Special Needs & Senior Pets

I met Sof and Amber at the Denver Dog Fair, where they signed up to talk about a photo session with their dog, Starburst (Burst). When I first reached out to Sof, he expressed concern that Burst was having some health issues resulting in surgery, so we could take photos of Kylo, instead. I suggested we not leave anyone in the family out. It’s like picking a favorite child for the family photo. We could certainly schedule for a time when Burst was all healed up and capture them both.

That’s when I learned that they had not two but four yes FOUR senior Chihuahuas: Pekka, Jacks, Kylo, and Burst.

Sof and Amber both work from home, so they have the situation that can handle the extra care these pups need. They have had a total of 7 senior dogs with special needs.

When I asked about the joy that these elder pups bring to their lives, Amber described the moment when - especially when they are new to the home, and they’re in a little shock to be in a new place, and one day they brighten. It could take days, or it could be months with lots of work, but one day they realize that they’re safe, they begin to settle in, it almost seems like they don’t remember the bad situations they were part of. Senior dogs deserve to have the best life especially in their last years

Most important to Sof and Amber for the photo session was to get all four of them into one photo. Even though they aren’t very mobile, it could be a challenge for all of them to cooperate. (Pekka came from a cruelty situation, and her arms are permanently bent, so she performs an “army crawl” when she really wants to explore. There’s no stopping her!) Also important was that we tell this story to show how senior and special needs pets are able to live such full lives, despite their ages or disabilities. They’re full of love and joy, they bring life to a home and complete a family.

Kylo, Pekka, Jacks, and Burst.

I suggested an in-home session, because they’d be in a place they are comfortable, they won’t have to travel, and we can document each of their personalities with ease and in comfort. A couple of days before our session, I called to make sure there were no questions and we were set to go, but there was bad news. Jacks had been to the vet for strange symptoms, and they found what was probably a heart defect, and she may not have much time left. Sof said “We could cancel or reschedule if that’s a problem.” No way was I going to cancel. I felt this made the photo session urgent and even more important. I’d plan to assess Jacks’ mood and play it by ear onsite. We could use natural light if she wasn’t up for being disturbed, and we could keep things quiet if needed. We have to at least give it a try.

When I arrived the next day, everything went as planned. I set up a small studio in a corner of the downstairs area, and we got full family portraits, all four dogs together, and individual photos showing their unique personalities (and sweaters!). Jacks and all were in good moods and enjoyed the attention and hot dog treats.

When it came time for the presentation and ordering session at the studio, we postponed a couple of times due to Jacks’ declining health. It was more important for Sof and Amber to be home with everyone, cuddling and loving Jacks as much as possible.

When Sof and Amber finally saw the slideshow of photos, Sof said “I was crying the whole time.” (Sometimes I feel like a therapist for having a box of kleenex on the table in the Presentation room, but it comes in handy.)

Now Sof and Amber have beautiful artwork hanging on their staircase wall of the sweet faces they may only get to love for a short time, in the physical world, at least. Love is like energy - it is not created or destroyed, it merely changes forms.

I feel extremely privileged and honored to be able to provide this service for Sof and Amber and their little family, and any families with senior or special needs pets. Please give Crimson Cat Studios a call if you’d like to document your unique family!