Guidance on Grief & Healing
Dr. Azure Holland was trained by Dr. Wallace Sife, Ph.D., one of the nation’s foremost experts in pet loss and author of The Loss of a Pet. Her approach reflects both professional expertise and personal understanding of the profound bond between families and their beloved companions.
Below, Dr. Holland shares gentle guidance for navigating this deeply emotional season.
Honoring Your Grief
The loss of a dog or cat is among the most difficult experiences a pet parent may face. Our companions are woven into the fabric of our daily lives—offering unconditional love, comfort, and presence. It is natural, and deeply human, for their absence to leave an extraordinary ache.
Grief may arrive in many forms, including shock, anger, denial, guilt, sadness, and, eventually, quiet acceptance. These experiences are not linear, nor are they the same for every person. Each journey is unique and deserving of compassion.
Allowing Yourself to Heal
Healing begins with permission—to feel fully, openly, and without judgment. Suppressing grief often delays restoration. Many families find comfort through trusted friends, therapy, journaling, movement, meditation, or creative expression. Tears, reflection, and remembrance are all part of meaningful recovery.
Surrounding yourself with others who understand the depth of the human–animal bond can be especially restorative. Shared empathy creates space for true healing.
Gentle Ways to Honor Your Companion
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Speak or write to your pet, sharing your love and memories
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Create a small memorial or private remembrance
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Donate or dedicate something in their name
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Establish new rhythms within your home
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Seek supportive communities or grief groups
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When ready, carry their legacy forward through love and storytelling
Grief is not something to “move past,” but something to learn to carry with grace. With time, care, and support, the pain softens, making room for gratitude, peace, and lasting connection.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together….
Books on Pet Loss & Grief
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife Ph.D.
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz
Books for Children
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
Support Groups
SPCA of Wake County
200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603
919-772-2326
Meets the third Sunday of the month, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Rob Gierka at rob@gierka.com
Bowman Animal Hospital and Cat Clinic
8308 Creedmoor Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613
919-847-6216
WeePaws Pet Loss and Grief Support hosts regular meetings on the first Thursday of every month (unless otherwise noted) that are open to the public and free to attend.
If you’d like to be added as a resource or if you have found a particular book or resource helpful, please let us know!