Julie Hambleton

Julie Hambleton

August 12, 2024

Heartbreaking Photo Series Captures The Raw Grief Of Owners As Their Pets Are Being Euthanized

Losing a pet is a hard experience to go through. Even when putting them down is for the best, it is still very emotional. Our pets are a huge part of our lives and often are the thing that gets us through some of the toughest life has to throw at us. This photographer decided to capture that grief by photographing dog owners during the process of having their pets euthanized. The resulting series is highly moving and will bring a tear to your eye.

Photographer Captures The Raw Emotions Of Having Your Dog Euthanized

Photographer Ross Taylor photographed people during the process of having their dog euthanized in Tampa, Florida. The series is called Last Moments and really highlights how challenging this experience is. He took the photos in 2017 and 2018 with the help of the pet owners and the at-home pet euthanasia service Lap of Love. (1)

Sam

Olesya Lykovi cries out in anguish, moments after the death of her dog, Sam. Moments before, she looked at Dr Dani McVety (right) and asked: 'Is he gone?', Dani nodded and said: 'He has his wings now'
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

In this photo, you can see Sam’s owner Olesya cry out in grief when the veterinarian informed her that Sam was gone. She asked the vet “Is he gone?” to which they replied, “He has his wings now”.

Kiara

'I tried to do more, I tried to do all I can. But they said there's nothing more I can do', Kiara Manrique said while weeping at the loss of her dog. Her sister, Kimberly (left), and veterinarian Nil Wilkins (out of picture) who later reached out to comfort her as her two other dogs look on 
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

Kiara is comforted by her sister as she holds her dog one final time. She says that they did absolutely everything they could, but eventually, there was nothing more they could do for the little pooch. A difficult decision, she knew this was the best option.

Read: Herd of ‘grieving’ ponies keep all-night roadside vigil after motorist kills one of the family

Daisy

Marquita Leibe paced back and forth shortly before bending down to be near her dog, Daisy, minutes before she is put to sleep. Shortly after her husband Donald (right) stepped outside to compose himself, overwhelmed with grief
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

Daisy was a big part of Marquita and Donald’s lives. This photo was taken minutes before the vet euthanized their precious pet. Donald eventually removed himself from the room to compose himself.

Spencer

Image Credit: Ross Taylor

Those last moments with your dog are very important. In this photo, Leigh cuddles and kisses her dog Spencer one last time. The bond between owner and dog is very strong.

Asia

As the sun sets during a late summer evening, Kai, (right) senses something is wrong with fellow dog, Asia. He dutifully follows behind Rob Peterson and Dr Dani McVety. Soon, with the help of Carrie, Rob's sister, Asia will be buried on the farm
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

In homes with more than one dog, it’s not just the humans who feel the loss. In this picture, owner Rob and the vet drive recently euthanized Asia to a special spot on the farm to be buried. His other dog Kai, concerned because something is wrong with Asia, followed behind them.

Coco

'Coco was there for me when he was on deployment', said Rebecca Cassity, as she fights back tears. Her husband, Drew, was in the military. Dr McVety reassures her with a hug and consoling words: 'This is better treatment than any one of us would get'
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

As mentioned already, our pets help us through some pretty difficult times. For Rebecca, Coco was there for her throughout her husband Drew’s deployment with the Military. The vet made sure to console her, letting her know that there was no better treatment that Daisy could ask for.

Read: Forget Coffins or Boxes: This Company Swirls You Into Unique Glass Art Creations When You Die

Heidi

Dog Heidi looked up at Bob Lutz moments before she was euthanized due to recent substantial declines in health. Bob's wife, Cindy, is seen here (right) watched by their other dog, Winnie, through the glass of the white door behind them
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

Those last few moments are precious. Here, dog Heidi can be seen looking up lovingly at her owners Bob and Cindy one last time before being euthanized. Their other dog Winnie can be seen looking on through the window behind.

Ally

Vanessa Gangadyal consoles her son, eight-year-old Ian, while her husband, Michael Gangadyal, pets their dog, Ally, shortly after its passing. Founded by Dani McVety, the organization, Lap of Love, has been working with Caring Pathways to provide a peaceful passing 'at home' euthanasia service 
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

Some of the hardest-hit from the loss of a dog are the children involved. For many of them, losing their pet is their first time experiencing death and grief. In this photo, mom Vanessa can be seen consoling eight-year-old Ian while her husband Michael gives Ally one last pet.

Mimosa

Wendy Lehr cuddled beside her dog, Mimosa, shortly after she passed away, surrounded by family members. Taylor expresses utmost gratitude for those working at Lap of Love and Caring Pathways, adding: 'It couldn't be done without their willingness to participate and belief in the project... They have my respect'
Image Credit: Ross Taylor

When going through such a tough procedure, being surrounded by people you love is important. This is a picture of Wendy, surrounded by family, giving her beloved dog Mimosa one last cuddle.

Keep Reading: Law Allows Pets To Be Buried Alongside Their Humans At Cemeteries

Sources

  1. “Heart-breaking photos capture the raw grief of dog owners as their pets pass away after being euthanized.” Daily Mail. Chris Dyer. January 19, 2019.
  2. Ross Taylor