Episode 98. Good Grief: Taking Care of Yourself & Others in Times of Pet Loss

It feels like we’re finally at a time in society when pet loss grief is starting to be acknowledged and resources are becoming more readily available.  But do we really know how to take care of ourselves and others in times of pet loss?  Do you know how to give good grief?

We’re joined by Mindy Meiering, LCSW, a licensed therapist, life coach, and mindfulness teacher who specializes in grief and loss. Even though Mindy has supported thousands of clients and families through major losses and life transitions, she was blindsided by how devastated she felt after losing her first dog, Ellie.

Calling upon all the tools and resources she learned, Mindy created the Rainbow Bridge Deck to support pet parents grieving the loss of a beloved companion.

Mindy and I discuss the best self-care practices in times of our own loss as well as the best ways we can show up for our friends & family who are grieving.  We also talk about unconventional types of loss including a lost pet, rehoming a pet and situations of behavioral euthanasia.

While many of us have heard of the Five Stages of Grief, a recent book examines the concept of a 6th stage of grief – finding meaning in your loss.  Mindy and I examine ways we’ve found meaning in our own pet loss grief and how you can do this in your own life and in your own way.

Mindy & I discuss:

  • Getting over her childhood fear of dogs;

  • How & when Ellie came into her life;

  • Pet loss grief and resources;

  • Why a card deck;

  • Unconventional forms of pet loss such as re-homing and behavioral euthanasia;

  • Self-care in times of grief;

  • Caring for others in times of grief; and

  • Finding meaning in grief

Find Mindy & the Rainbow Bridge Deck:

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