Street photographer captured a couple with their dog on the beach — his heart shattered when the photo became the final goodbye they’d been hoping for

'You have no idea how much this means to us,' the husband said.

PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO

(L) A photographer clicking pictures on the beach. (R) A couple with dog on beach. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Westend61, (R) Akemy Mory)

For one street photographer, a chance encounter became far more meaningful than he could have imagined. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a San Francisco photographer, Mark, shared an emotional story that captured the bittersweet beauty of a final goodbye. While photographing a family and their dog at Crissy Field Beach on a Saturday afternoon, he unknowingly clicked the last family photo they would ever have together.

A man clicking pictures (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Sanket Mishra) — A man clicking pictures. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Sanket Mishra)

Mark shared the details of the incident on his Instagram account @mark_lens2. He explained how he had been on his way home after taking pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge when he spotted a dog looking at him from the beach. He wasn’t recording at first, but something about the moment made him do it. As he drew closer, he saw a family: mom, dad, and a baby, enjoying a peaceful walk along the beach with their dog, Brees. Capturing this scene on his camera, he planned to surprise them with a free printed photo as a kind gesture. What he didn’t know was that this photo would soon be more than just a simple gesture of kindness.

Parents with son, daughter and dog running on beach. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Frank van Delft)) — Parents with son, daughter and dog running on beach. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Frank van Delft)

The photographer later offered the family the photo as a gift, only to learn that it would be Brees’s last day before being put down. “I’m glad that I was there to surprise them with my little gift,” Mark wrote in the caption of the viral post. The wife, Allison, overcome with emotion, explained that they had been trying to get a family photo with Brees for some time, but her health had been rapidly declining. They hadn’t been able to do it until that very moment. “You have no idea how much this means to us,” the husband said, clearly grateful for the unexpected gift. Mark reflected on the significance of the moment, sharing that he didn’t realize it would be the family’s last walk with the dog. He finished the post by paying tribute to the dog, saying, “Rest easy, beautiful Brees.”

A photographer clicking pictures on the beach at sunset. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Tim Mossholder)

Many internet users were deeply moved by the post and took to the comment section to share heartwarming messages. @mikalamachemehl expressed, "Instant tears when the mom started crying. As a photographer and someone who recently lost their dog, I love this, and it is so special. I love that they didn't know you were taking the photos, so they got to have some truly candid moments together captured before they had to say goodbye. They will treasure these forever. Rest in peace, good girl! So sorry for their loss." @gettingjillywithit revealed, "I know this couple and they are the sweetest and love that dog so much. Thank you for capturing this special moment! Rest easy, Brees."

@zakcooperphotography wrote, "Dogs are such a special part of our lives. I know they will cherish those photos." @everybody.loves.harperandhazel commented, "The tears I just shed for this family and their dog. You were meant to come across them. Thank you for your kindness."

For more such content, follow @mark_lens2 on Instagram.