A surprise photograph taken on a San Francisco beach has left thousands in tears, after the photographer learned the family he captured was spending their last day with their terminally ill dog.
Street photographer Mark Antonio, who is known on TikTok as @mark_lens2, told Newsweek via email that he was wrapping up a day of shooting when he stopped to watch the sunset at Crissy Field Beach in San Francisco. As he looked out toward the Golden Gate Bridge, a dog walking with her owners caught his eye. With the perfect backdrop behind them, Antonio decided to surprise the couple with a family photo.
He filmed the process—lining up the shot, editing on his tablet and printing it out on the spot—which he later shared in a November 11 TikTok video that has since been viewed over 2.7 million times. When Antonio approached the couple and handed them the finished print, their eyes immediately filled with tears. The image, they said, meant more to them than Antonio might’ve realized. It was their final photo, and night, with their dog, Brees.
Dog owner Allison Furcolo told Newsweek via email that Brees was diagnosed with brain cancer in August, and her condition progressed rapidly. That evening walk on the beach, which was her favorite spot, was their last night together. Brees crossed the rainbow bridge the next day at just 7 years old.
Antonio said he was stunned when the couple explained why the photo meant so much to them, and he offered to take additional photos for them, free of charge.
“I didn’t even know after I took a photo of them that she said they were trying to take a family photo, but Brees’ condition was getting worse,” he said. “I was happy I was there for a reason.”
Furcolo said ever since they learned of Brees’ cancer, they tried to arrange having family photos, especially since they had few photos of all four of them. But Brees declined more rapidly than they expected. They never got those photos scheduled.
Now, these photos will always remind the couple of their first “kid.” Furcolo said Brees taught them to be parents before they welcomed their first baby earlier in the year. Brees then become the “best pup big sis” to their baby.
“Brees was always by our side, whether adventuring around the country or snuggled up on the couch, and we are deeply feeling the hole she left in our family,” she said. “Mark truly gave us the sweetest gift in a really tough time, and we are forever grateful.”
Viewer Reactions
TikTok users couldn’t contain their emotions after hearing about Brees, saying Antonio was in the “right place at the right time.”
“Their first baby with their first baby. I am not ok,” said a viewer, while a second person chimed in: “Staring at the Golden Gate Bridge before crossing the rainbow bridge. It’s like Brees knew it was time too.”
Another added: “You were meant to be there at that exact moment. The universe did its thing for sure.”
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