Some of you may remember I did a “Then & Now” split screen of Abby when she started to get sick. That simple photo collage helped me come to terms with her declining health. Our sweet Abby crossed the rainbow bridge in 2018. Giving her a bucket list was a healthy distraction and she loved all the attention and special treats. I highly recommend this to other pet parents.

• Celebrate her 11th birthday 
• Eating competition with Burger King cheeseburgers 
• Get a sweet new ride with personal chauffeur 
• Trip to Hawaii with her favorite stowaway 
• Fancy steak dinner 
• Vote 
• Take a gymnastics/aerobics class 
• Get married 
• Become a Mom/adopt puppies 
• Get a hot pink pedicure 
• Ice cream cone treat 
• New Momma spa day 
• Devour fish 
• Try out for American Idol 
• Starbucks Pup Cup 
• 15 minutes of fame 

I feel like with a Schnauzer, it’s much less obvious as they age but for comparison here he is at 2 vs 12. I am feeling a little nostalgic and pray he has a few more years with us in his senior years. He is my first “baby”, the inspiration behind my pet photography business and has seen me through every major life event since my late 20s. I think he still looks pretty good all things considered! I mean, he’s a little weathered and less bright eyed but aren’t we all after kids? Ha! He’s tolerated immense change and two young children who smother him with love and food crumbs every day.

I’d like to challenge you all to do some split screens with your pets and comment below with your thoughts. Be aware of how your pet is aging even if you don’t want to admit it. Photograph your pet BEFORE they are diagnosed with a terminal illness – I promise you won’t regret it.