End of Life Dog Photoshoot in Marylebone, London | Andrea Whelan

Chloe’s Last Sunday

This end of life dog photoshoot is one I will carry with me for a long time. Chloe was a 16 year old corgi. Her Mum and Dad got in touch on a Thursday morning. Sadly, they had to say goodbye to her on the Monday. Before that, they wanted one last evening with her on camera.

So on Sunday, at seven o’clock, I met the three of them in Marylebone.

Some photo sessions mean a little more. Chloe was 16, and this was her last Sunday with her people. We wandered around the Marylebone streets she’d come to know on her daily walk. She travelled in her little chariot, was thoroughly and rightfully fussed over by everyone that passed her, and had lots of cuddles with Mum and Dad. Importantly, she managed a super special human ice cream treat. Finally, Mum and Dad had to say goodbye to her the following day. I feel incredibly, incredibly privileged that I was trusted to capture Chloe, the very best girl.

Why we started with ice cream

Chloe had spent the weekend in Richmond, lying on soft grass. By Sunday evening, though, there was one thing left on her list. A real human ice cream.

Her first lick was slow and very serious. After that, she got the hang of it fast. Mum held the cone and Dad held Chloe. I mostly tried not to laugh too loudly and wobble the camera.

Of course, it worked out well for everyone. Those ice cream frames became the family’s favourites.

A gentle walk around her Marylebone streets

Chloe found walking hard by then. Instead of walking, she rode in her pram, which her family called her chariot. It meant we could cover her usual route without tiring her out.

And people stopped. Every few metres, someone bent down to say hello. One young woman kissed her on the head. Another passer-by took her own photo. Chloe accepted all of it like a small, fluffy queen.

Meanwhile, I kept my distance and let it happen. Those little interruptions told the story better than anything I could set up.

Slow moments in a Paddington Street Gardens

Next, we stopped in a quiet garden off the busy streets. The ground was covered in early fallen leaves. Then the light dropped low and turned everything golden.

Here, Chloe could simply lie down and rest. Her Dad sat on the ground with her on his lap. She rolled onto her back for belly rubs. Above all, she looked completely at ease.

A few treats helped with the portraits. Still, she gave me one clear look down the lens, and that was plenty..

Planning an end of life dog photoshoot in London

Timing matters more than anything. Many families call me with only a few days’ notice, and that is fine. In late summer, the light softens from around 7.45pm, and evenings are cooler for an older dog.

Keep it short and close to home. Familiar streets help a tired dog stay calm. Also, bring water, a blanket and their favourite treats. A pram or a sling lets them come along without strain.

Above all, let your dog set the pace. If they need to lie down, we stop. Some of my favourite frames come from those pauses.

Ending on the front steps

We finished with a wander under striped awnings and past flower boxes. Dad lifted Chloe high outside a café, and she looked thoroughly pleased with herself. Afterwards, we ended on a set of grand front steps as the light faded.

I sent the gallery a couple of days later. Her Mum wrote back to say the photos had brought them a lot of comfort. That is all I could have hoped for.

If you would like family photos with your dog, at any age, I would love to hear from you. You can see more of my family photography sessions in London on my main page. Then just drop me a message about your plans, and we can find a time that suits your dog.