🎧 Struggling with the Loss of a Pet? This Episode Is for You
How to honor your pet's memory with Beth Bigler
Hey Privates! ❤️
Today marks one year since my beloved dog, Georgia, passed away at 14. She guided me through an important era of my life, and losing her rocked my world. In her honor, I’m sharing my interview with pet loss grief counselor Beth Bigler. This conversation played a huge part in my healing, and if you’re experiencing the heartbreak of losing a cherished pet, I think it will help you, too.
Listen to the full episode with Beth Bigler:
The interview has so many helpful takeaways. Among them, Beth offers thoughtful ways to keep our pets’ memories alive and reminds us how powerful an ongoing connection with them can be.
Here are some of Beth’s tips for grieving your pet and keeping them with you after they’re gone:
💞 Extend your relationship beyond this life
“Arnie died almost exactly five years ago at the time we're recording this. I feel closer to him today than I did the day he died. Our relationship has evolved and expanded. We are in total collaboration together. And this is possible… I want everyone who works with me to leave feeling like that's what they have.”
🖼️ Create a dedicated space for their memory
“I love making altar spaces because those are really beautiful. Both outdoors and indoors. And it's a space that if it feels right if you choose cremation or aquamation, you can put the ashes after. And so I always love building an altar during that anticipatory period, which can be something that you, as the guardian, can continue to tend to and nurture even after your animal has transitioned.”
🎨 Find a color that represents them
“Find a color that really represents your animal. Arnie's color is orange. That's why my couch is orange. That's why this cup is orange. That's why this journal here is orange… Every time I have a choice to make a color, I choose orange 'cause that reminds me of Arnie and keeps him included in my life. And people ask about it… If they comment that I'm wearing something orange, I'm like, ‘Oh, yeah, that's for Arnie.’ And then I get to talk about it.”
☕ Bringing their name into daily life
“Every single time I go to Starbucks or a restaurant with my name or anything, I use Arnie's name to get the coffee. So next time you're at Starbucks, use your animal's name. You know why? They're gonna call out your beloved's name in a room full of people, and your heart is going to leap out of your chest 'cause is there any other name better in the world than Georgia? No. So use Georgia's name everywhere you can.”
🌸 Notice signs & symbols from them
“For many people, different animals become representation… One of my clients has a cat who is always sending her ladybugs as a sign. So now she gets like ladybug stuff, and that reminds her of her cat.”
🎶 Create a playlist to honor them
Beth also recommends creating a playlist of songs that remind you of your pet or of special moments together. When you listen to it, it’s a beautiful way to honor their memory and feel their presence with you.
I’ve done many of these things for Georgia, and they truly help. I made a shrine right after she passed. Rotating photos of her are the wallpaper on my phone. We also have a super soft blanket with her face on it that’s so comforting to cuddle with.
Perhaps the best thing I did to honor Georgia's memory was get another dog, Joy-Joy, who looks just like her. Of course, Joy-Joy has her own personality, but her adorable face reminds me so much of Georgia's, and her puppy energy has been a balm for my heart.
Sending my love to anyone struggling with a pet loss. I hope Beth's wisdom offers you a fresh perspective to help you process your grief.
With love,
Courtney
So… ROLL CALL! 🗣
Have you dealt with a pet loss before? Any tips to add to this list?