I was born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota and have been bonded to animals since early childhood. From my childhood cats with whom I spent hours in our garage, to companion animals in my care as a foster volunteer, to working horse cruelty and neglect cases as a volunteer attorney, animals have held a central role in my life.

In college, I got my first camera and began earnestly photographing my travels in Latin America. For the past 12 years, I’ve taken end-of-life photography of horses. But it was the final picture I took of my sweetheart 15-year tuxedo old cat before he was humanely euthanized in 2007 that always sticks with me (taken on a Blackberry — ugh.) He deserved more and better, and I’ve always wished I had more photos of him in those last moments.

This has inspired me to return to pet photography focused on end of life. To me, “end of life” means animals who have a terminal diagnosis, lost quality of life due to old age, or are still healthy but in their “gray face” years. Pet photography is incredibly gratifying. It is bitter. It is sweet. It is everything.

Our animal friends hold a special place in our homes and hearts. Honoring their legacy — whether in their final hours or final years — is a gift. Because they are a gift.

Thank you for considering me to photograph you and your special friend.

Love, Stacy