Living with and loving our dogs gives us the opportunity to experience companionship in a new and beautiful way. When we open our hearts to this kind of relationship, we see our dogs as an integral part of our family, a central member of our tribe.

This also means that the grief we experience while sharing our lives with them may be felt on a deeper level. 

When our dogs…

• have behavioral challenges, 
• may not be a good fit for our families for any number of reasons
• are not what we had envisioned life with them to be 
• are rehomed due to these or other circumstances

Or…

• have received a terminal diagnosis
• experienced a fatal incident
• are being euthanized due to behavioral concerns
• are at end of life

…it can be devastating to us and create confusion as we navigate through these emotions. These feelings are natural but sometimes we have a hard time holding space for them, and we feel lost as we try to navigate all that this means to our relationship. 

In the instances of behavior challenges, unrealistic fit with family, or inability to meet expectations with either the companion animal or the guardian, rehoming may be the best option for all concerned. If there are serious behavioral concerns, there may be times when behavioral euthanization is a valid option. These decisions can create feelings of deep guilt and grief. 

Planning for our pet’s end-of-life is something that we would rather not think about, but it is necessary to consider. The most loving gesture we can do for our companion animal is also the most difficult. 

In looking ahead, we can honor our beloved animal by taking the time to talk about different options and avoid making last-minute decisions. This will help you be better prepared for the situations that may arise during this time in your companion animal’s life. 

Having a plan in place will help you to navigate with clearer intention and will free you to be fully present with your pet during their journey.

As an End of Life and Grief Doula for Companion Animals, I can support you as you journey through these times of grief with your beloved pet. 

Services offered as a non medical supplemental support to veterinary care (always consult your veterinarian first for any concerns regarding your pet):

• End of Life Planning and resource gathering  (can be done at any life stage)
• In-Home Support during end of life experience
• In-Home Ritual, Ceremony, Reiki Services (Distant Reiki Services also offered)
• Veterinary Clinic Support during end of life experience
• After Death Care and Disposal of Remains Support
• Remembrance Services
• Difficult Decision Making and After Death Grief Support
• Companion Animal Advance Care Directives Workbook Download

This is non professional guidance and support. If you feel you are struggling before, during or after your companion animal’s end of life experience, or while making difficult decisions about your pet, please reach out to your primary care physician, mental health professional, or dial The Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Whether it’s future planning, an immediate need, or making a difficult decision, I am here to support you…

“Until one has loved an animal,

a part of one’s soul remains

Unawakened.”

– Anatole France

A Doula’s support is provided as a non medical complementary resource and is not meant to replace Veterinary care. Please reach out to your Veterinary professional with any questions or concerns first.  

Role and Scope:

As an End of Life and Grief Doula for Companion Animal, I provide non-medical support, advocacy, and education to a client or family. Family refers to spouse, partner, family member(s), or friend who the client wishes to include. I am independent, insured, self-employed, and work for the client or family, not a specific hospice, palliative care service or animal hospital or clinic. I do not practice under any medical licenses.

Contact: kathy.wolff00@gmail.com