The Last Chapter - EOL Pet Portraiture by Sierra Kurth Photography

08/02/2026

Lady, your family loves you so much 🤎🐾

In the last update I received, Lady is still soaking up as much love as she can during this final chapter.


🐾 To those who are new here... I offer End of Life Pet sessions on a pay-what-you-can basis for our community. I have photographed hundreds of pets, many in the comfort of their own homes, when they had months, days, and even just hours left to love their people. I have also been on my way to a session & the pet passed just minutes before my arrival and I've had to turn around and go home with a heavy heart per the client's preference.

This is not an easy job, but when I lost my heart kitty, Miley, 4 years ago... and realized I hardly had any photos of us together, I vowed to do my best to give the pet lovers in our community a regular reminder and easily accessible service so they have what I don't.

If you find yourself in this position... my heart is with you. I've been there. There's no shame in the state of your home or what you're able to gift financially to my service. You will receive artful, wall-worthy images of your beloved pet. It's never too early to reach out, but it can be too late. And if you're unsure, reach out to me and we can discuss the timeline.

Yours truly,
An animal lover through and through.

xx Sierra K

Inquire here:
sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com/contact

07/23/2026

Lexi - End of Life Portraits

Lexi's mama reached out to me when I was searching for some non-human models. This wasn't an End of Life session, though this sweet girl is well into her golden years. She posed and gave kisses and had the best goofy smiles for the camera. Just five short days after her photo session, Lexi passed, c...

07/22/2026

Just six days after our EOL session, this good boy crossed the rainbow bridge 🐾☁️ I'm thankful to have met him, and to have witnessed the love his humans had for him and his sweet, elderly brother🐾 forever a good boy.
..

If you find yourself wondering if you should schedule your End of Life Portrait Session for your beloved pet, please reach out. We handle these on a pay-what-you-can basis ($50 deposit) and a tip/cash donation is accepted either at checkout or on session day of the amount you choose.

More info here:
https://sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com/pet-portraiture

To book:
https://sierrakurthphotography.pixieset.com/booking/eol-pets


I am registered as an End of Life Pet Portrait Photographer with both The Tilly Project & Love, Baxter. On a pay-what-you-can basis, I offer heirloom portraits for animals nearing the end of their life, whether it be old age, sudden illness, or a terminal diagnosis. Tilly's website just this week sent me a sweet old boy and his human mama after a terminal diagnosis. I am thankful to have been able to get him into my schedule on short notice and felt their love through their images as I uploaded them last night. (Edits will begin after this holiday weekend).

You can find my profiles on both of their websites:

The Tilly Project
"is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to connect pet owners with end-of-life pet photographers across the world and to provide accessible, educational, and supportive resources for photography, anticipatory grief, and pet loss/bereavement."
https://thetillyproject.org/

Love, Baxter
"is a free resource for pet parents navigating the hardest parts of pet parenthood. We publish one of the largest libraries of veterinary-reviewed resources for senior pet care, end-of-life planning, aftercare, and pet loss grief. We run a professional directory that connects families with verified counselors, end-of-life specialists, and pet care providers. And we offer a memorial store with thoughtful gifts and keepsakes for every stage of loss."
https://lovebaxter.com/

If you are in SE MN and looking for more info, wanting to talk about whether or not your pet is ready for their heirloom EOL photo session, my heart is with you and I will be here when you're ready to move forward. It's better to schedule it too early than too late ♡
https://sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com/pet-portraiture/

Winona photographer
Rochester photographer
Pet photographer
Old dog, elderly pet
Equine photographer
Cat photographer
Guinea pigs
Ferrets
Bunny/rabbit photographer

Also specializing in:
Family photography
Winona family photographer
Minnesota family photographer
Holmen & LaCrosse photographer
Rochester MN family photographer
Maternity Newborn photography
Motherhood Photographer
Motherhood Photography

Website:
Sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com

07/21/2026

Our Pet Loss Grievance Group is supposed to be THIS Wednesday however as of right now…there is no one signed up for attend yet despite many interests & pet losses lately 😢

Maybe it’s the time of day or day of the week so sorry to those who want to attend but can’t make it! Even if just ONE person joins me on Wednesday, I will keep the meeting 🥰

Gentle conversations, good snacks and company. Bring a beverage for yourself! Feel free to share as much or as little as you’d like. ⬇️

Link : https://form.jotform.com/261943943764065

07/21/2026

Winona MN & SE NEIGHBORS PET RESOURCES
*subject to change*

Let me know if i need to add, subtract, or change any details.


