The Companions Collective

I’m sharing some important news about the future of this podcast. I appreciate each and every one of you who has listened, shared and supported the show.” I’ve come to a decision that has been difficult but necessary: there will be no more episodes of The Companions Collective. 2024 has thrown us a lot of curveballs here at Chez Bella, making life a little more challenging lately. My baby girl is not really a baby anymore and with arthritis setting in on that leg she had TPLO surgery on in January 2023, she needs more from me. More of everything. As many of you know, she is my world, just as your pets are to you. She's my ride or die and it’s vital for me to be there for her in this time. On top of that, my husband and I have faced some challenges dealing with his mother's estate. Navigating this kind of family business has been a heavy burden, and balancing everything has become increasingly difficult. I need to simplify my life to focus on what matters most right now. I’ve loved flexing my interview skills and connecting with so many of you through this podcast, especially during episodes that focused on understanding pet loss and grief. I believe our pets—especially our dogs—come into our lives to change us and make us better people. Losing them transforms us in even more profound ways, and those conversations have been close to my heart. I’m proud of the insights we’ve shared together. I set a personal goal to reach 100 episodes, and while I won’t get there, I’m grateful for the journey and the conversations that brought us all closer together. I do believe, though, that many of the episodes are a valuable resource to pet guardians who are experiencing anticipatory grief or pet loss grief. I hope you will go back and listen again when you need them or share them with someone who might need to hear them. This isn’t goodbye forever; it’s just a shift in focus. I have other creative pursuits I want to explore, and I believe there’s a different outlet out there that might align more with where I am in my life right now. I'll be over at Big White Dog Photography, making art for people who love their dogs that damn much, and getting as much love and as many snuggles as I can from the sweetest Maremmano-Abrusseze to ever exist in the world. Thank you for being part of The Companions Collective. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope you continue to honor the beautiful bond we share with our pets. Keep being kind to yourselves and each other. Until we meet again, tell your dog I said hi.

Crates can be … ah … not the most attractive piece of furniture in your home. But some people find them quite useful in training and containing their dogs. So why not have a crate that becomes a part of your décor? That's where Danny Nathan comes in. He's the founder and CEO of Apollo 21, a company that sits at the intersection of a business consultancy, a product design studio and a venture studio. Essentially, he designs cool shit. Like a sleep platform to overland in his SUV. And more recently, dog crates. But you don't just buy the crate. Oh no, my friends. Danny designs cool shit then creates design manuals so you can do it yourself. I think it sounds like fun, and Danny fills us in on the how and why in this episode. Where to find Stay. Good Dog crates StayGoodDog.com Instagram

Do you end up with a wooly ball of anxiety every time you have to go to the vet? I do. In fact, we've been having to go to a lot of appointments lately as arthritis has set in with the knee Bella had TPLO surgery on last year. Now … we adore our general practice vet here in Spokane Valley but if Latah Creek Animal Hospital was a little bit closer, I would be seriously considering a switch. Based right here in my town, Spokane, Washington, Latah Creek is a fear-free clinic. I've been following their Instagram account for a while and I just love the energy that comes out in their posts: informative, educational, kind … I reached out for a chance to interview the top dogs there and clinic owners Jessica Osborne and Dr. Megan Bauer couldn't wait to share the good word of fear-free veterinary practices. We talk about this innovative approach to reduce stress and anxiety for pets during vet visits and how Jessica and Dr. Megan create a calm environment for both stressed-out animal and stressed-out human guardian. Where to find Latah Creek Animal Hospital LatahCreekAH.com Instagram Facebook

I know you know what I'm talking about when I say sometimes our veterinarians aren't the best communicators. Hell's bells, Dani McVety told us as much on the podcast last fall. They're introverts. They'd rather be dealing with our animals, not us. So sometimes they tell us a lot of words that go in one ear and out the other. Or we run home and start Googling, doing our best to remember the words and take our best shot at spelling them. Enter Tyler Sugerman. An emergency vet in Tacoma, Washington, Tyler bridges the gap between vet jargon and pet guardians on his podcast Vetsplanation. With a goal to help pet guardians keep their animals happy, healthy and safe, Tyler breaks the science of vet care down into simple, understandable terms. Today, he shares that journey with us. Where to Find Tyler Vetsplanation website YouTube Facebook Instagram

Diana Lundin's journey from journalist to dog photographer has been a winding one, filled with challenges and personal growth. Now she's bringing her life full circle, joining journalism and dog photography together to shine a spotlight on the way climate change is affecting our animal species. She leaped at a recent volunteer opportunity that took her on an adventurous cross-country road trip to relocate animals for a farm sanctuary. The 3,600-mile journey was not without its obstacles, as the team navigated weather challenges, vehicle issues and a rather hungry llama. She documented the trip while driving the bus and caring for the animals and she intends to use the experience and her storytelling skills to bring light to the important conversation surrounding the impacts fo climate change. Where to Find Diana You want adventure? OK, drive an animal sanctuary across the country -- Medium Diana Lundin Photography Facebook Instagram

