pet
The period from birth to old age is much more brief in pets then in people. Death is part of the life cycle for all creatures. It cannot be avoided, but its impact can be met with understanding and compassion. Try to recall the good times you spent with you pet. By remembering the pleasure of those times, you can realize your pet was worthy of your grief. You may also wish to establish a memorial of some type in honor of your pet.

The next morning, I saw the news on Facebook – Elsa had crossed over the rainbow bridge and lost her battle with Lymphoma.  The very next morning after her photo shoot.  When I was photographing her – she did not appear ill. You would have never known it was her last day. It gives me chills because I know this is my calling. I can feel it deep in my heart that I was meant to be a strong and persistent person with a deep desire to preserve pet’s memories as a gift to their human parents, especially in those darkest moments when they need someone softly guiding them through the pain.

If you have a senior pet or a pet that has been diagnosed with a terminal illness – please consider having them professionally photographed. Visit my website www.petsgoingwithgrace.com/main.html where you will find memorials to all the dogs who have passed that I have photographed, in addition to some comforting and peaceful information for those grieving the loss of a pet.

Here are a few of my favorite’s from Elsa’s session. Until we meet again, sweet girl – I know you are having a blast over the rainbow bridge with all our furry companions who have also had to say goodbye.

Rainbow Bridge – Author Unknown

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “it’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew

… in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over… smile and watch you yawning

and say “goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.

I have loved pets and I have lost pets.  I know the extreme pain of losing a furry companion and realize that some people will never understand the connection we as humans have with our beloved pets and empty hearts we are left with when they leave us.  In my journey as a pet photographer since 2009, I have become known for photographing pets who are close to crossing the rainbow bridge. I have remained true to my goal of creating an uplifting experience which celebrates the life of your pet and provides peace and comfort in knowing your pets memory will be preserved forever in the form of timeless and unique photographs.

Going with Grace was created as a source of comfort for others going through the same pain of losing a pet and to encourage having your senior or terminally ill pets photographed before they cross the rainbow bridge. Click here to visit the Going with Grace website.

Be sure to check out some of my memorial sessions of pets which will be featured in the April 2012 issue of Life + Dog Magazine – available nationally at Barnes and Nobles around April 17.  Sneak peaks coming early April – so stay tuned to this blog for future posts.

GOING WITH GRACE SESSIONS

I never realized how many pets would touch my heart until I became a pet photographer. I only meet each furry companion briefly, but they become extremely special to me for a lifetime.  Over the years, I have been sent many emergency requests to photograph terminally ill or aging senior pets.  I will drop anything and rearrange my schedule to accommodate such requests. Knowing the unbearable pain of losing a pet, I can deeply empathize with what your family is going through and it is my goal to help ease your sorrow and celebrate your pets life and bond with them.

$150 includes a 1-hour photo session for one pet and two 5×7 prints. This is offered for pets who are terminally ill & nearing the rainbow bridge.  This special pricing is also available for senior pets (Age 10+ for larger breeds and Age 12+ for smaller breeds) Additional digital images or prints can be ordered for an additional fee. Email fixyourimages@hotmail.com for details.

I will travel within the Kansas City area to the outdoor location of your choice or an indoor location if natural light is available.  If you live outside of the immediate Missouri & Kansas region, I would consider traveling to other cities and states for an additional charge to cover gas and/or mileage.

Check out the below images to view the pets I have photographed who have since crossed the rainbow bridge.

Achilles crossed the rainbow bridge recently and everyone who knew him is left with an empty hole in their hearts. For respect and privacy of the family, the details of his death will not be exposed here. But I ask that you keep them in your prayers and give your pets an extra hug and kiss today. As you never know what may happen in life and even the smallest moments with our pets should be forever cherished.

Tribute to a Best Friend – Author Unknown

Sunlight streams through the window pane onto a spot on the floor…..
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie, but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound…..
then I remember,
it’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill,
then I remember,
it can’t be yours….. your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall,
and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall.
I’ll wrap these treasured memories in a blanket of my love,
and keep them for my best friend until we meet above.