VET SERVICES:

🐾 LOCAL VETERINARY CLINICS 🐾

For pet owners looking for veterinary care in and around the Winona area:

Pet Medical Center
📍 Winona, MN
📞 (507) 454-2600
⭐ Local partner veterinary clinic

Companion Animal Care Center
📍 Winona, MN
📞 (507) 452-9189
⭐ AAHA-accredited hospital; comprehensive veterinary care, surgery, emergency services, diagnostic imaging & anesthesiology

Winona Veterinary Hospital
📍 Winona, MN
📞 (507) 452-4811
⭐ Veterinary hospital offering care for pets and senior animals

Lewiston Veterinary Clinic
📍 Lewiston, MN
📞 (507) 523-2136
⭐ Veterinary care for pets and animals

Hillcrest Veterinary Service
📍 Dakota, MN
📞 (507) 201-4460
⭐ Veterinary services for pets and livestock

Valley Veterinary Clinic
📍 Rushford, MN
📞 (507) 864-2244
⭐ Veterinary care for the local community

St. Charles Veterinary Clinic
📍 St. Charles, MN
📞 (507) 932-4000
⭐ Veterinary care for pets and animals

La Crescent Animal Care
📍 La Crescent, MN
📞 (507) 895-3600
⭐ Hospice & euthanasia services, senior care, pain management, emergency services, orthopedics, laser therapy, ultrasound & surgery

Wabasha Veterinary Clinic
📍 Wabasha, MN
📞 (651) 565-4004
⭐ Small-animal clinic; surgery, dental care, vaccinations & laser therapy

Caledonia Veterinary Clinic
📍 Caledonia, MN
📞 (507) 725-3380
⭐ Large & small animal clinic; cares for dogs, cats, horses, cattle, llamas, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs & other pocket pets

La Crosse Veterinary Clinic
📍 La Crosse, WI
📞 (608) 781-3466
⭐ Veterinary care serving the La Crosse area

Thompson Animal Medical Center
📍 La Crosse, WI
📞 (608) 788-8820
⭐ Veterinary medical care and surgical services

Onalaska Animal Hospital
📍 Onalaska, WI
📞 (608) 668-6777
⭐ End-of-life care, emergency veterinary care, orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, dental surgery, laser therapy, digital radiology, ultrasound, ECG & behavior consultation

FARTHER OUT:

Heritage Pet Hospital - Rochester
▪︎ Elder Pet Care
▪︎ Exotic pets welcome
▪︎ Behaviorist on staff
▪︎ Mon-Th: 7:30am-6pm
Friday: 7:30am-5pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
▪︎ 3515 Sarah Pl NW Rochester, MN 55901
▪︎ 1-507-288-2050
▪︎ page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18UncR59zP/

~

ER FOR PETS:

Allied Veterinary Emergency- Rochester
▪︎ (507) 900-5600
▪︎ 205 S Main St Stewartville, MN 55976

~

South Metro Emergency Care (24 hour care)
(952) 953-3737
14690 Pennock Ave
Apple Valley, MN 55124
68 miles from Rochester, MN

~

AERC St. Paul, MN
651-293-1800
1542 7th St. W
St. Paul, MN
68 miles from Rochester, MN

~

Saw this in an ISO comment:
Whitehall Vet in whitehall, WI also has emergency services. Closer than Eau Claire (and cheaper)
715-538-4476

A comment from a Facebook post:
"I believe LaCrescent Vet will see people for an emergency if you aren't a client. I think they charge a non client fee, but close than Rochester or stewartville. I think I read that Chatfield Vet may see emergencies, I've only used LaCrescent."

A comment from a fb post:
"When my dog needed emergency care the only place that would take us without being a “prior client” was Thompson Animal Medical Center in LaCrosse. They were amazing with my girl."

