There is deep, difficult grief that comes with the death of a pet. And yet, pet loss is often an example of disenfranchised grief — grief not acknowledged or considered “valid” by mainstream culture.
Host Anita Rao talks with two people about the significance of losing pets and the realities of the grief process. Corban Smith got his dog, Dallas, as a puppy when he was 19, and cared for Dallas as he experienced seizures in the last years of his life. Sarina Manifold, a licensed clinical social worker with specialized training in veterinary social work, helps pet owners through end-of-life decision-making and conducting memorial ceremonies.
Smith is an adjunct professor at James Madison University and a jail/emergency services clinician at Valley Community Services Board. Manifold is also a certified grief recovery specialist and the owner of Authentic Healing Counseling.
In the network of care created for those experiencing the loss of a pet, veterinarians often do more of the supporting than being supported. Rao talks with Dr. Erika Lin-Hendel about the mental toll this takes on vets and what can be done to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue in veterinary communities. Dr. Lin-Hendel is a relief veterinarian and board member for Not One More Vet, a mental health advocacy group for veterinarians.
Thanks to Christine Stone, Angela, Haley and Erik Magnus for their contributions to this episode.
Ways to Memorialize Your Pet
Have a Paw Imprint Made
Many veterinary practices will offer to make a clay imprint of your pet’s paw after they die, which can serve as a reminder of them.
“I have the clay paw impression next to the urn, and I've got a candle beside that. And it's just a space where if I really want to stay connected with my animal, I go there.” - Sarina Manifold
Attend a Memorial Celebration and Make Art
In social worker Sarina Manifold’s time working at the University of Tennessee, she facilitated a celebration featuring an art project.
“Memory boxes, making a memory candle, doing picture collages — just things like that can be really helpful for people.”
Spread Their Ashes
If your pet has been cremated, visit a space they loved and spread the ashes there.
“When we went back home [to Alabama] for Christmas that year, we took his ashes with us, and we spread them where he seemed the happiest.” - Corban Smith
Donate Your Animal’s Old Items or Your Time Towards Other Pets
Passing on toys or volunteering with a local shelter can be a way to give things that made them happy new appreciation and honor your animal’s role in your life.
“There are a lot of people who end up volunteering at animal shelters, or volunteering with a rescue after their animal’s death as a way to honor what their animal did for them.” - Sarina Manifold
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