Celebrate Your Dog’s Golden Years: Senior Dog Photography in Traverse City

What does 17 years of love look like?

Sometimes it looks like a tiny blur of fur digging joyfully in the sand, or a sweet senior dog with her tongue flopped out after losing her jaw, waddling toward her person in a field of daffodils. For me, it often looks like a quiet, deeply meaningful gaze between a dog and their human. A look that says “thank you for loving me my whole life.” That’s what we’re capturing in senior pet sessions.

These are not just 'pretty pictures.' They are the memories you won’t ever want to forget - the waggy tail on weary legs, the graying face that melts your heart, that signature toothless smile. These portraits matter more than most people realize... until they really, truly matter.

Let me share why I believe senior sessions are so important - and how they’ve moved both my clients and me in ways hard to put into words.

The Unique Love of Senior Dogs

If you’ve been lucky enough to live life alongside an older dog, you already know: they love you differently.

They’ve been in your life through job changes, heartbreaks, new homes, college years, all of it. Maybe they're just starting to show flecks of gray and white on their face, maybe they’ve slowed down, or maybe they need a little help getting up the steps these days, but the bond? Stronger than ever.

And that bond deserves to be remembered - not just with a phone picture you scroll past, but with something lasting, intentional, and beautiful. Senior dog photography sessions allow us to pause, to celebrate, to soak in what’s here right now.

I’ve worked with reactive seniors, shy seniors, wild-and-unstoppable seniors. Every one of them has shown me something new about love and resilience and joy. Like Bonnie, a 17-year-old Shih Tzu who ran laps at the beach on her birthday, never tiring, determined to dig her way to China with pure puppy joy (and don’t worry, she was treated to ice cream first, and pupcakes after). Or Gladys, the little Dachshund with her floppy, happy ears and more heart than most people I’ve known, rescued from an unspeakably hard life and loved fiercely in her final chapter.

These sessions are full of love, movement, playfulness, belly rub breaks, and soft snuggles - whatever your dog needs. No pressure. Just presence.

What to Know About Senior Pet Sessions

You might be wondering if a portrait session is really doable with your older or special-needs dog. The short answer? Yes. Always. Here’s how I approach it:

It’s Not About Posing. It’s About Feeling.

Forget stiff poses or “sit-stay” perfection. I work with your dog as they are. If they want to lay in your lap the whole time - great. If they want to chase their ball once and nap the rest - we’ll catch it all. Authenticity beats perfection every single time.

Patience Is Baked In

Sessions are slow, gentle, and catered entirely to your dog’s comfort. We take breaks (lots, if needed). We let them explore, rest, sniff, settle. If your dog is over it, we wrap early, or reschedule if needed. No guilt, no pressure. This is their moment, not a photoshoot to “get through.”

Location Choice Matters More Than You Think

A quiet favorite trail, a familiar beach, your backyard, a cozy blanket under a tree - the where plays a big role in making your dog feel safe. If crowds stress them out, we pick a quieter time or space. If they love water, let’s go splash. Whatever feels most “them.”

Now Is The Right Time

Not trying to be dramatic here, but if you’re thinking about doing this, it probably means it’s time. I get it - it’s hard watching your dog grow older, especially when they start to slow down. But these photos won’t make you sad... they’ll save you when the day comes. Trust me.

Why These Photos Matter So Much

When my own senior dog, Lupin, passed away, there were so many things I missed about him. His little gap-toothed smile. His bleps. His warm, fluffy body sleeping next to me. Thankfully, I have some precious photos that still bring me joy (and yes, the good kind of tears).

What I hear most from senior pet clients is this: “I had no idea how much these photos would mean to me until now.” When your pet is no longer beside you physically, these images bring them home again. They’re how you remember the funny faces, the deep stares, the goofy behaviors, the special way your dog looked only at you.

And it’s not just about grief. It’s about honoring the now. I want your dog to be celebrated while they’re still here to enjoy it. Like Bonnie racing on the beach on her birthday. There was laughter, sunshine, sand, and tail wags. That’s the legacy.

Let’s Capture Their Golden Years, Together

If your dog is getting older and you’ve wondered whether now is the time for professional photos - I hope this gives you a gentle nudge. You don’t have to wait. You shouldn’t wait.

I’ll handle everything with love, patience, and intention. I’ve worked with dogs who are blind, deaf, reactive, limited in mobility, or just a little oddball (my favorite type). They still deserve this moment in the spotlight. You both do.

You can learn more about senior pet sessions with me here, or just send me a message - we can talk through what would feel best for your dog.

Because they’ve spent a lifetime loving you... let’s celebrate that love in a way that lasts.