These next two postings are a little different.  As I was looking back through these photos (and re-editing because my style has changed so much since I first started), I came across these photos which I really like, but one was extremely blurry and the other had harsh shadows and odd coloring I couldn’t seem to easily fix. So I had an idea to play around in Photoshop and create some interesting art out of these photos.  Makes me think I might want to offer this service to my clients in the future!

I created a gallery in my Portfolio called “In Memory“ which features pets I have met and photographed who have since crossed the rainbow bridge. While they may not be here with us physically, they will always be in our hearts. If you have an aging or terminally ill pet, please consider having them photographed. Contact me at fixyourimages@hotmail.com for details on scheduling one of my discounted “Going with Grace” sessions.  

I created a few collages showcasing all of the pets I have met and photographed who have since crossed the rainbow bridge. I know we will all meet again someday. “You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Coping with the Death of Your Pet
Courtesy: ASPCA
When a person you love dies, it’s natural to feel sorrow, express grief, and expect friends and family to provide understanding and comfort. Unfortunately, the same doesn’t always hold true if the one who died was your companion animal. Many consider grieving inappropriate for someone who has lost “just a pet.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. People love their pets and consider them members of their family. Caregivers celebrate their pets’ birthdays, confide in their animals, and carry pictures of them in their wallets. So when your beloved pet dies, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. Animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love during the time they share with you. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you’ve already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss: knowing that it is okay to grieve when your pet dies.
Understanding how you grieve and finding ways to cope with your loss can bring you closer to the day when memories bring smiles instead of tears.

What Is the Grief Process?
The grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another. The process typically begins with denial, which offers protection until individuals can realize their loss. Some caregivers may try bargaining with a higher power, themselves, or even their pet to restore life. Some feel anger, which may be directed at anyone involved with the pet, including family, friends, and veterinarians. Caregivers may also feel guilt about what they did or did not do, and may feel that it is inappropriate to be so upset. After these feelings subside, caregivers may experience true sadness or grief. They may become withdrawn or depressed. Acceptance occurs when they accept the reality of their loss and remember their animal companion with decreasing sadness. Remember, not everyone follows these classic stages of grief—some may skip or repeat a stage, or experience the stages in a different order.

How Can I Cope with My Grief?
While grief is a personal experience, you need not face loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online Internet bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles. Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:

• Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear.
• Write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem.
• Call your local humane society to see whether it offers a pet loss support group or can refer you to one. You may also want to ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter about available pet loss hotlines.
• Explore the Internet for pet loss support groups and coping information.
• Prepare a memorial for your pet.

Will My Other Pets Grieve?
Surviving pets may whimper, refuse to eat or drink, and suffer lethargy, especially if they had a close bond with the deceased pet. Even if they were not the best of friends, the changing circumstances and your emotional state may distress them. Give surviving pets lots of TLC (“tender loving care”) and try to maintain a normal routine. It’s good for them and for you.
Should I get another pet?

Rushing into this decision isn’t fair to you or your new pet. Each animal has his own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you lost. You’ll know when the time is right to adopt a new pet after giving yourself time to grieve, carefully considering the responsibilities of pet ownership, and paying close attention to your feelings. When you are ready, remember that your local animal shelter is a great place to find your next special friend.

A Message Home from the Rainbow Bridge | Author Unknown

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “it’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew
… in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… smile and watch you yawning
and say “goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.

According to www.pets.webmd.com, congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to provide adequate circulation to meet the body’s needs. It is the end result of a weakened heart muscle. The health of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other organs is impaired by the circulatory failure, resulting in a problem involving multiple organs. For more information about this condition, please see the full article here.

I want to thank the amazing support group of friends I have on my Facebook business page. They are so sympathetic when they learn of a pets passing. And this was a poem that one of my friends posted. I felt it was very well written and hopefully will provide some comfort to those who have lost their beloved pet.

A Message Home from the Rainbow Bridge
Author Unknown

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “it’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew
… in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… smile and watch you yawning
and say “goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.