Beppe. Gus. Snowball. Amber. George. Gertrude. Max. Miffy.
All goodbyes I never wanted to say and wasn’t ready to say.
All my beloved pets who had to be set free over the rainbow bridge.
Then there was Rags, Susie, B, Diddie, Diddie Jr, Zach, Toby, George, Molly, Benji, Lady and so many more beloved animals who were owned by my family members.
Each goodbye as hard as the last.
For so long I didn’t realise that the reason each grief got harder was because I hadn’t fully explored and accepted my grief previously. I was actually grieving several losses at once which is why it felt so intense.
Remembering the animals we have set free over rainbow bridge, honouring their lives and the changes their loss can bring to our lives is at the heart of what I do.
Throughout my childhood I had many pets, mainly hamsters and rabbits. When my first hamster died it was my first experience of death, but I was far too young to understand it.
When I was about 23 my first cat Miffy died. I was absolutely heartbroken. Even though she was 19 years of age, I still couldn’t help but feel consumed by guilt and flashbacks or her euthanasia. Miffy was my first cat and I got her when I was just a child, so it really felt like I lost my best friend. She taught me so much about life and unconditional love. Even before we made the decision to end her suffering and have her euthanised I was experiencing what I now know is, anticipatory grief.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others, which led me to complete a degree in psychology and counselling which I really enjoyed. After completing my degree I wasn’t sure which avenue to go down. My other huge passion in life was animals, so I found a way to combine both of my passions. I completed a certified course and a diploma to become a pet grief loss coach, so that I can use my experience and knowledge to help people going through pet loss.
Grief can come in waves. Exhausting waves.
One minute you think you’re fine and the next you’re caged in by grief and sadness.
It is important to remember that your grief journey is unique. Grief is not linear. There is also no timescale for grief. It must be processed at your own pace. Sometimes with the help of a grief coach.
A grief coach supports clients by offering emotional support, healing and a way to deal with the anticipation of loss or how to cope after loss. They help clients to work through their feelings by offering a safe space free from judgement to express themselves. They are educated in the language of grief.
The best way to honour your animal is by living your best life.
If you feel like you need support before, during or after the loss of a beloved pet then please contact me or book your free discovery call below.
