Courageously Living’s Post

Pets are your family. For some, your children. That’s me. We love them the same, we take care of them the same, and we grieve for them the same. My spouse and I unexpectably lost our sweet Rigby yesterday due to heart failure and are still in immense mourning. No warning signs. Nothing to allow us to process over time. Just a sudden goodbye. People need time to heal. They need time to process loss, no matter who they lose. It’s an important reminder for organizations that grief is grief, family is family, and your employee decides what that is to them…not a corporate policy. I implore you to review your total rewards to allow for inclusivity in bereavement policy and benefits. Pet insurance is helpful. It allows families to take care of their non human loved ones without financial burden. A Pet bereavement policy says you care about the whole person and recognize family makeups aren’t always traditional. And above all else, don’t simply say “ I’m sorry” and move on. Allow your employee space, refer them to EAP just as you would if a human passed. Pet grief is grief. Remember, pets are companions, children, coworkers, family. Treat them as such in your total rewards packages. To my sweet Rigby. Night, night pretty girl ❤️ #totalrewards #bereavementpolicy #benefits #inclusion

Helping Children Cope with Pet Loss: 8 Thoughtful Gifts Inspired by the Rainbow Bridge Losing a beloved pet can be a profoundly challenging experience, especially for children who often form strong bonds with their furry friends. The grief that accompanies the loss of a pet can be overwhelming, but there are ways to help children cope with their emotions and find comfort during this difficult time. One meaningful approach is to introduce them to the concept of the Rainbow Bridge and provide them with thoughtful gifts that symbolize the special connection they shared with their furry companions. The Rainbow Bridge is a heartwarming concept that offers solace to those mourning the loss of a pet. The idea is that when a pet passes away, they cross a rainbow bridge that connects the earthly world to heaven or a beautiful, peaceful paradise where they await their owners. This concept can provide children with a sense of hope and closure, knowing that their beloved pets are in a serene and happy place. Incorporating the Rainbow Bridge into the grieving process, along with thoughtful gifts, can offer children a tangible way to remember and honor their pets. Below are eight meaningful gifts inspired by the Rainbow Bridge, that are each designed to aid children in navigating their grief.

🐾 Planning Ahead: Ensuring Peace of Mind for You and Your Furry Friends 🌈 As pet lovers, we know that our furry companions hold a special place in our hearts. That's why it's crucial to consider their well-being even after we're no longer able to care for them. Today, I want to talk about a topic that some may find difficult to broach but is incredibly important – pre-arranging your funeral arrangements for both you and your beloved pets. By making these plans in advance, you can ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your pets are taken care of in the manner you desire. Whether it's designating a trusted individual to look after your pets or making financial provisions for their ongoing care, pre-planning allows you to provide for them in the best way possible. Furthermore, pre-arranging your own funeral can provide peace of mind for your loved ones during a challenging time. It allows you to express your preferences and relieve your family and friends of the burden of making difficult decisions during their time of grief. Remember, planning ahead isn't just about making things easier for yourself – it's also about showing love and consideration for your pets and those you'll leave behind. It's an act of compassion and responsibility that can provide comfort and security for all involved. If you haven't already considered these arrangements, I encourage you to take some time to do so. It's a gift of love and care that will resonate far into the future. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Let's open up this important conversation and support one another in planning for the future, both for ourselves and our cherished pets. 🐾💕 #PetCare #FuneralPlanning #LoveForPets #PeaceOfMind

💔 Pet loss guardians who are grieving might look okay on the outside, but inside, they are far from it. Longing, yearning, anger, guilt, relief, questioning, shock, sadness, and so many more emotions can be swirling—please be kind to pet grievers. 🚨 When you see someone make a post announcing the death of their pet, you can’t imagine all the things going on behind the scenes with their sorrow. 💌 If you want to support someone grieving their pet, use their beloved pet’s name often. It’s not just a name; it’s a bridge to cherished memories. Encourage them to share stories about their beloved, creating a space for evolving and connecting. 💪 Take action without asking, “What can I do?” Drop off a comforting meal, help with chores, or send a message just to let them know you’re thinking of them. Your initiative speaks volumes. 💕 Follow up consistently, whether it’s weekly or monthly. Send thoughtful messages like, “I was remembering [Pet’s Name] today and thought of you. How are you holding up?” or “I came across a photo of [Pet’s Name] and it brought back so many memories. Wanted to check in on you.” 🌈 Acknowledging their grief and mentioning their pet by name shows you recognize the depth of their loss. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate your care and support. 💬 How have you supported someone grieving a pet, or how have others supported you?

