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It’s pointless to talk about all the beautiful aspects of owning a pet without acknowledging the profound impact they have on our lives. The creatures we dedicate ourselves to repay us countless times over with their love and devotion. Every day is brighter when you can share it with your furry buddy, no matter the circumstances!

Living with pets is a significant responsibility, but it ultimately brings us joy and happiness. However, as all pet parents know, there comes a time when we must say goodbye to our companions and send them off to the rainbow bridge. The loss of our beloved pets is a devastating moment, and the grief can last for a very long time, if not forever.

Lauren Smith Kennedy is a photographer and the person behind The Tilly Project, dedicated to supporting pet owners dealing with the grief of losing their best friends. Offering end-of-life photoshoots for pets and their families, she captures those final moments together, preserving these precious memories for a lifetime.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | thetillyproject.org

#1

Zephyr

Zephyr

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Luis Hernandez Dauajare
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel this picture so much. I lost Nelson, my beautiful tuxedo boi three years ago. This is a picture of the day he adopted me. foto-perfi...bd31de.jpg foto-perfil-gato-2-67005b9bd31de.jpg

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Bored Panda reached out to Lauren to discuss her project, and the photographer shared insights about her approach to these emotional sessions with families who are saying goodbye to their beloved pets: “It is my goal to create a calm, supportive, and empathetic environment for both the pets and their families. It's essential to meet the family where they are at emotionally, which allows for capturing genuine, candid moments.”

#2

Remy

Remy

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Beachbum
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rats are such wonderful little creatures. Had two brothers, they passed away within a month of each other, miss those crazy little boys every day

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#3

Smokey

Smokey

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Beachbum
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope whenever the time comes for my boy Roamer, he is 15, I want to go to is most favorite spot, it is outdoors, he loves the outdoors. But I am not hready , and he is not ready. RIP little Smokey. Looks like you lived a long beautiful life

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We learned that the first step the photographer takes to ensure everyone feels comfortable is by asking family members to help her get to know their pet and hear their story. Smith Kennedy emphasized the importance of recognizing when things get too tense, as it signals a need to pause: “Should the session begin to become emotional, or the pet seems stressed or anxious, we pause and do a check-in. Additionally, we end the session whenever we need to. The pet and their family will also be my top priority.”

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The photographer elaborated on how she balances the emotional intensity of these sessions with maintaining professionalism and focus behind the camera: “It’s a delicate balance, but I remind myself that I’m there to capture these moments for the family, which helps me stay focused behind the camera. I take breaks as needed during post-production (editing) and I never rush the process. My own experience with pet loss and grief has taught me how to hold space for grief while maintaining a sense of purpose.”

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We wanted to know how families typically respond to the photos Lauren provides. We learned that: “The families I work with always express such deep gratitude. Many have shared how the images helped them feel a sense of closure or allowed them to celebrate the bond they shared with their beloved pet. Every experience is different, but many times there are tears- whether that be happy or sad, anger towards their situation, or a mix of them all. Nonetheless, they always profusely thank me for this service.”

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Lauren Smith Kennedy explained the role she believes photography plays in the grieving process for those who’ve lost a beloved pet: “Photography offers a tangible way to hold onto the love and connection that families feel for their pets. For anticipatory grief, it can be a way of coming to terms with their pet’s future and can provide a sense of closure after the pet has passed while also creating a keepsake that families can return to as they move through their grief. I believe that seeing their pet in a peaceful, loving moment helps people heal by allowing them to remember their pet in a positive, meaningful way.”

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Lastly, we asked the photographer how the project has impacted her own views on loss, grief, or love. Lauren kindly answered: “The Tilly Project is named after my own cat who tragically passed away, so pet loss and grief is a subject I am no stranger to. Though, this style of photography and founding The Tilly Project has really deepened my understanding of loss, grief, and love. It has opened my eyes and heart up to so many families and reminded me that grief looks different for everyone with the most genuine form of love always being the common thread. Each session reminds me of the profound connection people share with their pets, and it has given me an even greater appreciation for the beauty and fragility of those relationships.”

#12

Duchess

Duchess

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Beachbum
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at that swett grey face.... Lived a long wonderful life.

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#15

Brodie

Brodie

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Mia C
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lost my sweet dachshund last year. Miss her every day. She was such a sweet girl

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#19

Stella

Stella

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Marissa D
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She reminds me of my old dachshund, Max. I miss him everyday, but he's in a better place.

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#20

Garlic

Garlic

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Beachbum
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Little Garlic is adorable! I had two brothers, and they both got massive tumors on them, they passed within a month of each other. But they were so much fun!!

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#24

Munjoy

Munjoy

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Mia C
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This boy. So young and this is probably his first big heartbreal

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#29

Cheddar

Cheddar

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#35

Cooper

Cooper

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#36

Marlee And Maggie

Marlee And Maggie

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Beachbum
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so beautiful. I'm sure that they could not have lived without the other one.

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