Draco the German Shepherd’s Winter Session at Frontier Park in Puyallup
Today, I want to share the story of a sweet and wonderful dog—the tale of Draco, a senior German Shepherd with a love for chasing balls and playing with sticks.
So, picture this: we're in Puyallup, at Frontier Park, surrounded by the rustling leaves and the soft glow of the winter sun. That's where I met Draco and his wonderful family for a photo session that was equal parts heartwarming and bittersweet.
Draco wasn't just any dog. He was dog-mom's first furry companion, a steadfast friend who had been by her side for eight incredible years. She got him when she was just 17, and they've been inseparable ever since.
When dog-mom reached out to me initially, she thought we had time to plan the session ahead.
"It’s not yet a rainbow session, but we expect Draco to completely lose all ability to walk within the next 6-12 months."
But life had other plans. A sudden unexpected change in Draco's health meant that the urgency of the moment couldn't be ignored. Within days, we were capturing their precious moments together, knowing that time was fleeting.
With a heavy heart and a sense of urgency, we made it happen. We set up the session, knowing it was more than just a photo shoot—it was a chance to capture the essence of Draco before it was too late.
The day arrived, and the sun was shining down on us—a rare treat in rainy Washington. We took it slow, knowing Draco's limited mobility required gentle care. We enjoyed just a couple of spots in the park, limiting his movement but maximizing the beauty of the moment.
It was all about capturing those genuine moments, the ones that speak volumes without saying a word. As we savored each moment, Draco's spirit shone through. His eyes told a story of love, loyalty, and a lifetime of adventures. And in those moments, it felt like time stood still—a pause in the chaos, a chance to say goodbye with dignity and grace.
Now, normally purchase appointments take place as soon as the next day, however given the situation, we gave dog-mom the space she needed to say goodbye and begin to process her grief.
When the time came to choose the images, she chose with her heart—a collection of prints and digital memories that would last a lifetime, along with a stunning barnwood framed print which now hangs in their bedroom, reminding them of Draco's unwavering presence and the love they shared.
Having these photos meant the world to dog-mom and her family. They became a source of comfort, a tangible reminder of the love they shared with Draco. During the grieving process, they found solace in the memories captured—the gentle touch of his fur, the warmth of his gaze, the silent conversations shared.
So, here's to Draco—a gentle soul who left pawprints on our hearts. May his spirit live on in the memories we've captured, a reminder that love knows no bounds, not even in the face of goodbye.
Dogs give us so many of the best days ever and only one of the worst. We always try to focus our sessions on remembering the best of times, and it’s for that reason that we encourage pet parents to reach out for a photo session before they start to slow down or show signs of aging. That way we can run, laugh and play during their session and capture their spirit exactly as you want to remember them.
If that’s you, let’s start planning your custom photo session experience.