Facing January dealing with pet loss grief? Need support? We understand. #petloss #dealingwithgrief #petsarefamily #peteuthanasia #petlovers https://lnkd.in/e2ym9MDZ

What Do You Give Someone Who Lost a Pet? Giving gifts to people who are grieving the death of their pet is challenging, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re trying to figure out what to give someone who recently lost their pet, here are some gift ideas that might be helpful and/or thoughtful. Click here to read more : https://lnkd.in/duhsxWf2

To be honest, I was surprised to come across a book which discusses HR’s role in helping employees grieve the loss of a pet... "Nearly all pet owners (97%) say their furry companions are family, according to the Pew Research Center. As such, the grief associated with losing them can be devastating. And this can affect how employees show up to work, according to Erika Sinner, founder and CEO of marketing agency Directorie, and author of Pets Are Family." The book outlines several pieces of advise for companies: "It has to start from the top down, in terms of really pushing for an empathy-driven culture…then compassion is having compassionate policies, like pet bereavement…" "Compassionate policies, like pet bereavement leave, show your employee…we recognize your family structure includes your furry family members. You’re [not] leaving it up to chance that your frontline managers aren’t going to know what to do or what to say. Or your employees are going to feel like they have to go back to work the next day, or maybe they can’t talk about it, and they’re going to be miserable." Also, not comparing grief…whether it is the loss of a human or a pet - people grieve and it affects their work... What do you think about it?

🐕 Do you have any pets? We have 5 dogs 🐕 2 chickens 🐓 and a lizard 🦎 One of my dogs is 14 years old! She is a rescue dog 🐶 This conversation came up the other day and working in HR, I thought it would be a good topic for discussion. How would the policies look like for pet bereavement? What would be considered a pet? How much leave will be given? Other considerations? Pet’s offer become part of the family, so this raises the question: Should people get bereavement leave for a pet? https://lnkd.in/gw6drQNY

Our furry friends are more than just animals; they are family members who fill our lives with joy, companionship, and unconditional love. When they leave us, the grief can be profound and complex, often leaving us feeling isolated and misunderstood. It’s essential to acknowledge that this pain is valid and deserves to be honored. 🐶💔 In these moments of sorrow, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to navigate the emotions that come with loss. The world may seem a bit dimmer, and the absence of their playful barks or gentle purrs can echo painfully in our hearts. It's important to remember that grieving is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to cope. Each tear shed is a testament to the love shared with our precious companions. 🌈✨ I am excited to share my new program, Do Pet Loss Differently, designed specifically to support those navigating the heart-wrenching experience of pet loss. This program offers a safe space for you to express your feelings, connect with others who understand your journey, and explore healthy ways to cope with the grief. In our sessions, we will engage in heartfelt discussions, share uplifting memories, and explore creative outlets that allow us to celebrate our pets' lives in meaningful ways. Together, we will create a supportive community where we can share our stories, honor our pets, and learn to embrace the memories that bring us comfort. 🌼🐾 If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of a pet, I invite you to join me. Let’s walk this path together and find healing in our shared experiences. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Your feelings are valid, and together, we can transform our grief into a celebration of the love we shared with our furry family members. 💖🌟 For more information about "Do Pet Loss Differently" head on to www.theunleashedheart.com -> Services -> Do Pet Loss Differently or you can simply contact me on email victoria@theunleashedheart.com. From there you can get better understanding why this program is for you and why it's worth a try 💖 #PetLoss #PetGrief #PetMemorial #RainbowBridge #PetLossSupport #GrievingAPet #PetLossJourney #PetBereavement #RememberingPets #HealingFromPetLoss #PetLossCommunity #PetLossAwareness #CopingWithPetLoss #PetLossHealing #PetLossStories #PetGriefHealing #DoPetLossDifferently #petlosspain #selfpacedprogram #animallover #loveforanimals #griefeducation #griefawareness #unleashyourheart #unleashyourlife #theunleashedheartllc

😺😍In today's society, where pets are regarded as cherished family members, allowing employees to take bereavement leave for their pets has become a new workplace benefit that every organization should offer. . It's often said that people start missing their pets just 37 minutes after leaving home and think about them around 13 times a day. This shows that for pet owners, the bond with their animals runs deep. Thus, when a beloved pet passes away, it can be a devastating experience comparable to losing a loved one. . This phenomenon is happening globally, especially among Gen Y and Gen Z individuals who care for and love their pets as if they were their own children. This trend is known as being a "pet parent." . Despite the significance of this issue to many individuals, most organizations have yet to implement supportive policies. This discrepancy can lead to issues, such as supervisors failing to recognize the importance of pet bereavement leave and being unsympathetic to employees' sudden leave requests. . Many organizations around the world have begun recognizing the importance of such benefits, especially those in pet-related industries. For instance, Rover, a prominent pet care company, offers leave for employees to take their pets to the vet and also provides pet bereavement leave. Similarly, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in San Francisco allow employees up to three days off to mourn the loss of a pet. . To accompany this trend, organization can start by considering one day off offer when a pet passes away. Alternatively, mental health sick leave offer is another good idea, offering greater flexibility for employees to take time off when they feel mentally unprepared to work in various situations. . Working while emotionally distressed can significantly impact both employees and employers, leading to decreased productivity and well-being in the workplace. Therefore, implementing supportive policies, such as providing additional leave to cope with the loss of a pet, is not only compassionate but also essential for fostering a supportive workplace culture where individuals feel valued and supported. . #AdeccoThailand #AdeccoGlobalNews #HRInsight #Pet #wellbeing