The impact of pet loss is unique for each of us—just as unique as the human-animal bond we share with our companions. For many pet guardians, animals are not just pets; they may be our primary source of emotional and social support. They are members of our family. You may even think of them as children, best friends, partners, companions, or confidantes.
Perhaps you’ve shared your hopes and dreams, your grief and joy, your struggles, and even your greatest secrets with your animal companion.
For others, the human-animal relationship may be more complicated. Living with a beloved pet who struggles with big feelings, behavioral challenges, or special challenges can create a layered relationship—one filled with deep love and, at times, significant challenges.
Regardless of what the relationship looks like, we all carry a vision of life with our pet. Rarely does that vision include the moment when they are no longer by our side. We don’t picture the day we might face heartbreaking decisions about their care or quality of life.
Thinking about a pet’s end-of-life needs is something no guardian wants to do. But planning ahead gives you the space to consider your options, understand potential outcomes, and prepare emotionally. It helps ensure that you won’t be left to make difficult decisions in the heat of the moment.
Having a plan in place doesn’t take away the grief—but it can offer a sense of peace. It allows you to be more present, to focus on sharing meaningful, quality time with your companion when it matters most.
Every Pet Guardian is Grieving a Different Kind of Loss
Whether you are grieving the loss of a pet or experiencing anticipatory grief, it’s normal to feel a wide range of responses—emotionally, cognitively, physically, socially, and spiritually.
You may have questions about the grief process; feel that others don’t fully understand the depth of your sorrow; or seeking a safe, compassionate space to ask questions, express your feelings, or explore your options.
Grief can leave you feeling emotionally vulnerable—and that is perfectly natural. These feelings are a testament to the bond you shared with your companion animal.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve. Each pet guardian walks their own path, at their own pace. Your journey through grief is as unique as your relationship with your pet.
Loss of the pet you envisioned
- Your pet struggles with behavioral, physical or neurobiological challenges
- Life circumstances have forced you to consider rehoming your pet
- Behavior has escalated to the point of considering behavioral euthanasia
loss without closure
- Your pet went missing and was never found
- A family pet passed while you were away at college or living far from home
- Your pet was lost in an unforeseen accident
life-changing diagnosis
- Your pet has lost vision and/or hearing
- An injury has resulting in amputation of limb or paralysis
- A diagnosis leaves your pet with life-changing??
aging or terminally ill pet
- Your aging pet is approaching end of life.
- A terminal diagnosis has forced you to face difficullt decisions
- Your pet’s quality of life is declining
Do Not Walk through Grief Alone
While I am not a human therapist, psychologist, or counselor, I am a certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Professional Dog Trainer with a focus on fear and aggression. This unique combination of training and experience means I have guided many clients through the grieving process after the loss of a pet—whether from natural aging, unexpected medical issues, accidents, or even behavioral euthanasia.
Over the years, many end-of-life decisions have arisen with beloved animal companions, bringing complex emotions, difficult choices, and profound grief. These experiences have fostered a deep understanding of the challenges pet guardians face during such times.
Support is offered through objective feedback, educational resources, and practical tools—all designed to help navigate this journey and make well-informed, thoughtful decisions with care and clarity.
I am here to help you with:
- End of iife planning for your pet
- Gathering resources and information
- Objective Quality of Life assessment
- Planning quality time with your pet
- Advocating for your wishes for your pet
- Exploring palliative or hospice care options
- Discussing/planning euthanasia options
- Researching and planning celebration of life events, tributes and memorials
- Providing non-medical, emotional support and guidance
I am here to support you by:
- Offering objective feedback to assist in your decision-making
- Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts and grief
- Listening with empathy, understanding, and compassion
- Providing a supportive connection to help you feel less alone in your grief
- Helping you navigate and process feelings of guilt, anger, remorse, and sadness
and the truth is you will miss them because they are missing from you. the piece that once fit so perfectly into your world. your life. your heart. they were nestled in. embedded. woven into your skin like a blanket. and perhaps we were asked to walk differently after they were gone because everything changes in that moment – everything. holding brokenness in one hand and light in the other. we will, no doubt, change our gait to compensate. so wile we are limping more profusely in grief, i hope too that we are loving more profusely. loss can teach us that. may it never be the reason that we close up our hearts.
‘the piece’ by ullie kaye
Art by Lucy Campbell
Services
From the moment your pet receives a terminal diagnosis, after another difficult incident that makes you question how much longer this can continue, or even as your dog naturally ages, the grief process begins. This journey continues until the moment you say goodbye and into the mourning period that follows.
My services are tailored to meet your needs at any stage of this journey. Whether you need help communicating with your veterinarian, guidance on assessing candidates for behavioral euthanasia, an objective review of quality of life assessments, assistance in choosing burial or cremation options, or advice on how to spend meaningful time with your pet, I am here for you.
In addition to supporting you through the caretaking phase, I can help you plan memorials or special projects to honor your beloved companion.
Paws & Remember offers both individual and group support for adults. Whether your pet is a dog, cat, gerbil, bird, snake, horse, or fish, I am honored to provide support as you navigate your grief journey
Assessment for Surrendering, Rehoming or Behavioral Euthanasia
Helping you navigate and process feelings of guilt, anger, remorse, and sadness.
This 60-minute virtual session is designed for pet guardians who are considering surrendering, rehoming, or behavioral euthanasia for their pet.
In this safe, non-judgmental space, you will receive objective, professional guidance from a certified dog behavior consultant to help you navigate these difficult decisions with clarity.
Please note: This session is not intended for clients seeking training options or for pets with a terminal diagnosis or in end-of-life stages..
End-of-Life or After-Death Pet Loss Support Session
This 45-minute virtual session provides support for clients navigating end-of-life planning, after-life decisions, and the grief that follows.
You can choose to have your camera on or off during the session—whatever feels most comfortable for you.
No commitments to packages. Schedule sessions as needed.
End-of-Life or After-Death Pet Loss Support Session
(1 month of support)
For clients seeking ongoing support with end-of-life planning, after-life decisions, and the grief that accompanies these processes.
This monthly support package includes:
- Text support throughout the month for additional guidance
- 4 scheduled 45-minute support sessions
End-of-Life or After-Death Pet Loss Support Session
(3 months of support)
For clients seeking ongoing support through end-of-life decisions, anticipatory grief, and after-death grief.
This 3-month package includes:
- Text support throughout the 3-month period
- 12 scheduled 45-minute sessions
Group pet loss grief support session
Preparing for Goodbye: Embracing the Present and navigating pet loss
Group sessions are ideal for adults who have processed the loss of their pet and are functioning well, but still benefit from the support of others who are also grieving.
Prepare for the inevitable by learning how to fully embrace the present with your pet and manage grief with intention and compassion. This webinar offers guidance on coping strategies, emotional preparation, and finding community support through your journey of love and loss.
Each 60-minute virtual session is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required in advance. FREE to join.
This is a pre-recorded webinar—watch at your own pace, on your own time.
Role and Scope:
As a Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, I provide non-medical supplemental support, advocacy, and education to individuals and their families. “Family” may include a spouse, partner, relatives, or friends the client chooses to involve in the process.
I am an independent, insured, and self-employed professional who works directly for the client or family—not on behalf of any specific hospice, palliative care service, veterinary clinic, or animal hospital.
I do not practice under any medical licenses. Please consult your veterinary professional for any medical concerns or questions regarding your pet’s health, treatment, or care.
Additionally, I am not a mental health professional. If you are experiencing intense emotional distress—such as struggling to function daily, having difficulty getting out of bed, or feeling unable to imagine life without your pet—please reach out to your primary care provider or a licensed mental health professional.