Navigating Pet Loss

You knew this would be hard. And it’s even harder.

Not Just a Pet

Guided Grief Support

A structured, individualized program to help you navigate the loss, or impending loss, of your animal

You’re devastated about losing the animal in your life and unsure how to keep going without them.

Perhaps this is your experience…

You’re heartbroken. The profound sadness is suffocating. You always knew this would be hard, but it feels even worse than you imagined.

It feels wrong that life just keeps going — you need it to pause.

Your mind keeps desperately trying to write a different ending. Part of you can’t believe this is happening.

This feels even harder than losing a person in your life.

Even though you’re going through the motions and maybe even pretending you’re ok, the truth is life feels impossible.

You keep wondering, “Could I have done more?” or “Did we make the right decision?” and you are overwhelmed with guilt and regret.

The pressure to “get over it”, or the suggestion to “just get another pet” leaves you feeling dismissed.

Missing your animal is excruciating. You would give anything to have more time with them.

Your sense of identity and purpose have been rattled. You don’t really recognize your life anymore — you’re lost and unsteady.

The truth is, there is so much grief because there is so much LOVE. What if you could take all of that love and find ways to intentionally grieve and honor your pet?

“When Walter died I felt lost. I felt unable to continue with daily life, frozen in a void. It was as though Walter had been my tether and without him I was ungrounded. 

I found connection and compassion sharing my feelings of loss and despair with Alana. As I shared the stories of my grief, my heartbreak, and fear of life without Walter, the heaviness of those feelings started to ease.  Having a space to share all the pain, recall delightful memories and verbalize spiritual ponderings allowed me to untangle my emotions and find my way through them.   

While my grief still blindsides me occasionally, I no longer feel lost, unable to see my way through.  Processing Walter's passing with Alana helped me integrate my grief.  Now my combined love of and grief for Walter feels like a source of strength and guidance inside of me.”

-Carrie E.

Imagine if you could find a path through the grief that left you feeling more connected and hopeful.

  • Feel less alone and isolated in your grief.

  • Tell the truth about your pain and be believed.

  • Honor everything that you lost and all parts of your experience, even the ones that don’t seem to make sense.

  • Have a dedicated space and time to truly grieve.

Through our work together you will:

  • Identify practical coping tools to help the overwhelm and anxiety feel more manageable.

  • Find ways to stay connected to your pet.

  • Honor your animal and your relationship with them.

  • Trust that you can find your way through the grief.

Hi, I’m Alana (she/her) and I’m so glad you’re here. And I also wish you didn’t have to be.

I’ve been helping people navigate grief for over ten years and while my professional experience informs my work, the death of my dog a few years ago led to a passion for helping others who are struggling with pet loss. I’ve had important humans in my life die, but losing my dog was (and is) the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Now I’m here to help you feel supported, seen, and understood, and guide you as you find your own unique way through the grief.

Program Structure

We’ll work together to determine what areas of focus, and what order, will be most useful for you and your unique situation.

Your Story

Getting to know you and your pet, and what your relationship was/is like. Sharing any and all parts of your experience. What’s important to you is important to me.

Pet Loss 101

Why is this so hard? Understanding grief in general, as well as what makes this different from other losses can help validate and make sense of everything you’re experiencing.

Brainspotting to Process Loss

Brainspotting is a mind-body approach that can help you to process and integrate grief — especially the worst parts that might feel too overwhelming, or hurt too much to talk about.

Ways to Cope

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to how to cope, so we’ll figure out what works for you. Some options might include: writing, meditation, movement, art, comfort items, rituals, connecting with others, and celebrating your pet’s life.

Staying Connected

Part of the grieiving process can be figuring out how to have an ongoing relationship with your animal. You don’t have to “move on”, you can stay close to them in different ways so they can continue to be a part of your life.

Saying Goodbye

If you’re anticipating the loss of your animal, part of our work together will be navigating this heart-wrenching process. I can help you get clarity around difficult decisions and figure out how you want to honor and support your pet in their final days.

