I recently photographed the very handsome and elegant Syrus and his human Dad Daniel.

I have met both Syrus and Daniel several times through their amazing work with Greyhounds As Pets NZ Sadly this time we were not taking photos because of the Great Global Greyhound Walk or for the GAP annual appeal - this was a special sitting to create beautiful images of Syrus as he is gravely ill and his time with his family is drawing to a close.

Daniel explained that Syrus has “Cushing's disease with a pituitary macrotumour. Vast majority of Cushing's dogs have microtumours, but Syrus has a macro which is causing neurological issues like seizures, facial paralysis and stumbling on top of the wastage created by Cushing's”

During the sitting Syrus was pretty wobbly on his feet and looked to Daniel often for reassurance. He was still able to enjoy his time in a new outdoor environment though, watching people, birds and catching the different scents on the breeze.

It is heartbreaking to have a member of your family suffer such an awful illness - especially when in the prime of their life.

Over the years I have had several people contact me to say that their pet had passed away and that the images I captured years/months/weeks before were of great comfort to them. I hope these images will bring some happiness to Daniel and his family.

Syrus will also leave a legacy of being a champion for Greyhounds As Pets - encouraging others to consider adopting one of these gentle giants. Watch his video here