From Ross Taylor,
“I’m an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and have been a photojournalist for more than 20 years.
My website is: www.rosstaylor.net and Instagram is: @rosstaylorphoto.
“Last Moments,” is a photo essay that explores the intimacy, and intensity, of the human-animal bond. Specifically, the last moments before, and after, the passing of a pet at home with their owner. Its focus is, in part, to help those going through this process to know they’re not alone, and that their grief should not be overlooked, nor minimized by others. It’s also to show the compassionate care that organizations like Caring Pathways offer to their clients.
I hope, in the end, this project builds more empathy towards each other.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of working with an organization like Caring Pathways. The veterinarians that I’ve worked with have been some of the kindest, and most compassionate people I’ve met. I respect them deeply.
It’s been one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever witnessed. It’s fundamentally shifted how I react now when someone tells me they lost a pet, or that a pet is dying. My heart is more open towards those going through this process, and I have a profoundly deep respect for veterinarians who do this daily. They’re impressive people.
Finally, none of this could be done without the families allowing me to be there. They have my respect. I think, in the end, the reason they allow my presence has a lot to do with the fact that we all have a story to tell, and theirs is worth sharing. Caring Pathways is a crucial part of their story.
The Flemming Family Saying Goodbye to their Beloved Cooper
Darrel Saying Goodbye to his beloved Castle
The Sutter Family Saying Goodbye to their Beloved Ripple
Paul Saying Goodbye to his beloved Trooper
Other Articles Feturing Ross Taylor’s “Last Moments” Project
- WashingtonPost.com: A photographer documents the heart-wrenching final moments of pet owners with their dying pets
- Insider.com: Heartbreaking photos of the last moments between pets and their owners show how deeply people care for their animals
- BuzzFeedNews.com: This Photographer Captures The Emotional Final Moments Between Pets And Their Owners
- People.com: Heart-Wrenching Photo Series Captures the Pure Emotion and Anguish of Euthanizing a Beloved Pet