Joy Sessions Photography By Sarah Beth

Joy sessions project
As anyone who's owned a pet knows, they can truly be one of life's greatest companions. In many homes, dogs and cats become like a part of the family and they share their love and loyalty in ways we could have never imagined. Minneapolis-based Sarah Beth is a pet photographer who aims to capture animals living in our homes in unique ways. While she snaps adorable photos of dogs and cats in her studio, leaping in the air or laying upside down, she's also become well-known for taking photos of older or sick dogs just before they say their final goodbyes.
Joy Sessions are heartbreakingly beautiful portraits of terminally ill or elderly pets, who soon after the photos are taken, pass away. The name "Joy Session" has a very personal meaning behind it. Joy is actually a Black Labrador who was a service dog to Joan, a a woman living in hospice care. Sarah says, "Joy was her rock, her best friend, and had saved Joan’s life on more than one occasion. She would let Joan know when her blood sugar was low, and if she was about to have a seizure. Joy would place herself under Joan to break her fall, stand firm to help her up, and was by her side day and night."
While, in this case, Joan was the one with declining health, the conversations Sarah had with Joan sparked an idea. Sarah would offer photo sessions specifically for pets nearing the end of their lives. "For so many people, their pets mean the world to them, and I want to provide an opportunity to capture what makes them so special, especially in such a difficult time. These sessions really are for people who want to celebrate the happiness — the joy — their pets have brought to their lives."