Project Kenzie Girl

Project Kenzie Girl: End-of-Life Pet Photography Rooted in Love

There’s a special kind of love that comes from sharing your life with a pet, loyal, comforting, unconditional, and deeply healing. It’s the kind of love that deserves to be remembered, even when it’s time to say goodbye.

In 2022, my husband Joel and I adopted a 12-year-old bull terrier named Kenzie. We knew our time might be short, but we didn’t expect how much she would change our lives in just one year. Kenzie was everything, gentle, goofy, stubborn, and full of heart. She passed away from stomach cancer at 13, and it broke our hearts. But even through the grief, she left behind something beautiful: a reason to give back.

Why I Started Offering End-of-Life Pet Photography

In 2021, before Kenzie entered our lives, I quietly began offering free or donation-based pet photo sessions to families in need — specifically those with senior pets or animals with terminal illnesses. There was no official name, just a deep desire to use my photography to make a difference.

After Kenzie passed, it all became clear. I named the project in her honor:

Project Kenzie Girl is a way to remember her, and a way to help others hold on to the ones they love.

What is Project Kenzie Girl?

Project Kenzie Girl is my ongoing mission to provide free pet photography sessions to families across Massachusetts and New England who are preparing to say goodbye to their beloved pets. Whether your dog is aging, your cat has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, or your senior pet simply deserves one last beautiful memory, this project is for you.

As a New England pet photographer specializing in heartfelt, natural storytelling, I come to you — your home, a favorite trail, a sunlit backyard — wherever your pet feels safe and loved.

These end-of-life pet photoshoots are not posed or forced. They’re quiet, gentle, and centered around connection. I capture the little things: the nose kisses, the familiar head tilts, the way your pet leans into you like they always have.

Serving Families Across New England

I offer these sessions throughout Massachusetts (where I am based), Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Upstate New York and Connecticut. These moments matter, and I want you to have tangible memories to hold onto when you need them most.

All sessions are completely free. Donations are always welcome and help me continue offering this service to more families, but they’re never required.

Why This Matters

I created this project because I know what it’s like to wish for one more photo — one more chance to freeze time.

I know what it’s like to look at your dog’s face and want to remember everything.

The way they looked at you. The way you felt around them. The story you built together.

This is more than a photo session. It’s about honoring the deep, powerful bond between humans and their pets — especially at the end, when it matters most.

How to Book a Session

If you or someone you love is looking for an end-of-life dog photographer, senior pet portraits, or a compassionate pet photography experience in New England, I’d love to help.

Reach out through my form below or send me a DM on Instagram @projectkenziegirl or @gmackphotos.

I’ll do my best to make space, especially when time is sensitive.

Kenzie gave us one unforgettable year — and through this project, she’s giving many more families something to hold onto forever.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for loving your pets the way you do.

With so much love,

Grace