http://www.lifeafterpetloss.co.uk/

Life After Pet Loss, Derby (2025)

23/04/2025

Nothing compares to the unconditional love and loyalty of an animal companion ❤️

16/03/2025

What not to say to someone grieving a beloved pet ❤️‍🩹

These are some examples of some of the things people have said to me recently.

Thankfully, most people have been extremely kind and supportive and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful community checking up on me.

Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all, or to just acknowledge their loss, acknowledge their pain, and let them know you are there if they do want to talk.

Thank you for all your support and understanding during the past two weeks ❤️‍🩹

15/03/2025

I finally have my baby home 💔😭

My sweet baby Bellatrix,

I am so sorry that your life was so cruelly taken from you so soon.

I am so sorry that you were robbed of this beautiful Springtime, your favourite season.

I am so sorry that you can’t smell the beautiful flowers like you so loved to do.

I am so sorry that you were given no dignity for four days after your passing.

I am so sorry that a human we trusted could be so cruel to let you down and put you in her black bin like you were rubbish.

I am so sorry that the person has shown no accountability for her actions and still hasn’t apologised for what she did to you.

I am so sorry that you can no longer curl up on my pillow and sleep safely.

I am so sorry that you had to pay the price for an incident that could have been prevented if the owner had taken action after the first poor kitty.

I am so sorry that you were separated from your family, we are all missing you so very much.

I am so sorry that any of this happened to you, you were the sweetest, kindest soul and I miss your cuddles, your purr, your meow.

I love you Bellatrix 💔

02/03/2025

Not my usual post…

My beautiful baby Bellatrix has been missing now for 3 days. One moment she was there, the next she had gone into a hedge, I heard some dogs barking and she hasn’t been seen since.

This is not like her. She never misses a meal. She never stays out at night. She doesn’t miss nighttime cuddles. She always comes when I call her and never goes far.

I’ve been searching for the past 3 days. I’ve put her bed outside so she can smell it. I’ve distributed leaflets. I’ve handed out and delivered posters. I’ve spoken to the neighbours and checked gardens. I’ve checked all the fields, the badger run, the park. I will not give up ❤️‍🩹

Luna is missing her like crazy and acting very strange 😢

The search will continue tomorrow. Please keep Bellatrix in your thoughts and prayers. She is my baby Bell and we are missing her like crazy. She is the sweetest girl 💔

If you are in the area of Risley, Derbyshire, please keep your eye out for her.

Please come home Bellatrix ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

22/02/2025

Losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest things we can go through 💔

They’re not just animals; they’re our besties, the ones who always seem to know when we need a cuddle or a laugh.

The love they give us is pure and unwavering, and when they're gone, it feels like there's this huge hole in our hearts that just won’t go away.

It’s like losing a part of ourselves, and it’s okay to feel that pain.

Just remember, it’s all part of the journey we share with them, and those memories will always be there to remind us of the joy they brought into our lives.

19/02/2025

Losing a pet can be an incredibly painful experience, as pets often become beloved members of our family 🐾

When someone you now is grieving the loss of a pet, offering support and empathy is super important. However, there are certain things you should avoid saying to ensure that your words provide comfort and not additional pain ❤️‍🩹

🚫 Don’t minimise their loss.

🚫 Avoid making comparisons.

🚫 Steer clear of cliches.

🚫Avoid offering unsolicited advice.

Remember their feelings. Consider expressing your condolences and offering support.

What you should say:

✅ I’m sorry for your loss. Miffy was a wonderful companion.

✅ I’m here if you need anyone to talk to or if there is anything I can do to help.

✅ I remember how much joy Miffy brought into your life.

By choosing your words carefully, you can provide genuine support and comfort to someone grieving the loss of a beloved pet ❤️‍🩹

18/02/2025

❤️‍🩹🐾

08/02/2025

Pet loss grief and bereavement can feel extremely isolating.

Bottling everything up only makes the situation worse and can lead to complicated grief.

Talking with someone can really help.

Sometimes we just need someone to listen to us, and others we need someone to help us move forward, without forgetting.

Everyone’s grief journey is unique. It is a process that takes time and patience for yourself.

