THE PLAID DOG WORKSHOP

Our Pets Become Family
Losing a pet is losing a member of the family. Their paws, their presence, and the small routines they were part of leave a space that’s hard to fill. The grief that follows is real, deep, and personal — and it deserves to be honored just like any other form of loss.

Give yourself permission to feel everything: sadness, anger, guilt, even relief if your companion was suffering. Grief doesn’t follow a straight line, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience it.

Remembering and Healing
For many people, small acts of remembrance can bring comfort.

• Create a small memorial space — a photo, collar, or candle where you can pause and remember.

• Write a letter to your pet — share what they meant to you, what you miss, and what you’re thankful for.

• Talk about your pet — telling stories keeps their memory alive and helps you process the loss.

• Spend time outdoors — nature can offer quiet moments of peace and reflection.

• Allow yourself time — healing happens in waves; let them come and go gently.

Your pet’s love doesn’t end with their life — it stays in your memories, your habits, and the way they changed you.

When You Need Support
Grief is easier to bear when it’s shared. These organizations offer free or low-cost resources for anyone mourning the loss of an animal companion:

National Hotlines & Services

• ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: 1-877-474-3310 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)

• Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 607-253-3932 (vet.cornell.edu/petloss)

• University of California-Davis Pet Loss Support: 530-752-4200 (vmth.ucdavis.edu/petloss)

• The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB): aplb.org — online chat, group sessions, and articles.

Reading & Resources

• When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing — Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt

• Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet — Gary Kowalski

• The Rainbow Bridge: A Pet Loss Story — Paul C. Dahm

Online Communities

• Reddit: r/petloss — gentle, supportive sharing space.

• Facebook: Search “Pet Loss Support” or “Rainbow Bridge Friends.”

• The Pet Loss Grief Support Group (APLB): aplb.org/support

🌈 You’re Not Alone
Everyone who has ever loved a pet understands this pain. It’s the reflection of how deeply you cared, and how much love your companion gave in return.
Take comfort in knowing that you gave your pet a full and loving life — that’s the greatest gift any of us can offer. Be gentle with yourself as you heal.
 
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
— Anatole France