Life After Pet Loss: Understanding Grief Process for Healing.

 Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. The grief associated with pet loss can take many forms, from sadness to guilt and even anger. While the grieving process is never easy, understanding the stages of pet loss grief can be an important first step in navigating these emotions and beginning to heal. By being aware of the common stages of pet loss grief, you can build better coping strategies for yourself or others who may be going through this experience.

The stages of pet loss grief are typically categorized as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, adjustment, and acceptance. Denial may involve disbelief that your pet has passed or difficulty accepting their absence from your life. You may find yourself angry at the world for taking away something that was so special to you. Bargaining may take place as you search for answers about why this had to happen or what could have been done differently. Depression is often linked with a lack of motivation and heightened sadness; these feelings are normal but should not last indefinitely.

By understanding each stage and accepting that all feelings, no matter how big or small, are valid, we can begin to heal. It is important to remember that everyone experiences loss differently and in their own time. Finding comfort in those who understand your pain and talking through the difficult times can help you move through the grieving process. At the end of the day, it is essential to give yourself grace and kindness while navigating these stages of grief.

It’s heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. The pain of their absence can seem overwhelming and may make it hard to concentrate on other aspects of your life. If you want to move forward while still honoring the memory of the one you lost, pet loss grief coaching is an invaluable tool.

Founding President and primary caretaker of Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary, Dawn Mimnaugh, has years of experience in understanding and managing the emotions associated with pet loss, and she's here to help you through her pet loss grief group or individual sessions.

To learn more, click on the link: https://www.wpsgss.org/membership

You can listen to the podcast here: https://bit.ly/3YTGuY3

You can also watch it here: https://youtu.be/BRGGe8tPXL4

You can find Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary online at:

www.wpsgss.org

https://www.facebook.com/woodysplacesgss

https://www.instagram.com/wpsgss/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Tb1hKnOWEamQstkqAxEyg

 
Be sure to subscribe to our #Lifewitholddogs newsletter for free and valuable information about caring for older German Shepherds delivered right to your inbox.

To subscribe, go to: www.wpsgss.org scroll halfway down, and look for the "Join our mailing list" postcard.

To learn about each stage of pet loss grief, check out the #lifewitholddogs podcast.

Black Dog & Cat Syndrome is Real

Black dog and cat syndrome is an issue that requires greater awareness in the animal adoption community. As the name suggests, this refers to a phenomenon where pets with black coats are less likely to be adopted than those with other fur patterns and colors. This can lead to longer wait times for these animals in shelters, which can have serious implications on their welfare. Unfortunately, this problem is widespread across the United States and even around the world.

If you are in the market to adopt a new fur friend, please don't forget to look at the beautiful black doggos and kitties! 

Exclusive Degenerative Myelopathy Support Merch

Folks, this has been a long time coming, but I finally did it!

I created our very own Degenerative Myelopathy Support merch for personal reasons and to share with those affected by this horrible disease.

My beloved fur friend, Woody, was afflicted with Degenerative Myelopathy, and I watched helplessly as his mobility declined. And as the years faded away since his passing, I've now assisted many other senior German Shepherds in my care on their DM journey, with each one sadly succumbing to its torturous clutches.

So I took it upon myself to create meaningful DM support gear that could bring together those affected by this difficult and heartbreaking disease and help spread awareness, offer guidance, and provide comfort in an uncertain time.

My exclusive DM merch is designed to carry a message of hope and optimism even amidst the pain of loss caused by a progressive illness like Degenerative Myelopathy.

Collection includes Long sleeve T-shirts, short sleeve T-shirts, 11 oz. ceramic mugs, and durable canvas tote bags

(Proceeds support Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary & DM awareness nonprofits).