I’m not a big fan of the holiday season.

Why?

Because I’ve suffered a lot of loss in December, which colors my holidays with tinges of sadness and grief.

Yesterday marked the 5th anniversary of when my beloved dog, Bodhi Bear, died.

Bodhi was an extraordinary dog. He stood beside me through my late husband’s illness and death. He supported me with love and joy when everything felt overwhelming, and I felt so very lost.

When Spirit called me home to Connecticut, Bodhi Bear sat by my side for 5 1/2 days as we bounced across the USA in a noisy RV during the middle of the Pandemic.

I had no idea when we left California that Bodhi Bear was riddled with stomach cancer.

Somehow, he found the strength to bring me home.

A month later, we said our goodbyes, and my heart shattered into a million pieces.

I’m sharing this because I know the holidays can stir up a particular kind of grief that doesn’t always fit neatly into a season that insists we be happy, grateful, and full of cheer.

The holidays have a way of intensifying loss when everything around us seems louder, brighter, and more emotional; the absence can feel sharper.

You’re not alone.

The season is rich with triggers, including memories, routines, songs, and smells that can resurrect your loss anew.

As a Pet Loss Grief Counselor, I want to remind you that grief doesn’t take a holiday or have a schedule.

5 Ways of Coping with Pet Loss During the Holidays

If you’re missing a loved one this holiday season, here are 5 things you can do to take care of yourself:

• Modify Holiday Traditions:
  It’s okay to scale back and say “no” to events that feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. Prioritizing self-care is a fantastic way to honor your pet.
• Plan an Act of Remembrance:
  Shift your focus from the absence to the love you share. Light a candle, look at photos, hang a special ornament, or donate to a local shelter in their name.
• Feel the Love That Still Connects You:
  Take a moment to feel all the love in your heart for your loved one and feel the love they have for you.
• Find a Glimmer of Joy (Without Guilt):
  It’s okay to experience enjoyment and seek out simple pleasures without feeling guilty. It’s an essential act of self-care.
• Reach Out for Support:
  If your grief feels overwhelming, ask for help.

You may also find comfort in remembering that your beloved animal’s support is still there for you.

If any of this resonates, please know that the Animal Muse crew and I get it.

Our hearts go out to you ,

~Cat, Minnie, Yogi Bear, and Finnegan

If this post resonated with you, I invite you to share your thoughts or your animal’s name in the comments.

I also encourage you to share this post with others who may be grieving the loss of a beloved animal this holiday season.

And please subscribe to the blog for ongoing support and reflections.

If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved pet, please feel free to reach out for support. BOOK PET LOSS Session

The post Navigating Pet Loss During the Holidays appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

If you have ever loved a pet, then you know their death can affect every aspect of your life. It can be challenging to conceive of life without your best friend by your side. It can feel even more complicated when you were a caregiver for your beloved pet.

It’s especially disconcerting when your animal dies when you’re not with them, or they die suddenly without any apparent explanation or cause.

For over 20 years, I’ve communicated with animals who have departed their physical form. I’ve found that when you communicate telepathically with animals in Spirit, it brings solace during a difficult time. In my experience, hearing your loved one’s “voice” from Spirit, helps you feel connected to them and understand that our animal companions don’t die but live in our hearts eternally.

Communicating telepathically with your pet can provide answers to your questions especially around the dying process and euthanasia. When you receive validation from your departed pet in “real-time,” it creates a sense of peace during an upsetting time.

Grief is an insidious emotion which can cause a host of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual symptoms.  Part of recovering after losing an animal companion is rediscovering who you are without your animal companion by your side. It becomes even more complicated if you were the caregiver to your animal. An animal companion’s death may also bring up past grief as you find yourself thinking about others who have died.

Do any of the following symptoms sound familiar?

• Physical symptoms like:
• Pain
• Fatigue 
• Tension
• Irritability
• Exhaustion
• Sympathy Pains
• Low Motivation
• Disrupted Sleep
• Increased Sensitivity 

• Emotionally, you may experience:
• Shock
• Sadness
• Emptiness
• Anger
• Guilt
• Regret
• Resentment
• Loneliness

• Mentally, you may feel:
• Unfocused
• Disoriented
• Unmotivated
• Agitated 
• Confused
• Distracted

• Spiritually,:
• You may question your faith in God and/or Universe
• Feel lost
• Feel a sense of awe and mystery of Spirit as you come to accept your pet’s transition.

