(Tissue alert!) It is never easy to write these In Loving Memory posts, but I think they are super important. Melissa from Tangled Lilac Photography sent in these photos of a Sophie, the Great Dane, along with Sophie’s best friend, Big Joe. Unfortunately, Sophie recently crossed the rainbow bridge. Melissa shared a beautiful quote about Sophie, and I think it might help anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
From Melissa: “Sophie, the Great Dane, was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer. She’s my dog’s (Big Joe the Tibetan Mastiff) best friend. We are heartbroken, but I wanted to give Vickie a beautiful portrait of her beloved friend before Sophie got too sick.
To watch them play is so much fun, you really know how much they love one another. I first met Vickie and Sophie the week that I rescued Big Joe and his two girlfriends and six puppies. I had found homes for all of them, except Big Joe. Since I didn’t know if he would be OK off leash in the forest yet, I took him to our local dog park, since it was a big area and fenced.
Vickie was there with Sophie. As soon as Big Joe entered the park, he made a beeline to Sophie. It was love at first sight. They played like gladiators that day, and all the days they had together thereafter. Big Joe would emit the most hilarious sounds when we would drive up to play dates with Sophie, it sounded like someone was squeezing a dog toy, it always made Vickie, and I laugh. Watching them play together will always be something that I’ll cherish, and I’m so happy I made a few videos. Theirs was a Big Love. 
The day that Sophie passed away, Big Joe was very lethargic. I didn’t know why until I found out that Sophie had passed. I know she came by to say goodbye to her True Love. But, I also know with all my heart that she’s still around. As I write this, I can feel her nearby. There are mornings when I see Big Joe playing by himself in the backyard…jumping and pouncing…and I know she’s playing with him. Love doesn’t die. I’ll miss that leaning, big-hearted body that Sophie lived in, but I know her love will always be with us in spirit.”
It never seems like we have enough time with our loved ones, especially pets. Take the time to do something special with your pets today and every day. Photos like these help us remember the joy we share with our pets. If you don’t have some great photo of your loved ones, I hope you’ll get some soon. If you need help finding a photographer, check our pet-friendly Photography Directory. Many photographers offer discounted sessions for end-of-life sessions.
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About Tangled Lilac Photography: Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Melissa specializes in portrait photography (including dogs) and weddings. Melissa is available to photograph in the Flagstaff, Sedona, and greater Phoenix area.
Thank you for sharing Sophie’s story. Sorry for her families loss. Sophie sounds like such an amazing fur baby.
I just love these photos! It’s always sad when you lose a pet, but at least you can look back at photos and have those.
Hard to lose a family pet. Beautiful dog. Glad there are videos and photos to remember
I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t know what I will do if my little dog passes away before me. He is my everything. We live alone and travel together. I need to check out your pet-friendly photography directory. I’ve never had photos taken with him but I would love to.
It is always so difficult to lose a fur baby. Thank you for sharing this story. It is so touching!
That is such a touching story! I have lost many dogs in my life and it never stops hurting. You did such a wonderful tribute and she is such a beautiful dog.
Sophie was a beautiful dog who brought joy and happiness to our world. Rest in peace, sweet dog.
I am so sorry. What a beautiful dog. My husband has always said that if we get another dog, he wants a great dane!
Sweet Sophie girl!! I am so sorry!!
This is such a sad story! I am so sorry for Sophie!
All these photos are amazing and Sophie was such a beautiful dog. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ahh, sad that she is gone now. These are lovely photos. Good thing she have these to look at every time she misses her.
Big Joe in the scarf is too much. They are both such large dogs that together they don’t look so big. Goodbye Sophie!
Oh my, so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard when we lose pets. We lost our first 4, now we have 3 more. It’s just not a family without dogs.
Such beautiful pictures! I am so sorry for the loss of Sophie. I know what it’s like to lose a beloved pet. I bet she’s playing my cat(hahaha) over the Rainbow bridge <3 Sending x an o's.
Sophie’s eyes are so deep and expressive – like a beautiful old soul. I’m sure she is around looking after Big Joe and all her friends.