Pet Loss Grief Support
At Caring Pathways, we understand the deep grief that comes with the loss of your furry loved one. We offer grief support services to help you through this journey and will be with you every step of the way.
Your first 30-minute call is free. Support is available before or after your pet has passed.
All grief is important
The loss of a pet can have a huge impact on one's life. Pets are a part of our families and we have very special bonds with them.
When a pet passes away, it can be hard for others to understand our grief. This can cause our grief to become complicated and take much longer to work through. Grief support gives you someone outside of your immediate circle to help you process what happened and what you are feeling.
"My job is to support you however you need it, as long as you need it." Mandi Browning, Grief Support Specialist
Is what I am feeling normal?
There are many feelings associated with the death of a pet. You may experience anger, denial, guilt, and great sadness. These are all normal feelings that our Grief Support Specialist can help you work through in a healthy way.
What is grief?
When a pet dies, it is normal to go through the same grief processes as when a human loved one dies. Grief is the reaction you have to the loss of your pet. This can be feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and more.
What is mourning?
Mourning is the process by which an individual deals with the absence of their pet after his or her death. Many people feel that a ceremony or a memorial of some kind is needed for closure surrounding the death of their pet.
Mandi Browning
Bachelor's in Psychology · Master's in Thanatology · Former human hospice social worker
My name is Mandi Browning and I am pleased to serve the Caring Pathways team as the Grief Support Specialist. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in thanatology (death, dying and bereavement).
I have taught death, dying and bereavement courses for school district staff and college students at Front Range Community College and have experience working in a human hospice as a social worker and volunteer coordinator. My heart is to help and guide you through this journey of grief.
More About MandiGrief is something we all go through
Everyone has to deal with death and grief. Although our society has made some improvements on being more open about death, I feel like the death of a pet is still a disenfranchised grief. Most people in our society barely talk about the death of a human, let alone a pet.
I believe that there is great need for grief support in this arena. When I joined Caring Pathways, we built this program from scratch. What started as phone calls has grown to include a grief support group, a Facebook group, and memorials.
Mandi's Story
When my cat Goku was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my world was shattered. He was 19 and it was difficult to remember life before him. Caring Pathways was recommended to us by our oncologist. They walked us through what we could do to keep him comfortable at home, and eventually helped him pass peacefully at home.
I had friends and family that were supportive and understood what a big part of my life Goku was. I also had some that could not fathom why I was so upset about "just a cat". Some people do not have the supportive circle to help them. I would like to be that for them.
I would like to help them feel normal when no one understands why they are still sad. I would like to help them heal the wound of grief into a scar of survival. I would like to let them tell their story and validate their emotions.
"After the most devastating moment of their life, it's knowing that there's still somebody there, that we still care, and that we're here as long as they need us."
Support that fits what you need
The Caring Pathways grief support program offers several ways to find support, before or after your pet has passed.
To get started, contact our office at 720-287-2553 and our team will have our Grief Support Specialist get back to you within 48 hours.
Initial 30-minute consultation
Your first call is free. It is a chance to share whatever you are feeling in that moment, and to make sure you are comfortable with Mandi.
One-on-one sessions
Longer paid sessions by phone or face-to-face. Whoever needs the support is welcome to attend. Call 720-287-2553 for details.
Monthly virtual support group
A virtual grief support group for Caring Pathways clients, where you can connect with others who understand.
Facebook grief support group
Anyone can join. The group is monitored so that people are offering real support and can safely open up. Join the group
Grief support workbooks
Every client receives a complimentary grief support workbook after an appointment with Caring Pathways. Mandi can follow up by phone as you work through it.
Ceremony and memorial planning
Many people feel a ceremony or memorial is needed for closure. Mandi can help you plan one that honors your pet.
Looking for something else, such as articles, books, or videos? Part of Mandi's job is to help you find what you need.
What does a phone call look like?
When you schedule a call with Mandi, that time is yours: a space to express whatever feelings you are going through.
Her job is to hold space for whatever you need, and to make sure you are completely comfortable with her and can trust her with your grief.
"We're going to have a conversation, and we're going to talk like old friends." Mandi Browning, Grief Support Specialist
How it works
- Request a callbackContact our office at 720-287-2553.
- Mandi gets back to youOur team will have our Grief Support Specialist get back to you within 48 hours.
- Have your first conversationYour initial 30-minute call is free, and there is nothing you need to prepare.
