My name is Hindy Pearson, and I’m here to support you through the pet loss grief journey.
Who Am I?
I’m from Montreal but wanderlust took me to live in New York for 2 years, Israel for 5 years, and Toronto for 13. I met my English husband in a restaurant in Costa Rica and moved to England. We left England after a few years, moved to Florida, came back to England, did the snowbird thing for a while, and now we’re in England. Until I figure out where I want to go next!!!
I’ve been rescuing senior dogs since 2009, and in 2014 I became an ADTB approved certified dog trainer. I was a volunteer dog walker at a couple of animal shelters, and on our walks I would do some training, so I actually started training dogs a few years before I was “official.”
Where My Love of Animals Started
You may find it interesting to know, I didn’t grow up with animals nor did I know anyone who had pets. One of my first encounters with a dog was when I was 25, and my only encounter with cats were strays.
It all started when my boyfriend at the time came to visit and brought a puppy with him. In that moment it was as though a switch was flicked in my brain, and that was it. It was the beginning of my journey into the world of volunteering and adopting.
Why a Passion for Senior Dogs?
When we first moved to Florida I went looking for a shelter to volunteer at, and walked out with a job in the cat room! The first couple of days I ate my lunch outside while reading a book. On my way out I passed by a room called the “Oldies Room” which had small old dogs, roaming free.
I decided instead of wasting my time reading a book, I would take a dog out so we could keep each other company, and that’s how I fell in love with old dogs.
When I stopped working there, I stayed on as a volunteer in the oldies room.
I watched people stop and say how cute they were, but go off and adopt a puppy. I’ll never forget an older woman who could barely walk comment the dogs were too old, and went off to adopt a young dog. What!! It absolutely broke my heart, and from that moment I became an advocate for senior dog adoption. I also went on to foster and adopt several dogs and still do.
What I’m Doing Now
Over the years, I started noticing how hard it was for many senior dog parents to get the information and support they needed, which led me to create the resources I offer today.
I started and run a FB group called Senior Dog Care Club. It’s a wonderfully kind and caring community of senior dog parents where you can ask questions, get support and hang out with people who “get it.”
My website Grey Paws and All is filled with helpful articles on a variety of topics relevant to anyone who shares their life with an older dog.
My FB page Grey Paws and All has tips and advice, and new posts are added daily.
I help senior dog parents struggling with anticipatory grief and quality of life issues, by offering practical tips, advice and one on one support. Sessions are 30 minutes or 60 minutes in length.
Why Pet Loss Support?
I’ve been through the loss of many pets, and there were times I didn’t know how I would pull myself out of that black hole…but I did. While no two people grieve the same way or have the same experiences I can help. Whether you want to share memories with someone who “gets it” or figure out “what now” I’m here for you.
Offering a pet loss support service was the next logical step so I enrolled in some courses and I qualified as a Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, Pet Bereavement Counsellor and Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Coach.
If you’d like to book a free 20 minute chat to get to know each other a bit and learn how I can support you, please click this link to set up an appointment.