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For all those pet lovers out there (including us), this is a difficult topic. How can we ever live without our best friends? We talk to Farewelling Funeral Guru Elizabeth Karansky and Liz’s good friend, therapist and animal activist Jamie Gleicher, to find out what to do when a pet dies. How can we deal with the reality that a pet is coming to the end of their life? What is radical acceptance? And how can we be a good friend to someone who has just lost a pet?
Grieving Your Pet
If you think it’s uncomfortable dealing with death among humans, it’s even more awkward sharing the grief we feel when we lose a dog, cat, bunny, lizard, or other cherished pet. Karen and funeral director Elizabeth Karansky talk to an expert on the topic--therapist and animal activist Jamie Gleicher, who herself is the mother to “five fur babies,” four of whom are rescue animals and three of whom are “tri-pawed.” Just a note that we do get into some difficult topics here, so take care if this subject might be hard for you or others who are listening with you.
When A Pet Dies: What to Do, How to Help
Jamie teaches us about the liberating power of radical acceptance. She tells the harrowing story of losing her first pet, Sam, and reveals who she called first when it happened. We talk about how to create loving memories of our pets (paw print tattoos are one option!), and learn about a truly special pet cemetery). Liz gives us some solid advice for how to help a friend who is grieving a pet. Karen goes on the street to talk to some young people about losing a pet, and they talk about a beautiful, helpful poem that's meant to comfort those who are hurting from the loss of a dear animal companion.
To learn more about Pet Farewelling and what to do when a pet dies, check out this article.
If you have a question or a comment for Jamie Gleicher or Farewelling's funeral guru Liz about Pet Farewelling or grieving a pet, write us an email at info@myfarewelling, or catch up with us on social media @myfarewelling. If you’d like, include a photo of your sweet pet with their name and how you remember them. Use the hashtag #petfarewelling. We might share it with the world and keep their story flourishing!
