​​​I like to consider visiting Pet Therapy Notes (PTN) like entering an Urgent Care, seeking emotional first aid after losing a pet. When searching for support, it can be overwhelming to sort through all the Google searches and the rabbit holes they inevitably lead us down. The fact that there are so many resources available for pet loss is a FANTASTIC thing, but it can also feel like information overload - and when you're already emotionally exhausted...it's a lot. This little nook of the internet contains everything I wish I had when I was struggling with various forms of pet loss, grief, and shame.

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Here, you will find carefully curated resources that have helped me cope with all things pet loss. I want to share the things I found helpful from book recs, articles, podcasts, videos, personal essays, memorial keepsakes, and more. This site intentionally generates no income, so rest assured, there are no ads or affiliate sponsorships. We all have hobbies and passions, and this is mine. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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​In addition to the resources I share, I write about various aspects of pet loss—everything from anticipatory grief to bringing a new pet into your life after loss. Because pet loss comes in many forms, I feel strongly about recognizing stigmatized pet losses commonly associated with shame - being forced to rehome a beloved pet, loss through a pet going missing (incomplete losses), behavioral euthanasia, and more - there are resources for all of it here. Closest to my heart, I designed a “Tell Your TAIL” page that encourages writing and other creative mediums as tools to not only facilitate healing, but also keep your pet's memory alive.
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And then there is the grief (maybe even shame) we may feel about not having the idyllic relationship we expected to share with our pet. You are not alone, and talking about it isn't taboo. So, check out my relationship advice, and know that all feelings are welcome here.

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I leave you with this: Heartbreaking doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe the feelings associated with pet loss. It's harrowing. It's gutting. The most profound thing I've learned from my experience with grief is that it will always hurt, but it won’t always hurt THIS  much. The scar will always be present, but it won't always be THIS  painful to the touch. Not my most articulate statement, but my most sincere. We don’t get over loss, but at some point, we move forward - sometimes kicking and screaming, but we adjust to our After. The memories will live on forever, and that scar on your heart is a beautiful reminder of that.

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Sending hugs from Baltimore,

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Liz