rest in peace loppy; newport beach pet photography.
May 8th, 2009A few weeks ago, I scheduled a client at the last minute because she had some sad news - her beloved dog Loppy had been diagnosed with nasal cancer and she wasn’t sure how long she had to live. So I took a drive down to Newport Beach to meet sweet Loppy and her mom and dad.
Yes, shooting dogs with terminal illnesses is always incredibly heart breaking. It takes great effort not to break down in tears. But at the same time, our photoshoot was such a fun celebration of Loppy and the amazing time she’s had with her family. Loppy’s sweet strength and incredible joy for life is almost tangible in these photos. She looked great and felt great, and we had a wonderful time hanging out at her favorite places with her 2 favorite people.
(click on small photos to enlarge)
What has 4 legs, orange fur, and drives Loppy craaaaaazy? PS: Loppy’s mama is a professional dancer. Look at those perfect dancer toes. : )
Shooting at the beach right before sunset is heavenly.
Best buddies for life:
Guess who loves splashing around in the ocean?
Melanie and Chris, it was an honor photographing you and Loppy. I’m so glad we had the chance to meet. I hope these photos bring you some comfort and healing. Wishing you guys all the best. Loppy, you were so loved and were so lucky to have had a great life with your mom and dad. Hope you are happy and running free on a beach over the rainbow bridge.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
My dearest sympathy to Melanie and Chris in your loss of your family member. You will be so grateful to have these beautiful images and as time passes they will bring so many smiles to your faces. Great job Grace.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
In tears. Can’t even imagine the pain they are going through. I’m so thankful they got to capture her this beautifully.
May 8th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
You gave Loppy’s family an incredible gift. That B/W shot on the beach is breathtaking.
May 8th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
What an incredible gift and idea! I wish this sort of thing was around when my childhood dog grew ill. I would have loved and cherished photos like these for a lifetime! You did such a wonderful job at capturing the couple and their beautiful dog—everyone looks so happy.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I’m in tears too…i still can’t believe she’s not here. She is my best best friend. These pictures are SO worth it! It relieves the heartbreak just a little and makes me smile. Thanks grace. You are a light in a very sad time for us.
Loppy’s mom <3
May 8th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Great pics! She was a lucky dog to have you and Chris. She is in Doggy Heaven where she can run, frolic and gets to eat just as good if not better then your mothers food.
Love,
Raffi
May 8th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
im sobbing… what a great gift..
May 8th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
grace…..these are so beautiful and wonderful.
May 9th, 2009 at 4:08 am
I too, am in tears. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss, Melanie and Chris. Grace..you did an amazing job…I feel like I know Loppy and her family. What a wonderful way to remember Loppy…she looks so happy and content in these photos.
May 9th, 2009 at 4:36 am
Mel and Chris,
What beautiful pictures of you and Loppy. You can see the bond, the love and devotion she had for you both in every picture. What a wonderful way to remember your best friend.
May 9th, 2009 at 4:44 am
This must have been so difficult for you to photograph, Grace… but you did a fabulous job…. I’m so sorry for your loss, Melanie & Chris… Loppy was a beautiful soul.
May 9th, 2009 at 8:05 am
What a sad but beautiful story and the photos are a treasure. I had a beloved pet pug named Buster who passed a few years ago. I treasure a small painting a friend did of him, so I know the power your art can bring to people.
We have a new guy in our life now. A little rescue mutt named Mogli. I am trying to love him the way I loved Buster, but I think every dog is different and I will learn to love Mogli in a way that is unique and special to him. GREG
May 9th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Beautiful pictures…. great idea……another way to treasure the precious memories of Loppy….she was very lucky to have the two of you for ‘parents’……you can see the love that you all share in these amazing photos….I’m sorry for your loss guys!!!! Big hug!!
May 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I had to take photos like this a month ago for my BFF. It was hard, but I’m glad I did it. You did a phenomenal job as always. These are especially poignant given the circumstance.
My condolences to Mel and Chris.
May 9th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Such a stunning dog and these photos are a perfect reflection of a great life and puppy soul. It is always sad to read of dogs that have left. I include my symphathy for these folks and their loss of such a close friend. God bless.
May 9th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I’m sure your photos will help the healing tremendously
I’m always impressed at how dogs will still live life as much as they can despite what ever medical condition they are in.
May 9th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Rest in peace, Loppy.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Life isn’t the same without her and I’m so glad that I have these pics of her.
Thanks very much Grace
May 10th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Oh Mel this are beautiful! My favorite one is the one on the beach and all three of you are walking away…is like you guys are walking her to to the light…oh I have a knot on my throat just looking at them. I’m so glad you have this photos.
May 10th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Im teary and cant hold it in! These pics are sooo precious. Im SO glad I got to hang with Loppy- that was SUCH a huge/special day for me. I love you guys and share your sadness. xoxo
May 11th, 2009 at 5:03 am
this is what being a photographer is all about. rest in peace loppy.
May 11th, 2009 at 9:27 am
what a beautiful girl…my heart goes out to her family.
May 11th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Dear Mel and Chris, I’m delighted I had the opportunity to meet Loppy that afternoon following the photo shoot. What a precious pet and a loved one who you will hold onto for the rest of your life. Loppy will always be a part of you and as the years pass you will remember and enjoy the times you spent together even more. My best to you both and I hope the physical pain you are feeling will subside to a tug in your heart as a little reminder of the wonderful life Loppy led in your care. Marcie
May 11th, 2009 at 11:01 am
My sweet Lopster! This really does capture the feel of my Loppy face. She will be missed very much. This pictures are amazing.
May 11th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Awwwwwwwwww Loppy, she looks so happy. The pictures are really beautiful.
May 11th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
These are divine. What a lovely tribute to Loppy’s parents. May they find comfort in the art you created. My condolences.
May 11th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Mel, these are the most beautiful and precious pictures ever….just adorable. I am so glad you had an opportunity to capture Loppy’s personality and beauty as a keepsake in addition to all of the personal memories that will forever live in you’re hearts. What a sweet bb girl…. You’re lucky to have shared you’re lives with such a sweet companion. Smiles and tears… xoxo, Kim
PS..they are all so cute, I have a couple favorites though! :o)
May 11th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
A beautiful tribute to Loppy. These are so surreal and beautiful! Fantastic work Grace!
May 15th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Hey Mel,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I know you were pretty fond of Loppy and Lil Bryan also loved that four legged friend.
Love Ya,
Papa Bryan
May 15th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Well Heck,
I know the suffering all too well. My thoughts are with ya.
Miss Ya.
Papa Bryan
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:21 pm
OMG! Mel, I just checked my email!!! I cant believe lopster is gone! I am gonna miss her and her shark like tactics…you know that was for laughs. I miss her already. So sorry.
May 24th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Grace shot our dogs and a month later Coal, our 13 year old Lab, dies. I am so happy to have the amazing photos that Grace took. Coal never looked better.