Losing animal friends

Beloved Ethan from JP Sanctuary has passed away, leaving my friends at JP heartbroken, especially so soon after losing the beautiful cow Wilma just a few months ago. I hope that when you look at my photographs of Ethan, Wilma, Eddie from Indraloka, and the many others who have passed you don’t feel sadness. Instead, I hope you feel peace in knowing they were deeply loved and cared for in their time at the sanctuary.

Over the many years I’ve spent creating my Sanctuary photographs, I’ve been fortunate to meet countless incredible animals. As is the nature of life, I’ve also experienced the loss of many of them. I don’t often share when one of these beloved friends passes away, perhaps because I don’t want to bring sadness to those who enjoy my photographs. In hindsight, though, that might be a mistake.

Through my work, I aim to highlight the unique personalities of these animals while placing them within the broader context of sanctuaries and the vital role they play. Every animal I’ve photographed has come from a heartbreaking, often tragic, situation. They are the lucky ones, finding refuge and love in their final chapter. When they pass on, I find comfort in knowing their last days were filled with care and compassion from people who sacrificed so much to give them a better life.

By sharing their passing, I want to honor not only the animals I’ve come to know and photograph but also the caregivers who dedicate their lives to sanctuary work. These incredible people pour their hearts into providing love and comfort, even though they face constant loss and heartbreak—just like any of us who’ve lost beloved pets. That’s the reality of running a sanctuary