People often ask me if my ability to communicate with animals affords me a softer experience when I’m faced with grieving the death (I call it a transition), or perhaps a scary diagnosis, of one of my own.  While this seems completely reasonable and understandable to think that would be the case — I can […]

And thus, in the wee hours of the morning on the day that I was destined to become Alfie’s human, sitting in front of a picture of Olivia, clutching her collar to my heart, sobbing uncontrollably … Olivia came to me, and compassionately whispered these words to me: "It is okay for you to love this dog.  By loving him, you love me."

Ask any human who shares their life with an animal and they can list a multitude of ways in which that experience enriches their lives—joy, companionship, comfort, connection, comedic relief, exercise. They will often talk about the deep, heartfelt bond they share with their companion and refer to them as a part of their family.


In the heart of every person who has ever loved and shared their life with an animal lies an indisputable truth—we will one day likely face having to say good-bye to our animal companion, long before we are ready for them to leave this physical world. It can be a devastating, gut wrenching loss that leaves us experiencing a grief of profound magnitude.

“I have been dreading this decision for 16 years, and now that it is here, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” This was during a recent session I had with a client who is struggling with the fact that her dog is declining rapidly and, while she intellectually knows the dog is at […]

When Fido gets lost, it’s every pet owner’s nightmare. Your dog is outside facing the elements and all alone in a world of danger around them. You don’t know where they are or how to find them! It sounds like you’re in some tough times now, losing your best friend is no easy feat. I […]