Pet Loss + Grief Support

This was the last time I held my good boys paw. It was the single worst moment of my life. I’m extremely grateful for the support that I had (and still continue to have) from those who love him.

I was scared of the day I’d lose my good boy Deuce for over 16 years. For the final 4 years before we said goodbye, I battled severe anticipatory grief. I was terrified to leave him, I didn’t want to waste a single moment with him. I was hyper vigilant with his health (some say unhealthily so but I beg to differ - it prevented numerous health emergencies) and I tried to make sure that I did everything that he needed me to do. I promised him when the time came, I’d make the right decision for him if needed.

That day came Saturday, March 30th 2024. It was the day I’d been dreading for nearly half of my adult life - and his entire life. He woke up that morning and let me know it was time. Deuce had been diagnosed with Massive Hepatocellular Carcinoma in early December 2023 and we knew we didn’t have long, so we made the most of every single moment together and lived each day as if it were our last together. It might sound like such a beautiful way to live your days together, and it was - but it was extremely painful. I wish I had sought out professional help for my anticipatory grief and how to prepare long before I did.

You can read more of his cancer battle here.

The day we said goodbye was the worst day of my entire life and I’ll never get over the loss of my soul dog, my best friend, my good boy. I needed a way to process my debilitating grief in a healthy, constructive way - which is why the Good Boy Foundation exists. I want every dog to have the opportunity to have the same amazing life that my good boy did. I want every dog parent to have access to same resources and information that helped guide my decisions and shaped our lives together. I want all dogs to have the loving home they deserve and lastly, but certainly not least, I want to help dog families in need get their dog the cancer diagnostic care and / or treatments that Deuce had access to.

My work in the Good Boy Foundation is dedicated to my best friend Deuce and serves as my way of showing my gratitude and never ending love for my life with him and everything he taught me. I was, and always will be, the luckiest dog mom in the entire world.

My deepest sympathy if you are facing the same heartbreak and grief as I am. I hope the resources I’ve put together can be helpful in some way.

Grief Support

The Good Boy Foundation is proud to recommend Beth Bigler from Honoring Our Animals for support before, during and after the loss of your best friend. She offers anticipatory counseling as well as post-loss counseling in a safe, loving and validating space. Beth is a Certified Grief Counselor and Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist by the American Academy of Grief Counseling. She is also a proud member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.

• About pet loss counseling and why it’s important

• What is Anticipatory Counseling?

• What is Post-Loss Counseling?

• Community, connection & comfort

• What the process with Beth looks like

• Book a free 20 minute phone consultation with Beth

Euthanasia

• In-Home Euthanasia: Putting a Pet Down at Home

• Process of Euthanasia

Additional Grief Resources

• 5 Ways to Help Your Grieving Dog When Their Pet Sibling Dies

• 6 Mental Health Tips for Coping With the Loss of a Pet

• How to Comfort a Friend Who’s Lost a Pet

• How Do You Mourn the Loss of a Pet? Any Way You Want, Says “Good Grief” Author E.B. Bartels

• Anticipatory Grief

• Online Support

• Pet Loss Grief: 4 Ways to Cope with Losing Your Best Friend

• Navigating Anticipatory Grief with an Older Pet

• How to Cope with the Death of your Pet

• Pet Compassion Careline

• Pet Loss Support Groups by State

• Grief Journal

Honoring Your Dog

• 20 Loving Ways to Memorialize Your Pet After They’re Gone

The Good Boy Foundation is committed to providing valuable resources and education to empower pet parents in caring for their furry companions. However, it's important to note that the information provided on our website is intended for educational purposes only and should never replace the advice or treatment provided by a licensed veterinarian. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful guidance, we cannot be held responsible for any outcomes or consequences resulting from the application of this information. Pet parents are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to their pet's specific needs and circumstances.