Pet . Therapy. Notes...
everything grief
understanding and coping with loss
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 essence of the relationship never dies; we just carry it differently. The memories will live on forever, and that scar on your heart is a beautiful reminder of that.
- Elizabeth Weiner
My personal blog posts & my most loved broad grief resource below...
The way we experience loss has MANY parts.
Looking for something more specific? Check out these pages...
Supporting a Loved One Through Grief
websites.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Lap of Love - Pet Loss and Grief Resources
Ontario Veterinary College: Expert Interview Library
from the blog.
Grief Could Really Use a Warning Label: Guilt, Regret, and Over-Responsibility
On Pet Loss: Is It a Betrayal To Stop Crying?
articles.
Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously
Pet Bereavement is No Different than Human Bereavement
Four Steps to Take After Experiencing Pet Loss
What if The Pain of Pet Loss Becomes Too Much to Bear
Owning a Dog Eventually Leads to Suffering and That's OK
My Pet Died and I Can't Stop Crying
The Moment After: Surviving Pet Loss
Why Your Dog's Death May Be the Most Difficult Event of Your Life
7 Self-Care Essentials While Grieving the Death of a Pet
Coping Forward: Mental Health Strategies After Major Loss
Complicated Grief After Pet Loss vs Normal Grief (+ Signs)
books.
The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice From Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Support Groups
Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopex
**This is my go-to book on pet loss, and the one I gift to anyone going through a pet loss. It gives you a lot of those "ah-ha" moments where you feel seen and understood, it's easy to read, and the perfect length. The authors also host a podcast and support group (more info below).
The Loss of a Pet
Wallace Sife, PhD
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss
Russell Friedman
Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: Three Phases of Healing After Losing Your Best Friend
C. Jeffrey
Forever in Our Hearts: Mourning the Loss of a Beloved Pet
Emma Grace Harper
audio/video... a few of my most loved talks.
Pet Loss Grief: The Pain Explained
Sarah Hoggan, DVM (Youtube)
Dr. Scott Eilers
Coping with Pet Loss - with Dr. Katie Lawlor
"These Relationships Matter"- Grieving the Loss of a Pet
Grief Outloud
Losing a Pet is Hard. Here's How to Cope
Life Kit
Work Life Confidential
Loss of a Pet with Stephanie Rogers, Grief Counselor, Lap of Love
The Grief Coach
Pet Loss: The Complexities of Saying Goodbye to Our Animals
What's Your Grief Podcast
Good Grief: Taking Care of Yourself and Others in Times of Pet Loss
Believe in Dog Podcast
The Psychology of Losing a Pet
How Much Grace Do We Offer Those Grieving Pet Deaths?
NPR 1
How
Grief - Kristen Buller, MA, LCSW
Veterinary Social Worker on Grief
Personal stories of pet loss are read and reflected upon with licensed therapists specializing in pet loss. The Pet Loss Companion also facilitates a free Zoom support group through Dakin Humane Society.
visit therapy/support page for individual providers and support groups.