Collecting memories of our dogs is one of the greatest parts of being a pup-parent. Every belly rub, snuggle session, game of fetch and funny face becomes part of the story of us and our fur babies. Treasuring those memories is so important, especially as our dogs age and eventually leave us.
When photographer Eva Hagel lose her beloved boxer Cleo to cancer, she felt a deep, lasting sense of sadness.”Our pets are just like children. Their death can leave a resounding emptiness in our lives,” Hagel says.
Inspired to help others by her own heartbreaking experience, Hagel started Project Cleo, a photography program in Southeastern Minnesota that offers free photo shoots for sick or aging pets and their owners.
These photo shoots, which Hagel calls ‘Bliss Sessions,’ are intended to provide pet owners with a lasting, intimate memory of the love between them and their fur baby, a tangible way to treasure their time together, even when their furry best friend is no longer around.
But though these are emotional times for the participants (all of whom have been dog owners thus far), Hagel says Bliss sessions “are about celebration, not grieving. Celebrating the life of your pet.”
The work is really moving; the love and companionship between these dogs and their humans is captured perfectly. We think Hagel’s photographs are serving an amazing purpose for soon-to-be grieving pet owners, providing them with a sense of comfort and a lasting connection to their four-legged babies.
What do you think of Project Cleo? Would you want a photo session like this if your aging dog became ill? Share your thoughts below.
