Rosie Love
PET DEATH DOULA
PET DEATH DOULA
My dog, Chewie, went into the vet with a minor complaint: a bit of urinary incontinence. Lab work, x-rays, and an ultrasound didn't give us a solid answer. The vet believed she had cancer, but an official diagnosis didn't change the fact that my best friend was dying.
When learning that their pet is dying, a family may ask themselves, "Well, what next?" Being a certified death doula, I had the knowledge and resources to navigate one of the most difficult times of my life to provide a good death for my dog and an experience that would help my family heal through her absence.
Though I entered this field to work with dying humans, my experience with Chewie made me realize that there is a gap in care for pets and their families. The pain we experience from the death of our pet can be just as powerful as the death of any other member of our family, though often our grief is downplayed by society.
I educate and empower pet owners to make informed choices regarding their pet's deathcare. From the planning of their final days, to a funeral as well as transportation and disposition of your beloved pet following their death, I'm here to help.
How can I make the most of my final days with my pet? When is the right time to euthanize? These are questions that I can help you through.
A funeral for your pet is a healthy way to come to terms with the reality of their death, and can be a process that involves the entire family, including children.
Pet families can choose between cremation, aquamation (also known as water cremation), or a green burial in their own backyards.