--------

Posted by the Winona Police Department in 2023:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L7ufvQjZa/

◼️ Standardly, any local or tri-state area general practice veterinary clinics who offer after-hour emergency services are only for their established clients.
◼️ As a responsible pet owner, have a plan of action before an emergency happens. Research, call, and read what a general practice vet clinic offers.
◼️ Currently, there are not veterinary emergency services provided in the City of Winona. That does not mean it could never happen in the future.
◼️ Please be courteous to your local veterinary staff. They a human too.

As some may know, there are no Veterinary Emergency Services in our community. Here is an up-to-date list of Veterinary ER clinics within 2 1/2 hours of Winona. It's very important to always call ahead before you make a trip somewhere. Sometimes due to short staff, clinics may not be able to accommodate and will send you elsewhere to be sure your pet receives the best care and outcome. 🐾

--------

IN-HOME PET EUTHANASIA

Dr. Scott Miller DVM
▪︎ Serves Plainview, Rochester, Lake City, Winona County, & neighbors.
▪︎ Mon-Friday 8am-4pm
▪︎ text or call (507) 601-7476
▪︎ https://www.millermobilevetservice.com/

~

Dr. Karen Exline DVM
▪︎ services only within 30mi of Mankato only at this time.
▪︎ Karen Exline, DVM, is partnering with Mankato Pet Cremation to provide in-home pet euthanasia/cremation services for Mankato, Minnesota and the surrounding communities. Mankato Pet Cremation and Karen Exline are two separate businesses that partner to provide their services when a client is in need of both euthanasia and cremation.
​▪︎ Call or text: 507-995-7126
[email protected]
▪︎ In home euthanasia info:
https://www.mankatopetcremation.com/in-home-euthanasia

~

IF YOU KNOW OF ANOTHER LOCAL IN HOME EUTHANASIA SERVICE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

--------

#1 Pet Loss & End-of-Life Resources for Pet Parents

LOVE, BAXTER
https://lovebaxter.com/about-love-baxter/

Sierra Kurth Photography is registered with Love, Baxter as an End of Life Pet photographer.

~

THE TILLY PROJECT
The Tilly Project is an end-of life pet photography network + resources for anticipatory grief, pet loss/bereavement and photography.
https://thetillyproject.org/
Sierra Kurth Photography is registered with The Tilly Project as an End of Life Pet photographer.

------

Memorial Keepsakes:

The Last Chapter - EOL Pet Portraiture by Sierra Kurth Photography

🐾 To those who are new here... I offer End of Life Pet sessions on a pay-what-you-can basis for our community. I have photographed hundreds of pets, many in the comfort of their own homes, when they had months, days, and even just hours left to love their people. I have also been on my way to a session & the pet passed just minutes before my arrival and I've had to turn around and go home with a heavy heart per the client's preference.

This is not an easy job, but when I lost my heart kitty, Miley, 4 years ago... and realized I hardly had any photos of us together, I vowed to do my best to give the pet lovers in our community a regular reminder and easily accessible service so they have what I don't.

If you find yourself in this position... my heart is with you. I've been there. There's no shame in the state of your home or what you're able to gift financially to my service. You will receive artful, wall-worthy images of your beloved pet. It's never too early to reach out, but it can be too late. And if you're unsure, reach out to me and we can discuss the timeline.

Inquire here:
sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com/contact

~

A PIECE OF YOU:
Local jewlery artist Kelly Clark
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dc5BYQmP2/
▪︎ "A Piece of You” specializes in creating unique keepsake jewelry crafted from sentimental materials. We transform loved ones’ ashes, fur/hair, or clothing into personalized necklaces, bracelets, rings and keychains. Additionally, we offer the meaningful option of using funeral or wedding flowers to create lasting pieces that honor cherished memories. Discover the perfect way to carry a piece of your loved ones with you forever🤍

~

LAP OF LOVE:
https://info.lapoflove.com/keepsakes?_gl=1*181ka6f*_gcl_au*ODMyMzc0MjQ0LjE3ODQ2Mzg3MzI.&fbclid=IwT01FWATMTI1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6rqsM-iO_QeitY3muk30QacZFNqCUEwfep4H95WezM2LwlMEnZ4e5yQ6AftQ_aem_EsDu_RCRcjAEFh9ORV0s_g

~

Managing grief, create memorials, join in on memorial ceremonies, and more:
https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/

07/21/2026

Exotic pet vet for your reptiles & other exotics

Heritage Pet Hospital, a trusted veterinary clinic in Rochester, offers wellness exams, surgery, and dental care. Call 507-288-2050 today!

