In an Instant, Everything Changed
Life with pets is unpredictable at best, and downright heart-wrenching at worst. One moment, you’re enjoying belly rubs and tail wags, and the next, life throws you the kind of curveball that takes your breath away. It’s a painful reminder of how fragile and fleeting our time with our beloved animals really is.
Whether it’s a dog with soulful eyes or a feisty feline who runs your house, the truth is this: our pets aren’t guaranteed tomorrow.
When Everything Changes in a Heartbeat
Let me tell you about a client whose story will stay with me forever. She reached out one Friday night, hoping to schedule portraits of her terminally ill dog. Her husband was out of town, but they planned for him to come home at the end of the week to say their goodbyes.
My Saturday was fully booked, so we scheduled the session for Sunday. But when I woke up Saturday morning, my heart sank as I read her text—their dog had passed away during the night.
For many, that would have been the end of the story. But not for this client. She decided she never wanted to experience that kind of regret again. Instead of retreating into the sadness, she scheduled a session for her two other dogs. That portrait session wasn’t just a one-time thing—it turned into an annual tradition. Every year since, I’ve had the honor of photographing her dogs and family.
This experience taught me—and her—that moments matter. Waiting can mean missing out on capturing the joy, the connection, and the love that pets bring into our lives.
The Power of the Dog
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
-Rudyard Kipling
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll schedule portraits next month,” or “Maybe when life isn’t so busy,” you’re not alone. Seriously, I’ve done it myself…and I’m a photographer.
But here’s the thing: life doesn’t slow down. Your pets are here, now, being their goofy, lovable, and sometimes mischievous selves.
Waiting only increases the chances of losing that fleeting moment forever. I’ve seen too many families left with nothing but memories and a gnawing sense of regret because they put off getting portraits.
And let’s be honest—those cell phone snaps? They’re fine for social media, but they don’t capture the depth of emotion, the soulful glances, or the joy that professional portraits bring to life.
Turning Moments Into Memories
Every pet has their quirks—the way they tilt their head when they’re curious, the wag of their tail that could power a wind turbine, or the way they curl up just so. These are the moments that make your pet unique, and they deserve to be celebrated.
Professional portraits are more than pictures. They’re stories. They’re the legacy of your pet’s life with you, frozen in time to be treasured forever. Whether it’s a wall-sized canvas, a timeless album, or a series of framed prints, these portraits keep your pet’s spirit alive in your home.
Life is Short—Love Them Well
If there’s one takeaway from this blog, it’s this: don’t wait. Rub those ears. Scratch those bellies. Snap that leash on for another walk. And capture those moments that make life with your pet so special.
Because in an instant, everything can change.
Ready to capture memories you’ll cherish forever?
Not sure where to start? Join the Ride the Sky Herd and get information sent directly to your inbox!
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography specializes in on-location photography for horses and their equestrians. Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN and works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.