So what do you do when your grief is all-consuming?

Reaching out for support is a big part of the healing process. Therefore, it’s essential you find help whether it’s with a pet loss/grief counselor, therapist, or pet loss support group.

Besides giving animals a “voice” as an Animal Muse, I’m a Pet Loss and Grief Counselor. I help bereaved pet parents and animal family members cope and deal with their loss.

I also offer the online class, Animals and Death: Finding Peace In Your Grief to help you better understand how animals view the dying process and death. 

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My Animal Muse, KC

Valentine’s Day is a bittersweet day for me because it’s my beloved KC the Keeshond’s birthday. I don’t really know when he was born; I rescued KC close to Valentine’s Day in 1993. It seemed fitting that this exceptional dog, who was so full of compassion, wisdom, and love would be born on Valentine’s Birthday.

I find it hard to believe it’s been 18 short years since we said “goodbye.” My KC was an incredible partner and old soul in a beautiful fuzzy Keeshond body. A bright spirit, he had a fantastic way of opening peoples’ hearts, especially mine!

When KC died, it was hard for me to move forward given the vital role he played in my life. He was a catalyst that catapulted to me where I am today. I will always be grateful for setting me on my current path.

It was a cold sunny January day by the San Francisco Bay when I initially heard KC calling to me telepathically. I heard a voice say to me, “It’s time for you to have a dog. Come find me.”

At the time I didn’t know what I was receiving was called Animal Communication. Yet, I knew it was time to find a dog to assist me in my life. After a brief two week search, I found KC in Placerville, Ca at the Keeshond rescue shelter.

From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew KC was the one calling out to me. It was love at first sight. Finding him felt magical.

KC worked tirelessly to open up my intuition and telepathic abilities. His divine guidance and inspiration led me to become an Animal Muse.  His steady and wise presence nurtured me as he guided on my journey of self-discovery of my true self. I credit KC for many good things in my life.

KC accompanied me to graduate school while I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling and Education. My school awarded KC his own honorary Master’s degree: Conscious Canine because of his loving and compassionate participation in my classes. KC is the first and only dog to receive an honorary Master’s degree from John F. Kennedy University.

As we worked on our Master’s, KC  telepathically communicated to me his desire to teach children about being kind and responsible to animals. While I liked the idea of doing Humane Education programs, but I never lost sight of my desire to become an Animal Communicator.

After graduation, KC and I became volunteer Humane Educators. Together, we planted seeds of kindness and respect about all living beings in the web of life in classrooms around my county. 

We loved doing school programs. I particularly enjoyed watching KC as he was a masterful teacher and skilled partner who always put smiles on the faces of our students.

KC was right by my side while I did my Animal Communication training. His loving support and encouragement helped me develop my telepathic abilities. KC made sure I didn’t give up on my dream of being an Animal Communicator.

One of the hardest lessons my best friend and constant companion taught me was how devastating grief could be when he transitioned home to Spirit way too soon in 2001. 

Losing KC was earthshattering and life-altering to put it mildly. It was hard coping and dealing with the pain of his loss. It took me months to recover. Always wise, KC’s death inspired me to become a Pet Loss Grief Counselor. 

KC told me, 

“Now that you understand how hard it is to lose an animal companion, I urge you to help others. No one should grieve the death of a pet alone. I want you to offer them solace.” 

Besides bringing solace to people around pet loss, KC encouraged me to give hope to humans when their animals are going through the dying process with Hospice and Euthanasia Counseling. 

While I miss his physical existence, KC’s ongoing Spiritual Presence in my life continues to teach me about unconditional love, self-acceptance, mutual respect, and compassion towards all living beings in the web of life.

Thank you, my dear KC, for all that you continue to do for Mother Earth and me.

Every day I’m grateful for your loving Presence, Guidance, and Love.

Happy Birthday my Sweet Angel!

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Carter

Connie needed me to ask Carter if he was ready to transition and if she could assist him at home with euthanasia. She confessed, “It’s so hard watching him struggle. I can’t let him live like this. And he’s just getting worse.”

When I “tuned in” to Carter telepathically, I immediately felt severe pain radiating throughout his body. I also sensed he felt disoriented, nauseated and dizzy.*

Carter communicated, “As much as I never want to leave my body, my body can no longer support my Spirit. I know it’s my time. I’m a bunny and I need to hop. Please let Connie know that it’s ok to assist me and that I love her very much.”

