Don’t Wait: Why Now is the Perfect Time for a Photo Session with Your Senior Dog

It isn’t just about photos—it’s about connection.

A session with me isn’t a stiff, awkward ordeal. It’s a relaxed, custom experience – something that feels like time well spent with your best friend. It’s a way to celebrate your bond and honour everything they mean to you.

And yes, you should be in the photos too, be present with your pup. Cuddling. Smiling. A handshake. A kiss placed just right. Because years from now, those are the images that are going to make you smile. That connection – the look you share, the way they lean into you – it’s what makes your relationship uniquely yours.

Especially if your dog is palliative or aging…

I offer gentle, respectful sessions designed specifically for older or palliative dogs. These are slow-paced, low-stress experiences with lots of breaks, treats, and patience. Think of it as quality time with your best friend and with beautiful images to remember it by.

And I promise: it doesn’t have to feel sad. These sessions are often full of quiet joy. There’s something deeply meaningful about pressing pause and really being present with your dog, soaking in their perfection… and imperfections.

Don’t worry if your dog isn’t “perfect.”

I’ve worked with dogs who are reactive, nervous, leash-bound, squirrel-obsessed—you name it. Your dog doesn’t need to be an off-leash obedience champion. That’s not the goal. My job is to work with your dog, just as they are, and create images that show off their personality and spirit. Whether that means using a long lens from a distance, working in a location when others aren’t around, or bringing them into my studio in St. Catharines for a calm, controlled setting – I’ve got you.

This isn’t your average cookie-cutter photoshoot. We plan your session around your dog’s comfort, your preferences, and the story you want to tell.

As a senior dog photographer serving Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville, I’m here to help you create something beautiful and meaningful—whether in-studio or on location. Let’s talk about what a session could look like for you and your pup. No pressure. Just a friendly chat about how we can celebrate your dog, no matter where they are in their journey.

Because your best friend deserves to be remembered—not just as a blur of memories on your phone, but in photos that truly reflect the essence of who they are.

And you deserve that too.

Want to talk about a session for your older dog? Get in touch here.

2016 Dexter

2017 Ariel

2018: Logan

2019: Rye

2019: Toffee

2022: Sherlock

2022: Gunther

2023: Clooney

2023: Cooper the Sheepadoodle

BONUS 2023: Indy and Lucca

There you have it, a selection of 11 of my favourite Barrel Room captures over the years.

I hope you enjoyed the compilation. There’s still more to come including a wacky look at outtakes! Stay tuned, and please sign up for my newsletter if you’d like all the dirt, the minute it’s dug up

Interested in a Barrel Room Session of your own, check it out here ›.

Let’s create something that makes your wine loving, dog-lover friends green with envy!

From loss to inspiration

Sam led me to Indy and to pet photography. I had tons of phone shots of her, and I even printed a bunch of them out at a big box store after she was gone – they’ve yellowed and faded now. It killed me that I rarely had broken out my camera to capture “proper” photos of her, but I never imagined she wouldn’t be there. I have no special portraits of my best girl.

A couple of months after she was gone, the house felt too quiet, and was still filled with sadness. I started looking at rescue web sites for another calm, adult female. Well, the joke was on me. Sam’s comedic timing was always good…she sent me Indy instead.

A new purpose

Indy needed me, and I needed him. He needed to build his confidence and required a whole new level of energy from me. I had to learn much more about dog behaviour to help him with his demons. He was a personality-packed, troubled, one-year-old. I had to focus all my attention on him, and I did. While he wormed his way into my heart, I felt compelled to break out the camera and capture his antics. He became my muse, and I started to up my photography game.

Preserving precious memories

Eventually, I photographed other dogs, and it felt like I was connecting with the essence of each of their souls. It was too late for me to have the portraits of Sam that I wanted, but I wondered if this could be something I could do for others… as a way to preserve that special quality of a beloved best friend.

Celebrating our heart dogs

This is why I’m so passionate about what I do. I wish I had big, beautiful portraits of the dog that stole my heart on my walls, making my heart sing every time I look at them. I’ve long since forgotten the man who broke my heart, but Sam will be with me forever.

I’d like to help you celebrate your heart dog. When you’re ready, let’s celebrate their inimitable spirit together and create memories that make your heart sing. Take a peek through my website and see the many ways we can capture this for you. Then book a discovery call and I can answer any questions you have.

Loveable Lilly!

Recently I drove to Toronto to meet Lilly and her Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario (JRTRO) Foster family. You see, Lilly’s journey is nearly complete, she is ready for adoption.

When I finally managed to get Siri to cooperate and give me proper directions to Lilly’s Foster home (technology, ugh), I gathered up my gear and rang the door bell. I was greeted at the foot of the stairs by a wiggly ball of Jack Russell. Lilly was so excited to see me that she could hardly contain herself. I had such a nice time with Lilly, Brooke and Tim, they clearly adore her. I can see why Lilly is loving life now that she is in foster care! She is now a princess who is waited on hand and foot, lucky girl!

We had our session before it was actually nice enough to want to venture outside, so we all stayed indoors where it was warm and toasty, except for when I saw the fabulous brick wall that I simply had to incorporate into a shot. She worked her angles and was compensated in treats for her super modelling capabilities.

This little angel is a breathe of fresh air. She’s so eager to please and absolutely adores people. She was pretty stoked to discover that my camera bag was full of treats too. Now, she may look like she could stand to lose an lb or two, but she had been pregnant not long before coming into rescue, so some of it will fall off with time. Plus, Tim and Brooke have her on a wee diet and take her for plenty of walks, which she can’t get enough of, she’s a curious little monkey. 

Lilly is only 2-years-old and truly has personality plus, those gorgeous big brown eyes can twist you around her little paw. She’s so charming and has a wonderfully sweet disposition. All I can say is, whoever adopts her will have a very happy companion and will be incredibly lucky to have her in their lives. 

Please check out her petfinder listing for more information or to apply to adopt Lilly; share her with your friends too! Do you think Lilly could be your forever girl?   Lilly was adopted on April 21st! Hooray for Lilly!