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Kohana Bear, by Amanda S.

Kohana was always a special dog, and looking back on our time together, it feels like she was meant to be ours. I have always felt that she was sent to me and reflecting on our journey together I can see why.

We called her Hana for short, and when she came to us, we instantly fell in love. Hana was with me throughout my entire adult life. From me getting married, having children, and everything in between. There were many times when Hana was there for me, and I felt understood by her. She brought so much peace into our home, and she was by my side as we experienced life together.

Just before her 13th birthday, we discovered Hana had a heart murmur, which led us to finding out about her cancer. She was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma on her heart, and when the veterinarian who found the cancer told me about it, he started crying too. We cried together, and it was honestly the day I knew that soon I would be losing my girl. I did everything I could to learn about this cancer and to reach out for support from our veterinarian. We tried herbal supplements and those seemed to help, and Kohana lived an additional seven months beyond that point.

The night that we lost Kohana it was traumatic, and because it was during Covid we were unable to be with her when she was euthanized. We said goodbye in our vehicle, and she looked at me in a way that almost looked like she was telling me that it was okay, that I could let go.

Losing Kohana was the beginning of my journey to discovering more about myself. On July 24, 2023, it will have been two years since she died. Now I am always finding new ways to honor her memory. I am lucky enough to be a therapist, and to be able to help others navigate through grief and loss. I also completed the Pet Loss Specialist course from APLB, which was truly incredible.

Kohana has left a mark on me that has changed me forever, and I will never forget her. I miss her and love her beyond measure and am so grateful to share our story.

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Exclusive Members-Only Webinar:

A conversation on the human face of shelter and rescue work with Dillon Dodson

Join us for this exciting event
We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive members-only webinar featuring Dillon Dodson, veterinary social worker, Director of Social Work at the Toronto Humane Society, and Vice President of our partner organization, the International Association of Veterinary Social Work. This special event is designed to shine a light on the human side of animal welfare work in rescues and shelters.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Platform:  Zoom (registration required)

Celebrate Rainbow Bridge
Remembrance Day

Join the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement today and create a special online memorial for your pet. Enjoy 20% off a Silver or Platinum membership— offer ends September 7.

Discount is automatically applied at checkout

Rainbow Bridge
Memorial Celebration

In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August.

By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.