Be kind to yourself and remember that help is here if you need it.

23/01/2025

I totally understand how scary the prospect of coaching may be, but I’m here to help you ❤️‍🩹

My name is Charlotte and I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Counselling and a diploma in Pet Bereavement Coaching.

After losing my beloved childhood pet Miffy after sharing 19 wonderful years together I was totally lost and felt so alone.

Pet loss is still a very taboo subject and is hugely misunderstood. This can leave grievers feeling isolated and as though their feelings are not valid.

I never want anyone to feel as lost and alone as I did, so I set up this page to help others going through their grief journey.

How you are feeling is valid. Be kind to yourself on your journey.

Please do not suffer in silence ❤️‍🩹

20/12/2024

I came across this beautiful poem by an Unknown Author and I wanted to share with all those grieving this holiday season ❤️‍🩹

The holiday season often emphasises togetherness and joy, so coping with grief at Christmas can be really challenging.

For those experiencing loss, the contrast between personal sorrow and societal celebration can feel overwhelming.

It’s important to allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment, recognizing that grief is a personal journey that doesn’t adhere to a specific timeline and certainly doesn’t disappear during the holidays.

My name is Charlie and I am a certified pet loss grief counsellor. If you are struggling with the loss of a beloved pet please do not suffer alone.

I have put together a guide for coping with pet loss over the holidays and I am offering it for free to anyone who is struggling. Please send me a message saying Holidays or comment below and I will be in touch with your free copy.

Sending love and light to anyone grieving right now ❤️

13/12/2024

This quote beautifully encapsulates the supportive dynamic between coach and client. Coaches play a crucial role in the journey of personal growth and healing, especially when it comes to grief.

A good therapist acts as a guiding light, believing in their clients until they can fully embrace their own potential and strength. This transformative process underscores the profound impact a therapeutic relationship can have on an individual’s life.

How can I empower you to find your inner strength?

✨I believe in your potential for growth and change! Together we can see beyond the current struggles and challenges you face and recognise the inherent resilience and capability within you.

✨ I provide a safe space. I can offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism.

✨ I will be your biggest cheer leader. Through consistent encouragement and support, I can help you to tackle obstacles and work through the difficult emotions before or after losing a beloved pet. This support should act as a buffer against self-doubt and reinforces your journey toward self-belief. Together we will acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

✨I will help you to build skills and resilience. As a certified grief coach, I can equip you with tools and strategies to manage your emotions, cope with stress, and navigate life’s challenges. As you learn and apply these skills, you will begin to see your own capacity for resilience and problem-solving.

✨ I will empower you to believe in yourself. Together we will gradually shift the focus to internal self-acceptance and self-efficacy. I will help you to believe in yourself and give you the coping mechanisms to move forward, without forgetting your beloved companion.

🐾🐾🐾🐾

My name is Charlotte and I am a certified pet loss grief coach with BSc Honours in Psychology and Counselling. I am here to support you on your healing journey.

If you’d like to book a free discovery call, please drop me a message saying “Discovery” and I will arrange a time that is best for you.

07/12/2024

Losing a pet can be as profoundly impactful as losing a human loved one, as the emotional bond with pets often mirrors that of human relationships.

Pets are integral members of families, offering unconditional love, companionship, and a source of comfort.

When a pet passes away, individuals may experience similar stages of grief as they would with human loss, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

The routines and daily interactions that once filled the home with joy and purpose are disrupted, leading to a deep sense of emptiness and longing.

Additionally, pets often serve as confidants and provide emotional support, making their absence keenly felt in times of solitude or distress.

Just like human loss, pet loss can trigger a grieving process that requires time, support, and understanding to navigate.

Acknowledging the significance of this loss and allowing oneself to grieve can help in healing and finding a path forward.

❤️❤️

My name is Charlotte and I am a certified pet loss grief coach with BSc Honours in Psychology and Counselling.

I’m here to support you on your healing journey.

I offer a free 20 minute discovery call which is an informal chat to give you the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about each other and how I can help and then you can decide if coaching sessions are something that would benefit you!

If you’d like to book a free discovery call, please drop me a message saying “Discovery” and I will arrange a time that is best for you.

