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Australian Dog Lover
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The quiet kind of heartbreak that comes before goodbye is a heavy grief. It shows up in soft, almost invisible ways, in a dog who no longer runs to the door, a cat who now only sleeps in the sunniest spot or a horse whose coat has dulled with age and no longer lifts its head when you call its name.
As a pet photographer, I've dedicated my work to helping families navigate this tender in-between stage. With September marking both National Pet Memorial Month and with Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day (August 28) upon us, it’s a time when many of us pause to remember the pets who’ve shaped our lives.
My name is Bree, and through my business, Bree Ruby Photography, I specialise in end-of-life pet photography. My mission is to help families turn their grief into something they can hold onto—a tangible reminder of a love that will never fade. With over a decade of experience as a veterinary nurse, I bring both compassion and calm to these emotional moments. I'm here to capture the stories and celebrate the lives of our beloved companions before they cross the Rainbow Bridge.
My name is Bree, and through my business, Bree Ruby Photography, I specialise in end-of-life pet photography. My mission is to help families turn their grief into something they can hold onto—a tangible reminder of a love that will never fade. With over a decade of experience as a veterinary nurse, I bring both compassion and calm to these emotional moments. I'm here to capture the stories and celebrate the lives of our beloved companions before they cross the Rainbow Bridge.
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| A Gentle Goodbye session offers families a chance to slow down and honour the life of their beloved pet. |
The Role of Anticipatory Grief
When people book an end-of-life session, they are often already grieving even though their pet is still with them. This "anticipatory grief" can be confusing and isolating. Friends and family might not understand why you’re mourning when your pet is still alive, but that aching feeling and the fear of what’s to come is real and valid.
My role is to hold space for that pain, to honour it, and to create something meaningful that families can treasure even after their pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. These sessions are not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about capturing the real, raw moments of love that still exist and always will.
While many assume these sessions are depressing, I see them differently. There is so much joy in these moments. We laugh, share stories about their pet's life, and spoil them with treats and cuddles. It becomes a celebration of everything that made them special. Each session is unique, often including something special to that pet, like a last trip in the car, playing with a beloved toy, or sitting in their cosy spot in the garden.
Creating a Tangible Memory
In a world of fleeting phone snaps, professional images have a different weight. My photographs are printed, framed, and held. When the goodbye finally comes, those images become something to hold onto—proof of the love, the bond, and the life shared.
Seeing the photos for the first time is often an emotional moment for families. I've had people tell me their images became a lifeline in the weeks after their pet passed, a tangible reminder of love that didn’t end with the goodbye. For many, these images help turn overwhelming grief into something they can hold, look at, and remember with a bittersweet kind of joy. It’s a quiet healing process that happens slowly but deeply.
Not every photographer understands the delicate nature of these sessions. It requires more than technical skill; it takes empathy, patience, and a deep respect for what families are going through. My background as a veterinary nurse means I recognise when a pet is in pain or tired, and I tailor each session to their needs. This isn’t a typical photoshoot; it’s a special moment that deserves specialist care.
Inside an End-of-Life Session
My sessions are as stress-free as possible. I always ask where the pet feels most comfortable—often it’s at home, in their favourite sunny corner or on their special bed. We go at their pace with no pressure and no posing. I bring a gentle presence that helps everyone exhale.
“I’ve held paws, wiped tears, and sat in silence when needed. I know when to click the shutter and when to just be.”
I am more than just a photographer; I'm a support person in the room. Families often open up during the session, talking about their first day together, their pet's funny quirks, and the hard decisions ahead. I listen with compassion and hold space for those conversations.
The images range from soft close-ups of greying muzzles to candid moments between pets and their people. I focus on connection. It’s not about perfection; it’s about real, raw moments.
One client shared, “I’m so glad you allowed me the opportunity to make those memories with him before he passed. I’ve struggled with his death more than I could have ever expected, and just being able to look back on that day and the photos you took mean everything to me.”
It’s moments like these that remind me why this work matters. It’s about helping people find something to hold onto when their world starts to fall apart.
Beyond Photography: Other Ways to Remember
Bree's work is a perfect example of why National Pet Memorial Month matters. It validates the grief that often goes unseen and offers a proactive way to honour that bond before it's too late. Our animals are family. They've been there through breakups, seen our families grow, and supported us through mental health struggles and daily life. Of course it's grief, and it’s worthy of acknowledgment.
While photography is a powerful tool, I also encourage families to memorialise their pets in other meaningful ways:
- Create a memory box filled with collars, paw prints, letters, and photos.
- Plant a tree or flower in their favourite spot.
- Write a letter to your pet, saying everything you need to say.
- Donate to a rescue group or shelter in their name.
- Have custom artwork made or frame a favourite photo.
- Light a candle for them.
These memorial ideas aren't about "moving on"—they’re about moving forward while carrying their memory with us. When families open up about their loss, it helps break the silence around pet loss grief and creates a community of support where others can feel less alone.
Final Thoughts
The goodbye may be inevitable, but the memory doesn’t have to fade. End-of-life pet photography is more than just pictures; it’s an act of love.
It’s a way of celebrating your pet and the life you shared—a chance to say, “You mattered. You were loved. And you always will be.”My dream is to create a space where grief is met with kindness, where memories are treasured, and where love is never forgotten. I want people to feel comfortable sharing their journey with their pet and not to feel judged by others who don’t understand the pet loss grief journey. "Grief can feel so lonely, but when we take time to remember and celebrate our pets, that love becomes a lasting comfort."
written by Bree of Bree Ruby Photography, August 2025 for Australian Dog Lover.
All photos in this article are by Bree Ruby Photography.
About our writer
Bree spent many of her years as a vet nurse in a specialist oncology clinic, where she saw the heartbreak of pet loss and wished she could do more.
Photography became that "more," allowing her to continue helping families through the most difficult goodbyes in a creative and lasting way. Her background in animal health is a major differentiator; she understands the clinical side of a pet’s decline as well as the emotional side.
This unique combination makes her exceptionally equipped to work with senior and terminal pets in a way that is safe, kind, and respectful. Through her photography, she helps transform heartache into legacy.
Connect with Bree at www.breerubyphotography.com.
Follow Bree on Facebook or @bree_ruby_photography on Instagram
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