07/21/2026

I am registered as an End of Life Pet Portrait Photographer with both The Tilly Project: End-of-Life Pet Photography Network & , Baxter on a pay-what-you-can basis, I offer heirloom portraits for animals nearing the end of their life, whether it be old age, sudden illness, or a terminal diagnosis. Tilly's website just this week sent me a sweet old boy and his human mama after a terminal diagnosis. I am thankful to have been able to get him into my schedule on short notice and felt their love through their images as I uploaded them last night. (Edits will begin after this holiday weekend).

You can find my profiles on both of their websites:

The Tilly Project
"is an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to connect pet owners with end-of-life pet photographers across the world and to provide accessible, educational, and supportive resources for photography, anticipatory grief, and pet loss/bereavement."
https://thetillyproject.org/

Love, Baxter
"is a free resource for pet parents navigating the hardest parts of pet parenthood. We publish one of the largest libraries of veterinary-reviewed resources for senior pet care, end-of-life planning, aftercare, and pet loss grief. We run a professional directory that connects families with verified counselors, end-of-life specialists, and pet care providers. And we offer a memorial store with thoughtful gifts and keepsakes for every stage of loss."
https://lovebaxter.com/

If you are in SE MN and looking for more info, wanting to talk about whether or not your pet is ready for their heirloom EOL photo session, my heart is with you and I will be here when you're ready to move forward. It's better to schedule it too early than too late ♡
https://sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com/pet-portraiture/

Winona photographer
Rochester photographer
Pet photographer
Old dog, elderly pet
Equine photographer
Cat photographer
Guinea pigs
Ferrets
Bunny/rabbit photographer

Also specializing in:
Family photography
Winona family photographer
Minnesota family photographer
Holmen & LaCrosse photographer
Rochester MN family photographer
Maternity Newborn photography
Motherhood Photographer
Motherhood Photography

Website:
Sierrakurthphotography.mypixieset.com

07/21/2026

The Last Chapter🐾
EOL Pet Portraiture by Sierra Kurth Photography

Every dog has a story.

The muddy paws. The adventures. The quiet mornings. The years spent faithfully by our side. The seasons of life that somehow pass far too quickly.

The Last Chapter is a gentle, compassionate pet portrait experience created for families whose beloved dogs are nearing the end of their lives—whether from old age, illness, a terminal diagnosis, or injury.

I am registered with The Tilly Project & with Love, Baxter.

These sessions are not completely about saying goodbye. They are about remembering who they are, honoring the life you've shared, and holding onto the details you never want to forget. Because even when a story is nearing its final pages, there is still so much love left to capture.

For the final chapter, and every beautiful chapter that came before.

🐾🐾🐾

I'm Sierra, & for those who are new here... I offer End of Life Pet sessions on a pay-what-you-can basis for our community. I have photographed hundreds of pets, many in the comfort of their own homes, when they had months, days, and even just hours left to love their people. I have also been on my way to a session & the pet passed just minutes before my arrival and I've had to turn around and go home with a heavy heart per the client's preference.

This is not an easy job, but when I lost my heart kitty, Miley, 4 years ago... and realized I hardly had any photos of us together, I vowed to do my best to give the pet lovers in our community a regular reminder and easily accessible service so they have what I don't.

If you find yourself in this position... my heart is with you. I've been there. There's no shame in the state of your home or what you're able to gift financially to my service. You will receive artful, wall-worthy images of your beloved pet. It's never too early to reach out, but it can be too late. And if you're unsure, email me and we can discuss the timeline.

Yours truly,
An animal lover through and through.

xx Sierra K

Photo 1 -
Me & my old girl Kita (who's thankfully still with us)
📸 photo credit Amanda Kelley

Photos 2+
Spme of my EOL work over the years

The final few photos are of my chow chow girl Dolly, who we lost last year at the young age of 7 to tetanus. She didnt respond to the treatment and died overnight. I wish i had more photos of her and her beautiful fluffy fur. Her smile. Her happy wiggly butt.

🤎🐾