I offer online, telephone or face to face appointments depending on what works best for you ❤️

05/12/2024

Sending love to those grieving this grief awareness week 🤍

The primary goal of Grief Awareness Week is to bring attention to the often-overlooked subject of grief and to encourage open conversations about it.

By increasing awareness, the week aims to:
🤍Educate: Provide information about the grieving process and its effects on mental and physical health.
🤍Support: Offer resources and support networks for those in mourning.
🤍Empathize: Foster understanding and compassion among communities.
🤍Normalize: Help normalize the experience of grief, reducing stigma and isolation.

Grief Awareness Week is a vital initiative that aims to shine a light on the often-hidden struggles of those dealing with loss. By participating in this observance, we can help build a more compassionate and understanding society, where people feel supported and empowered to navigate their grief in healthy ways.

29/11/2024

It’s really important to remember to take care of yourself while grieving.

The last thing your loved one would want is for you to neglect your physical and emotional
needs.

Losing someone close to you is a really tough time and it can be hard to process. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed and make it difficult to function.

Pet loss often disrupts our routine but it’s important that you continue to take care of yourself.

Make sure you eat, sleep and if you can, exercise is a great way to release endorphin’s. Practice self-care and make time for things you enjoy.

Spend time with people who care about you. People you can be yourself around and open up to.

Please don’t feel alone on your journey. As a certified pet loss grief coach I am here to support you through the emotional time before and after your loss.

Please don’t be afraid to reach out ❤️

14/11/2024

Have you heard of, or experienced anticipatory grief before?

Anticipatory grief is the process of grieving a pet before they have actually crossed the rainbow bridge.

For years I was experiencing anticipatory grief without even knowing it!

I’d find myself crying, almost every day, anticipating the loss of my beloved pets. It was like a grey cloud was constantly hanging over me and it stopped me from living in the moment and enjoying the time I still have with them.

There is no set rule or timeline for how anticipatory grief should look, just like with all types of grief.
But remember, it’s a normal part of owning a pet and not wanting to imagine life without them.

If this sounds like you then I want you to know that you are not alone in this experience.

I am here to help you cope with anticipatory grief so that you can make the absolute most of the time you and your pet have together, without it being weighed down by sadness and fear of the future.

Please reach out if you need support. Do not suffer alone ❤️‍🩹

12/11/2024

How lucky are we to be blessed with the presence of dogs on this Earth 🌍

They are pure and innocent creatures with a bond characterised by trust and unconditional love.

They see us at our best and at our worst, yet they still love us.

Our dogs become part of our routines.

They become a therapist, a family member, a companion, a best friend.

This can make the loss of our beloved pet a very painful time and extremely challenging.

It’s a unique and special bond that our pets play in our lives.

It’s understandable that it’s not uncommon for many people to grieve as deeply or more deeply for the loss of a pet than a human loss.

I have used my knowledge of psychology, counselling and grief and created a free guide with tips to help
“Coping with pet loss”.
You can download yours from www.lifeafterpetloss.co.uk or feel free to pop me a message to take the first step towards healing.

If you need any 1-1 support on your healing journey please feel free to reach out.

Don’t suffer alone ❤️‍🩹

11/11/2024

Myth: Grief over the loss of a pet devalues human life.

False.

Not everyone understands how we feel so deeply for animals.

Perhaps they haven’t owned a pet themselves.
It could also be due to their perception of animals, not everyone recognises them as live, sentient creatures unfortunately.

Religious, cultural views and familial beliefs can also play a part in how someone feels about animals.

However, these views do not have to be your views.

It is completely possible for us to care for both humans and animals.

The value of one does not reduce the worth of the other while one is grieving.

It’s okay to feel the way you do.

Feeling so strongly about an animal just shows how strong your bond was.

Other people may not get it, but I do, other pet lovers do and most importantly, you do ❤️‍🩹

10/11/2024

On Remembrance Sunday 10/11/24 say a prayer and light a candle for all those that lost their lives.

Some forget all of the animals that bravely gave their lives too, so let’s keep both the people & animals in your thoughts.

LEST WE FORGET 💓

Life After Pet Loss