I recently attended a conference sponsored by the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement. It was a learning experience in many ways, but perhaps most striking to me was the reason so many people were there. Certainly it was because of a shared love and respect for the human/animal bond, but in that general sentiment, there was something much more specific. I heard it multiple times, “I never thought I’d be here, but I had this cat…” “If it weren’t for that dog…” THIS cat, THAT dog. It became apparent that it was often one bond in particular that altered a person, a specific connection that shifts the direction of one’s life in an unexpected way. We see this all the time with people–a relationship, a chance meeting or loss of a special person leads to a new pathway, a new cause for which to advocate…

I suppose that is why helping people heal from the loss of a pet has become such a meaningful part of my work.

I have always had an appreciation for animals, but it was my cat, Yoda, who changed me. Yoda came into my life as a kitten when I was thirteen years old and for the next seventeen years she was my best friend, child, and sister. I learned so much from her about friendship, unconditional love, forgiveness and loss. Her death was devastating to me, but eventually the pain of it lifted and she remains ever present in my heart. My life was better because she was in it, and part of the way I honor her memory is by helping others through their own grief.

Although there are moments when it may feel consuming and overwhelming, grief is a natural part of the human experience and it doesn’t last forever.

I hope I can offer suggestions, a supportive voice and an empathic ear to all who are experiencing or anticipating the loss of a beloved animal friend. Losing a pet is a profound loss, one that is not always accepted as significant in our society. I hope that this space will serve as a way to normalize and acknowledge the painful feelings associated with losing a pet and offer a place for those who are suffering to feel not so alone

Animals are not a replacement for human connections, but they offer a unique relationship that can greatly enhance our human experience—with ourselves and with others. I look forward to connecting with you, and I thank all our four-legged friends for bringing us together.