Pet Loss

Grief, guilt, disbelief, blame, shock, trauma. All are normal reactions to pet loss, including loss as the result of an accident. As pet parents, I know we pride ourselves on doing our best to control the environment so our pets are as safe as possible. If you’ve experienced loss as the result of an accident, … Read more

No matter how we lose a dog it’s heartbreaking, but when a dog goes missing whether he got out or was stolen, it can be even harder because there’s a good chance that pet parent will never know what happened. Add to the grief possible feelings of guilt, blame, responsibility and failure. Was the back … Read more

This post was originally published 6 years ago.  One week ago today, on May 18, 2018 at just after 11:00am UK time, I said goodbye to my sweet girl Red. This is not easy for me to write, especially because I never discuss my feelings, but it’s spilling out of me and I can’t stop … Read more

As someone who has spent the last 15 years in the world of senior dogs, when I think of pet loss I naturally think of an old dog dealing with health issues, that could no longer be managed. However, there are other circumstances that cause someone to lose their much-loved dog (I use dog and … Read more

Words are hard to find when it comes to describe the feeling of losing a dog, a being so precious to us and so connected to our heart we can’t imagine a life without them. Understanding Grief: What’s Normal? Grief isn’t just a feeling; it’s a journey. You might feel sad, angry, or even guilty. … Read more

As I write this story, tears are streaming down my face and my heart is broken. Saffy died yesterday afternoon. In spite of this, her story must be heard. Saffy (or Saffron Cleopatra – the formal name my husband gave her), was rescued from a puppy mill, also known as dog hell. For those of … Read more

It’s hard enough for us to cope, imagine explaining the loss of a pet to children. Sadly it’s one of those things in life that are inevitable. Of course it’s to be dreaded, but if handled properly, it will serve as an important lesson in loss, love, life and compassion. The Bond Between Them Do … Read more

I know how impossible it can be, figuring out how to cope after saying goodbye. You want to lie in bed and cry. Well, why not? I’ve done it, and it’s certainly better to cry it out to release your grief, then keep it bottled up. From joining a pet loss grief support group and … Read more

When the time comes to say goodbye to a beloved canine companion, the decision of whether to be present can weigh heavily on dog parents. However, research shows that being with your dog during their final moments can be a profoundly meaningful and comforting experience for both of you. By staying with your dog you … Read more

Meaningful Ways To Keep Your Dog’s Collar After Death When our dogs cross the rainbow bridge, they not only leave us with a hole in the heart, they leave behind their stuff, a constant reminder of what we now have to live without. Whether it’s a collar, leash, toys or blankets, they can be packed … Read more