Today is a throwback to this podcast's roots in the grief we endure when our best fur friends die. My good Beth Bigler and I had this chat before I decided to rebrand the pod and expand the subject matter beyond that niche. As I continued to study grief, it struck me that a number of folks out there might not seek professional help with their grief for the pet. We exist in a world where our sorrow is called "disenfranchised grief," in which our loss is not necessarily accepted, respected and acknowledged by some people in our lives and the world at large. Because it's "just a pet," right? We know better. And Beth helps dispense the notion that it's just too darn silly or shameful to seek professional help. Beth is a licensed pet loss grief counselor and her Instagram account, @honoring our animals, is one of the comprehensive resources for pet loss you can find on the internet. In this episode, she offers insights into the challenges faced by individuals navigating this grief alone. What to Listen For Disenfranchised grief: How society's perception of pet loss as insignificant can lead to stigma, hindering individuals from seeking support. Challenges of seeking help: Beth sheds light on common misconceptions and barriers faced by those reaching out for counseling or support groups. Missteps in counseling: The discussion touches on ineffective counseling experiences and the importance of finding a counselor who understands the unique dynamics of pet loss. Creating a supportive environment: Beth shares strategies for creating a safe space where pet owners can express their grief without judgment. Building community: The role of community in healing, offering insights into how shared experiences can provide comfort and validation. Where to Find Beth Honoring Our Animals website Instagram

Have you taken an Enneagram test? What number are you? Today we welcome pet loss grief coach Wendy van de Poll and Pant the Town Photography's Darlene Woodward who explore the profound connection between the Enneagram and navigating the emotional journey of losing a beloved pet. Wendy shares her unique approach to pet loss grief, which combines her extensive experience in animal communication, mediumship and the Enneagram. Wendy explains how understanding the nine personality types of the Enneagram can offer invaluable insights and tools for coping with grief. She delves into the different ways head, heart, and gut types experience and process grief, providing practical advice on how to use this ancient system to foster healing and self-awareness during such a challenging time. Darlene, a true Type 4, shares her personal experience with grief and how the Enneagram has helped her understand and manage her emotions better, while Wendy offers tips on how to get started with the Enneagram, recommending specific books and resources to help guide you on this transformative journey. What to listen for Wendy's journey with the Enneagram The three body types under the Enneagram How the types differ when encountering pet loss grief How Wendy applies the Enneagram to her animal medium sessions Why understanding our Enneagram number can help us cope with grief Where to Find Wendy Website Facebook LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Russ Hudson and Don Richard Riso You Are More Than a Type by Tammy Hendrix

Her first spoken word was "cat." Even before she said "mama" and "dada." And the cat didn't even like her. Today's guest is Tracy Munson, my good friend from lower shebobia New Brunswick. Lower shebobia … ha … it's technically Hillsborough, New Brunswick, a small community about a half hour south of Moncton and right on the Petitcodiac River. About a three-hour drive from the little town in Nova Scotia where I grew up. But she's not from there. She's a Toronto girl, from the Big Smoke, where she plied her trade as a veterinary technician. The work got to her, though. Being in veterinary medicine is hard. It may be the only industry we know where it is a responsibility to end life. Tracy recognized she was in burnout mode and started planning her escape … to becoming a pet photographer. She's now a recognized leader in Canadian pet photography and an award winner in both pet photography and landscape photography. Today, we have a discussion about careers in vet medicine and the trials and tribulations that lie within. What to listen for 5:23 Vicarious trauma and its impact on animal shelter workers 11:53 The emotional toll of euthanizing sick and injured animals 17:53 How support in the field is improving for animal shelter workers 28:28 Compounding trauma with the grief from her own loss 40:00 How the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll 41:50 Why prioritizing your exit plan can make all the difference Resources mentioned Dr. Faith Banks on TikTok Compassion Fatigue in Animal Shelter/Rescue Workers Practice Compassionate Badassery with Jessica Dolce The Art of Being Kind to Your Vet

Things are going to change around here. Said not in the tone my father used to say those words ... The topics of grief, loss and pet loss grief are heavy, and I understand that not every episode is easy to listen to, especially if you're in grief. It's taken its toll on me too. To care better care of myself, we're rebranding from One Last Network to The Companions Collective and diversifying the content we're going to offer. Look forward to discussions on a broader range of pet-related topics, including the profound connection between human and companion animal and the incredible projects my professional pet photographer friends are using to change the world. Let's emBARK on this next stage of the journey!

