For the 152nd episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak welcomes Beth Bigler, pet loss grief counselor and founder of Honoring Our Animals, for part two in a three-part series on pet loss.
Have you ever lost a beloved pet? It’s the worst. Scientifically, it can be as hard to grieve a pet as a parent or a partner. I lost my beloved dog, Georgia, in early December, and it was so hard for me to process — that experience inspired this series. (If you missed part one with Cherie Doyen, listen here (https://www.privatepartsunknown.com/pet-loss-part-1-cherie-doyen/) .)
One of the things that really helped me shortly after Georgia passed away was discovering an Instagram account, @honoringouranimals (https://www.instagram.com/honoringouranimals/) . I got so much reassurance and validation just from following the account, so I knew I wanted to interview its creator, Beth Bigler, for this series on pet loss. And she did not disappoint.
Beth is a double-certified pet loss grief counselor, certified end-of-life animal companion doula, and pet chaplain. She works with individuals and families before, during, and after the loss of their beloved animal companion. We had a super in-depth conversation. It was not a counseling session, but Beth is clearly really good at her job, and just talking to her for this interview helped me get over a big hump in my Georgia grief. I hope it helps you too.
We discuss:
• What does pet loss counseling actually entail?
• The definition of disenfranchised grief
• Beth’s #1 euthanasia tip
• How to talk to your kids about pet loss
• How to know if you’re ready for a new pet
• The spiritual questions that death can bring up
• Navigating the lexicon of pet grief, including the Rainbow Bridge
• How to be a good ally to others experiencing pet loss
• How you can keep your deceased pet alive in your life
For more Beth Bigler:
• Follow Beth on Instagram @honoringouranimals (https://www.instagram.com/honoringouranimals/)
• Check out the Honoring Our Animals website honoringouranimals.com (https://honoringouranimals.com/)
(Pictured with Beth is her soul cat, Arnie.)
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