The series of pictures you will see below, knowns at the ‘Last Moments’ series, is going to bring a tear to your eye.
They show the bond between humans and animals in a very unique way. The pictures are taken at the end of a pet’s life, both before and after the pet is euthanized at home with their owner.
The pictures were taken in 2017 and 2018 with the consent of dog owners in the area of Tampa Bay, Florida. They were being assisted by an at-home pet euthanasia service, ‘Lap of Love’. The service allows the dogs to pass peacefully at home.
Ross Taylor is the photographer and he had the inspiration for the series after being ‘profoundly moved’ when seeing a close friend struggle with the death of her pet.
Source: Ross Taylor
Olesya Lykovi cries when her dog, Sam dies, She had just asked the doctor if her dog was gone and the doctor said: ‘He has his wings now’
Source: Ross Taylor
Kiara Manrique wept when her dot passed away, saying: ‘I tried to do more, I tried to do all I can. But they said there’s nothing more I can do’. Her sister, Kimberly was there to comfort her.
Source: Ross Taylor
Marquita Leibe was pacing the room near her dog shortly before bending down to be closer to her dog. Daisy was put to sleep as her Donald stepped outside to compose himself.
Source: Ross Taylor
Kai could sense that something was wrong with his fellow dog, Asia. He followed behind as they took Asia out to be buried.
Source: Ross Taylor
Carrie Peterson dropped sunflowers into the grave of her dog, Asia that was dug on their farm. ‘The smell of freshly turned earth is what I remember and how peaceful Asia looked within it’, photographer Ross Taylor said
Source: Ross Taylor
Leigh Zahn fights back tears as the sits with her dog, Spencer, one last time. This picture was taken only moments after Spence passed away.
Source: Ross Taylor
Rebecca Cassity struggles through tears as her husband, Drew sits nearby. She said: ‘Coco was there for me when he was on deployment’
Source: Ross Taylor
Heidi looked up at Bob Lutz just moments before she was euthanized. Cindy, Bob’s wife was nearby and their other dog, Winnie looks in through the glass door.
Source: Ross Taylor
Allie is 15 and was experiencing balance issues after being diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Glassler was there to give a hospice visit and to suggest how to best handle the situation. ‘Dr. Gassler, and so many others like her, are amazing at what they do and help the painful transition daily, without drawing attention to themselves. They have my respect’, said photographer Ross Taylor
Source: Ross Taylor
8-Year-Old Lan is consoled by his mother, Vanessa Gangadyal as her husband pets their dog, Ally shortly after she passed away. Lap of Love has been working with Caring Pathways to provide an ‘at home’ peaceful euthanasia service.
Source: Ross Taylor
Wendy Lehr cuddles with her dog, Mimosa shortly after she passed. Family members were there to console her. She said: ‘It couldn’t be done without their willingness to participate and believe in the project… They have my respect’
Sources: Ross Taylor / Daily Mail