You may have heard of animal chaplains. They are spiritual caregivers who provide support and comfort to individuals who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal or who are facing difficult decisions related to their pets' health and wellbeing. And then there's Scott Campbell, veterinary chaplain. Veterinary chaplains are rare in the United States. Scott is one of just a handful of these trained professionals who provide emotional and spiritual support to veterinary staff, in addition to pet guardians and the animals in veterinary settings. There are even fewer of them affiliated with a university, and Scott practices his craft at Washington State University, just down the road from me in Pullman, Washington. A veterinary chaplain's role may seem similar to that of a chaplain in human healthcare but individuals like Scott focus specifically on the unique challenges and emotional experiences within the veterinary medicine realm. Scott joins me on the podcast today to share his journey into veterinary chaplaincy and his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of pets, pet guardians and the world-class team at WSU, affectionately known in these parts as WAZZU. We talk about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession, including its high suicide rates, and how his own experiences are motivating him to establish the American Association for Veterinary Chaplains. Have a listen as Scott shares how he aims to alleviate the emotional burdens of the veterinary community and foster healing for those of us who suffer as our companion animals need care. What to listen for How Scott ensures WSU clients feel comfortable and heard Why a veterinary chaplain must be prepared to address a variety of belief structures The evolution of companion animals as family members in society What Scott finds more rewarding about veterinary chaplaincy Scott hosts a series of events called Celebration of Life and Remembrance for our Animal Companions for pet guardians to grieve and honor the lives of their precious babes. The event will feature a Remembrance Garland Ceremony, during which participants write messages on ribbons and attach them to a garland that's hung outside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU in Pullman. The next one is set for Saturday, April 13, at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It starts at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m. and Scott suggests it's a good idea to arrive early to prepare a ribbon for the garland. A social hour follows from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

I've struggled a while with addressing this topic. I don't have human children, never wanted one. So who was I to host a podcast on how to talk to kids about the family pet dying? But I remembered that all I had to do was put on my old journalist hat and ask the right questions. First question: who can answer those questions? Of course, my good friend Coleen Ellis of Two Hearts Pet Loss Center can. Coleen is also my mentor in pet loss grief companioning. With Dr. Mary Gardner, cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Coleen has written two books to guide children through their grief. Both are called "My Forever Friend." One is for saying goodbye to a special dog and the other for saying goodbye to a special cat. Each one contains activities for parents and children to work through together. Coleen, who also doesn't have skin children, a term I learned from Coleen, is quite easily the kind of person you can trust to accompany your kids on this grief journey. She's dynamic and engaging and most importantly empathetic and compassionate. What to listen for How Coleen guides children through their grief with a collaborative, empathetic approach The importance of letting children grieve and process their emotions their own way Why we should use clear language when discussing death with children Involving children in the planning for and day of euthanasia Where to find Coleen Coleen Rocks Two Hearts Pet Loss Center Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special dog (Amazon) Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special cat

You might not want to believe what I'm about to tell you … brace yourself. Running an animal rescue isn't all glamour, snuggles and magical puppy breath. I know, right? Shocking. Running an animal rescue can be incredibly challenging, logistically and emotionally. On one hand, there's an immense satisfaction and joy in providing a safe haven for animals in need, giving them a chance at a better life. On the other hand, it comes with a heavy responsibility of making decisions to end an animal's life. The simple reality is -- and it's going to be a tough one to hear -- not every life can be saved. There may be cases where euthanasia is the most humane option, whether due to illness, injury or behavioral issues. These decisions weigh heavily on the shoulders of those running a sanctuary, as they must balance compassion with practicality and often limited resources. Amy Castro of Starlight Outreach and Rescue in Friendswood, Texas, joins us today to talk about the ongoing burden of making those decisions. Amy is a people management and communications expert who coaches organizations on leadership building. While volunteering at one of her local rescues, she felt prompted to start her own in 2017. With upwards of 40 animals on her 7-acre property at any given time, Amy has developed a relatively thick skin when it comes to making end of life decisions. But that doesn't always make it easy. What to listen for Amy's inspiration for Starlight Outreach and Rescue The factors Amy considers before euthanizing a rescue animal The importance of making humane decisions for each animal The emotional impact of running a rescue and sanctuary How Amy strives to educate pet guardians about their responsibilities Where to find Amy and Starlight Outreach Starlight Outreach and Rescue Starlight Pet Talk podcast Starlight Pet Talk's Instagram

Erica's back! Erica Messer is the genius behind Wolfie's Wish, an online resource for pet guardians in grief. It started with a deck of cards, simple pieces of guidance or affirmations that a grieving pet guardian can look to for a little help in getting through the day. In The Art of Shuffling the Deck, we chatted about Erica's journey through pet loss grief after losing her beloved Wolfgang and how we can support each other in our grief. We're checking back in because Erica has expanded the Wolfie's Wish website into an online shop and guidance center, and she is hosting her own virtual grief support group. What to listen for Erica spills the beans on her new podcast and other developments at Wolfie's Wish Why self-care is so important during anticipatory grief The conversation around pet loss grief is changing How to use our memories to help us heal Where to find Wolfie's Wish Wolfie's Wish Instagram Facebook: Wolfie's Wish Pet Loss Support Group YouTube