You can bring anything that is weighing on your heart
- The illness your pet is going through
- The moments leading up to their passing
- The loss itself
- The grief process, especially if you have never experienced grief this deeply
When can I request grief support?
You do not need to wait until you have said goodbye to your pet to reach out for support.
Caring Pathways understands the grief process begins the moment you find out that your pet has a terminal diagnosis. Our Grief Support Specialist can help you work through the anticipatory grief you may be experiencing at facing the death of your pet.
You can call us during any time of your pet's journey for information about our services. These services may include planning a ceremony, having someone help walk you through body care choices (burial vs. cremation), or simply having someone to talk to.
Support at every point along the way
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As your pet ages
You may begin to grieve the things they can no longer do. Mandi can help you build a bucket list and be intentional about your time together.
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After a diagnosis
A terminal or life-altering diagnosis brings a lot of change and anticipatory grief. There is a lot of work you can do together in that space.
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Facing the decision
Sometimes you need a neutral person to talk out loud with about your thoughts and feelings on making the decision.
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After your pet passes
You can always reach out after your pet has passed, for support with whatever you are feeling.
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Months later
It does not need to be right away. If you need three, four or five months before you are ready to talk, that is okay.
"I'm just here anytime you need the support."
Need to talk?
To request a callback, please contact our office at 720-287-2553 and our team will have our Grief Support Specialist get back to you within 48 hours.
Your first 30-minute call is free. If you are looking for support on an individual, family or group level, you can also email [email protected].
Connect with others who understand
When a pet passes away, it can be hard for others to understand our grief. These groups are a place to share with people who do.
Monthly Virtual Support Group
Our virtual grief support group for Caring Pathways clients meets on the second Thursday of every month. Contact our Grief Support Specialist for details on how to join.
Ask About the GroupFacebook Grief Support Group
Anyone can join our Facebook Grief Support Group. The group is monitored so that members are offering real support and can safely open up about their feelings.
Join Our Facebook GroupHelpful Resources
Books, websites and support groups that many pet parents have found helpful.
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing
Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
This book provides some tips on coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions we face upon losing a pet.
PetLossDenver.org
The Human Animal Bond Trust (HABT) in Denver is a non-profit organization which exists to serve those who are anticipating or experiencing the loss of an animal companion. That loss may be one of the most devastating and painful experiences you will ever face. Such a loss can be as traumatic as losing a family member or a dear friend. To meet the needs of those faced with animal loss, HABT provides the help of professional grief counselors through the Denver Pet Loss Support Group. You can find more about support groups on their website.
Pet-Loss.net
Another great resource is the Pet Loss website where you will find a wealth of resources for most of your grieving questions and concerns as you work through accepting the loss of your pet. This site has a list of counselors for many cities and states. Once on the website, click on "Links and Hotlines," and then click on "Colorado" to view a list of support groups and counselors in your area.
APLB.org
The APLB is unique, and the only organization in the world offering extensive free advice for grief. Their services are free and available to anyone grieving for a beloved pet. They pride themselves on incorporating the collective wisdom and experience of their friends and members, and they make that freely available to anyone who can use it, during deep bereavement for a beloved pet.
Pet Loss Support Groups
This is a walk-in pet loss group that is free. Its meetings are held every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation & Petaid Colorado, located at 191 Yuma Street Denver, CO. Their contact number is 303-318-0447. Visit their website to learn more about their available support groups.
Resources for Children
Children grieve very differently than adults. For support and info on what to look for, please contact the Grief Support Specialist.
Supporting Children through the Loss of a Pet
An article by Dr. Kellie Littrell.
Read the ArticleBooks to read together
- When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding DeathLaurie Krasny Brown and Marc BrownAges 6-10
- Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After LossPat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyenAges 6-10
- The Tenth Good Thing About BarneyJudith ViorstAges 4-9
- Charlotte's WebE.B. WhiteAges 6-10
- Tuck EverlastingNatalie BabbittAges 9-13
- Dog HeavenCynthia RylantAges 4-11
- Cat HeavenCynthia RylantAges 4-11
- The Day Tiger Rose Said GoodbyeJane YolenAges 6-9
- I'll Always Love YouHans WilhelmAges 2-6
- Jasper's DayMarjorie Blain ParkerAges 6-10
- The Legend of the Rainbow BridgeWilliam N. Britton
Ages are a recommendation but may be used for other ages. For more support and resources for children, please contact the Grief Support Specialist at 720-287-2553.