Photographer captures people’s heartbreaking final moments with their pets

Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
Olesya cries out after she is told her dog, Sam, is dead (Picture: Ross Taylor)

The loss of a pet is a pain that’s difficult to put into words.

It’s a type of grief that’s all too often dismissed as unimportant or lesser, but can rip through you to the same effect of mourning any loved one.

Our pets are special to us. We love them without complication and they love us right back, unconditionally.

Anyone who has loved a pet will feel the raw emotion of Last Moments, a photo series by Ross Taylor .

Ross has captured the intense moments people say goodbye to their pets, documenting people’s final moments with their beloved family member before and after they are euthanised.

The photos, taken over the course of a year, were made with the cooperation of dog owners in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, who wanted to show the love between dogs and their owners. Each dog was helped by vets from Lap of Love, a pet euthanasia service that allows for peaceful passing at home rather than in a clinical setting, which can cause stress and fear for animals in their final moments.

The resulting images are heartbreaking.

Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
‘I don’t know if we’ll ever be ready, but I guess it’s time’ (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
Wendy cuddles Mimosa before she’s put down (Picture: Ross Taylor)

For a dog who loves to tear apart stuffed animals, make a durable activity ball with a Hol-ee rubber ball, scraps of fabric, and treats.

Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
Bob puts a hand on Spencer after he dies. Bob’s wife, Leigh was too upset and had to leave the room (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
Drew and Rebecca say goodbye to Coco (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
‘I hoped I could give him a magic pill to make him better,’ Gary Clay said of his dog, Woody (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
As Shadow passes away, Jennifer repeats: ‘It’s ok baby, it’s ok’ (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
Marquita and Donald mourn the loss of Daisy (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
Vanessa consoles her son, Ian, 8 while her husband Michael pets their dog, Ally (Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)
Photographer, Ross Taylor, documents the 'Last Moments' with owners and their beloved pets in a series of heartbreaking photographs
(Picture: Ross Taylor)