The Light They Leave

Hi, I’m Megan. I’ve been photographing pets for over 15 years, starting with my two Siberian Huskies, Maya and Ava. These gentle souls were my adventure buddies, my anchors, and my teachers. They undoubtedly shaped who I am today, and in ways that I’m still discovering.

Some of our favorite activities together included hiking, camping, playing at the beach, and in snow. When they entered their golden years, I decided to give them one more gift: the chance to experience all their favorite things one last time. So we got on the road for a celebration of life road trip across the U.S.

For so long I had always been the one behind the camera. But on that trip, people (even strangers) would stop and offer to take photos of the three of us together. At the time, I thought of it as a sweet gesture. What I didn’t realize was that those images would become some of the most meaningful gifts I’d ever receive.

Very shortly after returning home, the girls told me that their time was coming to an end. Ava passed away from CNS lymphoma at 14.5 years old. And just two months later, Maya joined her at the rainbow bridge at 15.5 after her own battle with kidney disease and a brain tumor. 

Within weeks of finishing our last grand adventure together, my world got incredibly quiet, and those photos — the ones I didn’t even know I’d need — became a source of comfort. They reminded me not only of how beautiful the girls were, but also of the joy, love, and light they brought into my life. And even in my grief, I found myself leaning into gratitude. Gratitude for the years we had, for the adventures, and for the lessons they left me with.

That’s the heart behind The Light They Leave. This work is more than photography. It’s about creating space to celebrate and honor the bond you share with your beloved companion. For me, it’s also a way to walk alongside other pet parents through one of life’s hardest seasons. I know this pain, and I know the healing power of holding onto the light our pets leave us. My hope is to help you carry that light forward — in images, in memory, and always in love.