everything grief.

"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."

- Winnie the Pooh

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

from the blog.

Making Sense of Pet Loss

On Pet Loss: Is It a Betrayal To Stop Crying?

Grief Could Really Use a Warning Label: Guilt, Regret, and Over-Responsibility

Coping With Traumatic Endings

websites.

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Lap of Love - Pet Loss and Grief Resources

Ontario Veterinary College: Expert Interview Library

Explore conversations with professionals in veterinary medicine, social work and mental health as they share compassionate insights on pet loss, grief and the human–animal bond. Featuring themes such as grief before and after loss, end-of-life considerations, helping children with pet loss, and aftercare and memorialization, experts offer guidance and understanding for pet caregivers — connecting expertise with empathy to help people heal.

articles.

Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously

Pet Bereavement is No Different than Human Bereavement

Coping With the Loss of Your Companion Animal (PDF Grief Packet by University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center

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

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. They also have 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

podcast.

The Pet Loss Companion

Watch YouTube live episodes or listen via a preferred podcast provider.

Personal stories of pet loss are read and reflected upon with licensed therapists specializing in pet loss. Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopex. They offer much insight into stories of pet loss submitted by listeners. With over 200 episodes, you can find what speaks to you.

The Pet Loss Companion also facilitates a free Zoom support group through Dakin Humane Society. Space is limited, and registration is required in advance (for additional support groups, please visit the Therapy & Support Groups page).

A few of my most loved talks...

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

Pet Loss, Grief, and Healing

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