A photographer in Dearborn is offering free pet end-of-life photo shoots.
Monika Miner with Dog, Charlie ( Julie Earhart)
When it comes to pets nearing the end of their lives, one Michigan-based artist provides comfort in the form of photographs.
Locals can get free end-of-life pet picture shoots from Julia Earhart, a 24-year-old photographer.
Earhart claimed she was nicknamed "Snow White" as a child because she loved animals. Earhart said she has befriended animal control in her hometown, Dearborn, as she finds loose dogs around town, and the nickname still suits.
Julie Earhart, a photographer located in Dearborn, is known for her free end-of-life pet photoshoots.
Benny and Bonnie, two golden retriever rescues, are Earhart's personal pets.
"Once I got my dogs, I understood how much emotional support they give me and how different their relationship is from that of a human." "You have an implicit sense of love and care for animals," Earhart explained.
Earhart was a professional dancer before to the epidemic. Her dancing studio was closed when COVID-19 came last spring because it was designated as a gym.
"My creative outlet was taken away from me since I couldn't teach dance at the time," Earhart explained.
As a result, she developed a new pastime.
"I stole my father's camera and began photographing my friends, family, and pretty much anything else I could think of at the moment," Earhart explained.
After receiving favorable comments on her photographs, Earhart decided to take things a step further and establish a paid photography business.
Annelise Nearon, Earhart's companion, received devastating news in November: her dog, Cudi, was terminally ill. Her friend asked Earhart to photograph her fuzzy friend as a memorial.
Annelise Nearon and Cudi, her puppy.
Nearon, 26, stated, "It was truly a very joyous and happy experience." "I wanted something I could treasure for a long time, and being able to capture those moments meant a lot to me."
When Earhart posted the photographs online, it sparked a flood of demands on social media.
Since then, Earhart says she's done approximately 20 free photo shoots for pets nearing the end of their lives.
Chelsea Kantor and her canine companion, King.
"A number of the folks I shot were unable to have children of their own, so their dogs and pets are treated as if they were family and children." So for them to be able to reflect back on these moments... it means a lot," the photographer statedThrough these shootings, Earhart has shared hugs, tears, and joy with pet owners as they say goodbye to their friends.
When individuals contribute money, Earhart says she saves it to donate to local animal shelters, senior dog sponsorships, or dog hospice care.
Earhart said she hasn't been allowed to go inside people's homes for pet shots because of COVID-19, but she is willing to do so when it's safe.
End-of-life pet photo requests are completed in the order they are received, according to Earhart. She also does paid photo shoots on a regular basis.
Earhart may be reached via her Instagram account or her website, photosbyjuliamarie.com.