  1. Schedule a free 15-minute introductory call to ensure the program is a good fit.

  2. I’ll email you a link to register for the program. 

  3. After registering for the program, we’ll schedule your 4 initial sessions. 

    Dates and times are determined based on our mutual availability. We will usually meet at the same day/time each week to make scheduling easier. We can discuss options during our introductory call.

  4. Each 45-minute session will take place on Zoom (or via a phone call if you prefer.)*

  5. Between sessions, I am available via video message. (Up to 3 per week, <5mins each.)

  6. Once we start meeting, we can discuss adding on additional sessions if desired. 

*In-person meetings may be available — if you’re in the Seattle area and would prefer to meet at a park or an outdoor place you frequented with your pet, please let me know and we can discuss this possibility. 

Here’s how we’ll do it:

The cost of the 4-week program is $600

Additional sessions available for $200/session

A payment plan is available at no extra cost

What’s Included?

  • 4 individual sessions of guided grief support with Alana

  • Brainspotting

  • Support between sessions via video message (Up to 3 per week, < 5mins each)

  • Personal messages sent after program on death anniversary and other important dates

  • Opportunity to purchase additional sessions

Now Accepting New Clients 

The first step is to send me a message via the contact form and we will set up a time for a free brief introductory call. I can’t wait to meet you.

✔ This is for you if:

  • You’re curious and open to the grief process

  • You’re looking for ways to honor your pet and your relationship with them

  • You want to feel connected to your pet

  • It would be helpful to have guidance and support as you find your own unique way through the grief

  • Maybe losing your animal feels harder than losing a human

✘ This is not for you if:

  • You want or need therapy (But I am happy to help with referrals if this is what you’re looking for)

  • You just want to move on or get over the loss as fast possible

  • You want a magic fix

  • You want absolute answers or solutions to your grief

Frequently Asked Questions

  • People who are deeply bonded with their animal companions. Whether you are anticipating the loss of your pet, recently experienced the loss, or have been dealing with it on your own for awhile, I am here to guide and support you through all parts of the grief process.

  • After reading over the website, the best way to determine if this is a good fit is to schedule a free 15-minute introductory call with me. We can discuss the program and I am happpy to answer any of your questions. You’re also welcome to reach out and ask your questions via the contact form.

  • All sessions take place online via Zoom, or a phone call if you prefer.

    In-person meetings may be available — if you’re in the Seattle area and would prefer to meet at a park, or an outdoor place you frequented with your pet, please let me know and we can discuss this possibility.

  • I’ve got you. Once you complete the program you have the option to continue working with me at a cost of $200/session. If you need a different kind of support, I will do my best to connect you with other resources.

  • Definitely not! This is for anyone who has/had a close relationship with an animal and wants support as they navigate the grief process.

  • No. This program provides guided grief support, but does not substitute for therapy if needed. I am happy to assist you with referrals to therapy if wanted or needed

  • I have an MA in Counseling from Seattle University and over ten years of experience as a therapist specializing in grief and loss. Please note: although I am licensed psychotherapist, services provided in the Not Just a Pet program are not therapy.

  • Unfortunately there are no refunds for this program. Once you sign up your session slots are reserved specifically for you. Before you sign up, I want to make sure you are confident it is a good fit for you. If you have questions about whether this is right for you, please send me a message or I am happy to discuss any of your concerns during a free introductory call.

Not ready for the program but still want to connect? Sign up for my newsletter here.

Losing the animal of your life is devastating and terribly painful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re feeling stuck or lost in your grief, and want to do things differently, reach out today. I can’t wait to help you.

Gradually you will learn acquaintance
with the invisible form of your departed;
and when the work of grief is done,
the wound of loss will heal
and you will have learned
to wean your eyes
from that gap in the air
and be able to enter the hearth
in your soul where your loved one
has awaited your return
all the time.

-John O Donahue