When I shared Carter’s answer with Connie, she said, “As much as I don’t want to say “goodbye” to him, I’m relieved by your answer. Thank you for validating what I’m feeling. Knowing this takes a huge burden off my shoulders. I’ll call the vet as soon as we hang up.”

I asked Connie to let me know when the veterinarian was coming to her home so I could tell Carter and offer him Reiki to ease his transition.

Later that afternoon, I received the following from Connie, “The vet is coming tonight around 6:30 or 7. Would you like me to let you know just before we give him the sedative if I can remember?”

Carter the day he went home to Spirit

I replied, “Not necessary. Focus on Carter and all your love for each other. He says he’s grateful for his happy life and the amazing gift you’re about to give him–freedom from his suffering. Sending both of you big hugs and lots of love.”

After Carter was euthanized, Connie wrote, “The vet came over and Carter went to sleep peacefully. I sat with him on the couch for 3 hours and petted him and gave him treats. Thank you so much for giving me the confirmation and support that it was the right decision and right time. It made it so much easier for me to let him go. ????????”

I responded, “I’m honored to help you both. Carter says his Spirit is now soaring with the Angels and is free from suffering. He’ll see you in your dreams. My heartfelt condolences. ????”

A couple of days after euthanizing Carter, I received a distressed called from Connie. She was crying, “I’m haunted by the thought that I didn’t euthanize Carter soon enough. I’m worried that I prolonged his suffering. How could I have waited so long? Why didn’t I reach out to you as soon as I recognized how quickly his health had declined. I feel guilty that I continued his treatments that required long drives in the car. What was I thinking”

When I communicated with Carter about Connie’s concerned, he replied, “Tell her that she didn’t wait too long to euthanize me. I wasn’t ready to transition until the day before she called you. A part of me was hopeful that I would get better. Once I lost my ability to hop, I knew my quality of life was gone. The thought of living without hopping was too much to bear. Now I am free of my suffering.”

When I conveyed Carter’s message to Connie, she felt a huge sense of relief. She promised to no longer focus on the notion that she kept him alive too long. Instead, Connie promised to celebrate Carter’s amazing life by creating an altar in his memory. 

One of the most important aspects of my Animal Communication practice is my ability to ask your pets if it’s their time to transition home to Spirit. I can also communicate with them after they have died. 

By giving your animal a “voice,” you can find how they want to transition. When you elicit your animal’s feelings regarding their death, you to work in partnership with them instead of feeling like you’re playing “God.” By doing so can bring you tremendous solace during a difficult time because it feels a lot better having your animal’s input and perspectives, given you may be making one of the most difficult decisions in your lifetime.

Once your pet has transitioned, I can also communicate with them like I did with Carter. While it’s never easy to say, “goodbye” to a beloved animal companion, I can help ease your pain and suffering with your pet’s help along with offering you Pet Loss and Grief Support.

*Please Note: I’m not a veterinarian and do not diagnose animals. However, I can relate any feelings and sensations your pet relates to me to you. If you feel your animal is not well, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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3 years ago yesterday, I said goodbye to my dear friend and heart dog, Kobe Bear. 

Despite being able to communicate with him telepathically, I continue to miss my Puff Doggy terribly. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him or talk with him. 

Kobe Bear

The only good thing that came from his passing is finding my current Keeshond, Bodhi Bear. I’m grateful Bodhi arrived 3 weeks later because he saved my heart which was shattered into a million pieces.

Sabrina Renee with Kobe Bear

Kobe Bear enjoyed hanging out with his many girlfriends. When Sabrina’s predecessor, Abby, passed on, Kobe immediately befriended baby Sabrina Renee. They instantly became good friends.

When Kobe transitioned, Sabrina befriended Bodhi Bear as soon as they met. They continue to be good friends.

Kobe Bear and MacGuyver

The same thing happened with MacGuyver the Puggle. Kobe and Mac were DFFs* and adored each other. When Kobe passed, Mac and I cried together as our hearts were sad and heavy without our puffy friend.

Baby Bodhi communicating with MacGuyver

When Bodhi arrived as a baby Puff, Mac befriended Bodhi, despite not being too fond of puppies. It was clear to me that Mac knew Bodhi was coming.

Life goes on . . .

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