The Loss of a Beloved Pet – Grieving an Animal Companion

Losing a pet is one of those quiet but harrowing experiences that often goes unrecognised by the outside world. For many of us, our pets are far more than animals – they are loyal companions in everyday life, a source of unconditional love, a comforting presence during difficult times, and a source of joy in ordinary moments. They are family members, friends, keepers of our emotions, and sometimes the only ones who were always there, no matter what. When they leave us, they don't just take their bed or bowl with them – they leave behind an emptiness, a profound sense of longing, and a sorrow that is hard to put into words.

Grief after losing a pet can be just as intense as the loss of a person – and yet, we often feel that we shouldn't grieve "too much," that we need to pull ourselves together quickly, not burden others, not make a fuss. In therapy, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can move through your grief exactly as it comes – without judgment, without pressure, and with full respect for what you're feeling.

I'm here to help you understand what you're going through and find words for emotions that may be tangled and overwhelming – from deep sadness and anger to guilt or aching longing. Together, we work toward accepting the loss and finding gentle relief, not by forgetting, but by honouring the memory of your beloved animal in a way that keeps their presence alive in your heart.

If you're going through this kind of loss right now, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to support you through it.