Animal Attachment

On the human-animal bond

Adam Clark LCSW, AASW

Being Brave for Bailey: Children and the Death of Their Pets

The death of a companion animal is difficult at best. How then, do we support our children through such an experience? An interview with Dr. Corey Gut on her approach with books.

Why Are the Holidays So Hard While Grieving a Pet?

Why does grief hurt so much more during the holidays? The death of a pet is no exception. Here's how to start moving through the pain.

Holiday Grief: 5 Steps for Getting Through the Loss of a Pet

How do we grieve the death of a pet when we are expected to engage in so many holiday traditions?

Complicated Grief: Losing Your Pets From a Lost Relationship

Not all death is physical, especially when losing your pets due to an ended relationship. We grieve their loss yet they continue living. How to grieve, and heal, through the pain.

4 Reasons Why Pet Loss Matters to The Helping Professional

Should helping professionals equip themselves with the skills and understanding necessary to support their clients in the intricacy of pet loss? Here are 4 reasons why they should.

Natural Memorialization for Our Pets After They Pass

It's hard to know what choice to make in caring for our pet's body after death. An interview with Rooted, a new living plant-based cremation service as an option for pet parents.

What If the Pain of Pet Loss Becomes Too Much to Bear?

Experiencing the death of a pet is a profound and painful experience. Sometimes, we need a little extra help to get us through. Learn when contacting a professional may help.

Hospice and Natural Death For Our Pets: An Expert Interview

What happens when pet owners look for an alternative to euthanasia? An interview with Gail Pope, founder of BrightHaven Animal Sanctuary and Hospice, explores these alternatives.

Incomplete Endings: Coping With a Runaway or Lost Pet 

Mistakes happen when dogs get out, cats escape, or the gerbil runs away. Not knowing where your companion animal may be, or how they are doing, present unique challenges in grief.

Support, Nurture & Love: Talking to Children About Pet Loss

Knowing how to support children through the death of a pet can be incredibly intimidating. Explore the best way to support children through the pain of pet loss, in a healthy way.

My Pet Died and I Can't Stop Crying

After experiencing the death of a pet, our grief can be overwhelming. It's healthy to cry as we face our loss. Explore why we cry for our companion animals and how to heal.

6 Ways to Say "I Care" to Friends Who Are Facing Pet Loss

For friends grieving the death of a pet, comments are too often made that end up harming instead of healing. Here are six ways to tell your friends you care, without the hurt.

Blame, Shame, and Guilt: Making Decisions for Our Pets

Why do we place so much blame, shame, and guilt upon ourselves? Making decisions on behalf of our pet is important, especially in sickness or end of life. Here's how to process.

Losing a Pet Due to Divorce or Breakup

Grief presents itself in many forms, including the feelings of loss after a breakup or divorce. We grieve for our partner's pets when they are no longer in our lives.

Euthanasia: How Do I Know When the Time Is Right for My Pet?

Making the choice of euthanasia can be one of the hardest choices a pet owner will ever have to face. Explore what goes into making such a decision and a few skills to help.

Exhausted Grief: Can't Sleep After the Death of a Pet

Sleeping after experiencing the death of your pet is elusive for many. Here are healthy ways to encourage our body, even in the grief process, to get a good night's rest.

99 Nurturing Activities Helpful During the Grief Process

When we are experiencing grief over a loss, it is easy to lose track of what can bring us comfort. Here are 99 healthy suggestions to nurture yourself while you're grieving.

Tragic, Sudden, Unexpected: Grieving for Traumatic Pet Loss

Experiencing the sudden death of a pet makes the grief even more painful. Explore common patterns of guilt when it comes to tragic loss, runaways, and incomplete endings.

9 Myths About Pet Loss and What the Truth Really Is

There are many misconceptions when it comes to grieving the loss of our pets. Explore nine common myths that pet owners face, alongside the truth.

The Cultural Stigma of Pet Loss and Grieving Their Death

Grieving the death of our pet is hard enough without extra judgment. Explore the broader concepts of why many people face stigma when it comes to pet loss.

7 Self-Care Essentials While Grieving the Death of a Pet

The death of your pet and companion animal can be just as painful as losing a family member. Here are seven essential self-care strategies to help you through.

Hospice: Not Just for Humans Anymore, a Changing Paradigm

As Human Hospice grows as more people understand its benefit, Pet Hospice gains ground. Explore how Pet Hospice can provide important end of life support for you and your pet.

The Quiet House and Empty Dog Bed: Coping After Pet Loss

Coming home after the death of your pet to their toys and other belongings can be immensely painful. Learn how different pet owners cope with the pain of this loss.

Watching the Puppy Bowl is Good for Your Health

Need a break from the stress of the current political climate? Watching the Puppy Bow on Superbowl Sunday may help improve your mood according to scientific studies.

Four Steps to Take After Experiencing Pet Loss

You've just discovered your pet has passed. What do you do now? Here are four immediate steps to take for comfort and support.

A Whinny and a Neigh Keeps the Psychotherapist at Bay

How the calming presence of horses has sparked a new therapeutic trend. A whinny and a neigh certainly does keep the psychotherapist at bay!

You Said Pet Loss and Bereavement, What?

The conundrum of being an animal lover: loss, grief, and attachment. Cultural stigma can just get in the way.