The loss of a beloved pet family member can hit us surprisingly hard, leaving a huge void in our lives.  Their unconditional love for us, constant presence and companionship are suddently missing, and we struggle with adjusting to the changes, after all the care we have given them day after day. 

Kathy was trained and certified as a pet loss counselor by the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement in 2013.  As part of her graduate program in Counseling, she completed extensive training in grief support and death education at Center for Grieving Children, and Hospice of Southern Maine. While hearing from many folks that they could not find support for pet loss, and after the death of her beloved MagicDog, Kathy decided to create space for this at Pet Loss Pathways.

Kathy has worked with hundreds of individuals and families grieving the death of their animals (cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits, and more).  While she currently provides pet loss support services to veterinarian practices throughout Maine, as a pet loss grief coach, Kathy can work with folks in other states as well. 

Kathy is passionate about creating a judgement free, safe place for sharing.  It is common to question whether our choices were right, and go over and over things in our minds and hearts.  Grieving is a natural process, but it is not a straight line, and studies show it is healtier to have support along the way; to express feelings and thoughts, and have coping outlets can lead to healing and reslience. Connecting with others who have been through pet loss can make us feel less alone.  Kathy helps connect you with resources that might be helpful along the path.

I would be honored to be there with you in your grief, and bear witness to your story, and even hear about fun or poignant memories.  It is said “the measure of our grief is equal to the measure of the love we have for the one we lost”.   It is not weak to mourn one who has been such a part of our lives.  Kathy works with you to find meaning in their lives, and find creative ways to memorlize them.   We can check in about how fellow pets might be reacting to the loss, and our reactions to things people say when they give advice.  How do we adjust to this “new normal”?

For more information, please see my website, or reach out with any questions by email, text or phone.  Most folks find 2 or 3 sessions helpful; some will then do a support group. I look foward to hearing from you.