The Only Guarantee

Pet Loss: Embracing all Forms of Grief

Episode Summary

In this emotional episode that we recorded this spring, we (Holly Hutchings and Dr. Kim Rich) go deep into the tender topic of pet grief. Holly shares her recent experience with her 11-year-old black lab, Deputy, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma. We discuss the initial shock, decision-making process for treatment options, and complexities of preemptive and active grief. Throughout our conversation, we explore society's discomfort with openly discussing grief, leading to a broader discussion about non-death-related losses, such as loss of financial security, independence, and expected life paths. We encourage listeners to normalize conversations about grief in all its forms.

Episode Notes

In this emotional episode that we recorded this spring, we (Holly Hutchings and Dr. Kim Rich) go deep into the tender topic of pet grief. Holly shares her recent experience with her 11-year-old black lab, Deputy, who has been diagnosed with lymphoma. We discuss the initial shock, decision-making process for treatment options, and complexities of preemptive and active grief.

Throughout our conversation, we explore society's discomfort with openly discussing grief, leading to a broader discussion about non-death-related losses, such as loss of financial security, independence, and expected life paths. We encourage listeners to normalize conversations about grief in all its forms.

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You can reach Dr. Kimberly Rich about speaking, writing, or generally death-supporting at tomorrowmourningllc.com