Forever, My Soul Pet: Melbourne Photographer Captures the Legacy of Our Constant Companions
For those who have ever shared their life with a "once-in-a-lifetime" dog, the bond often defies words. It is this profound connection that Melbourne pet photographer and former veterinary nurse Bree Colenso is seeking to document in her latest project, Forever, My Soul Pet.
"A soul pet is the one that changes you—the one who somehow understands you. And when they’re gone, they don’t just leave a space, they leave a presence that stays with you."
Following the success of her 2026 Senior Dog Calendar and her festive Christmas pampering sessions, Bree—who is Melbourne’s only specialist senior and end-of-life pet photographer—is expanding her tribute to the human-animal bond.
This new project will culminate in a limited-edition coffee table book featuring just 30 pets, each captured through a lens of deep empathy and shared history.
A Perspective Shaped by the Clinic
This isn’t Bree’s first time navigating the tender intersection of love and loss. As we profiled last year, Bree spent over a decade as a veterinary nurse, including a significant tenure in oncology. In that space, she witnessed the extraordinary lengths owners go to for their pets—from chemotherapy to interstate travel for radiation—driven by a devotion that many never get to see.
“You see a level of devotion that most people never witness,” Bree says. “What stayed with me wasn’t just the loss, it was the love behind it. The way people show up every single day changes how you see that bond.”
What defines a ‘Soul Pet’?
While Bree is known for creating joyful, high-end experiences for Melbourne’s pampered pups—like her Paws & Prosecco events—this book dives deeper into the quiet, everyday moments of "soul pets." These are the companions who are there through every season of life, acting as a constant source of comfort and understanding.
Because these bonds are often formed in the quietest moments, the photography sessions for the book are intentionally unhurried. Whether it’s a favourite bed in the sun or a hand resting gently on a greying muzzle, Bree’s goal is to capture the "presence" of the pet rather than a perfect pose.
“Sometimes we meet them exactly where they are—a quiet lounge room or a backyard they’ve spent years in,” she explains.
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| “Sometimes, the most powerful stories are told through the quietest connections.” — Bree Ruby Photography is seeking 30 Melbourne pets to feature in her ‘Forever, My Soul Pet’ legacy book. |
“These sessions require presence. You’re not just taking photos; you’re holding space for people and their experience. That’s not something I ever want to rush.”
A Tangible Memory
For Bree, the final step of this unhurried process is creating something physical. With only 30 spots available, the book aims to be more than a collection of portraits; it is designed as a physical legacy for owners to hold onto.
"Grief doesn't go away," says Bree. "But having a physical book, filled with stories and memories, gives pet parents a way to honour that life forever."
Get Involved
Melbourne pet owners who feel their companion is a true "soul pet" are invited to apply for inclusion.
For more information on how to feature your pet in the book, visit
