Certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor - Nationwide

Non-human companion loss is brutal. I am here for you.

Undergoing loss is a profoundly human experience and there is no hierarchy of pain or suffering. But why is it that the death or anticipated death of a beloved non-human companion (or "pet"), as well as the decision-making around this tragic chapter, is often one of the most-gut wrenching one can experience?

I've been there...through generations of animal companion losses. I've also lost close human family, yet the visceral nature of parting with an animal who has been part of your life almost every minute of every day -- looking at you with tender eyes, showing their love in the simplest and most profound of ways (a wagging tail, that soft blinking of eyes) --wow is it painful! Anger, guilt, numbness. Missing that the touch of that beautiful fur, stroking of ears, the playful and soulful looks! The heaving sobs that come out of no where. The incapacity to make the decision to let them go. And then after, the societal pressure to move on with our lives, or worse yet -- "replace" that companion with another.

Many people -- even the closest of relations and friends - can unintentionally be hurtful. They may not know what to say or how to help. They may wonder if we are taking too long or wallowing in our grief—not to be mean but because they care about us.

In my experience and based on the clients I've served, this grief from animal loss can and does persist for a long while. We may not talk about it, but it sticks to us, affecting our quality of life. We may even wonder if we will we ever get over it…

What can I offer?

I am trained and certified in grief education from one of the foremost worldwide experts on grief, David Kessler who worked with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and developed the sixth stage of grief for her model, “finding meaning.” (The prior five =denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.) He has trained thousands of us around the world as grief educators —to deeply understand, witness and support those in grief. I hold sacred space to those in the pain of grief – whether the loss is fresh, or months/years old.

I am also a certified life coach with a BA and MA in Psychology, and a long career in human resources.

My work includes individual grief coaching and the moderation of in person and online support groups. In deeply listening and witnessing grief, I firmly believe over time hope and healing are possible. The grief may not go away, but we grow around it -- celebrating and honoring our loved ones, forever.