Diane Bauman’s Post

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

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

💔 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?

🚨 An Extra Day for Extra Love: How will you use it to support your pet loss grief?🚨 🗓️ Every four years, we're gifted with an extra day. It's a unique opportunity, a blank canvas for us to fill. What if we use this day to deepen our connection with and honor our beloved pets, both present and past? 🐾 Take a Moment for Memory: Spend time reminiscing about the joy your pets have brought into your life. Whether it's flipping through photos, visiting their favorite park, or simply sitting quietly and remembering, today is perfect for reflection. 💖 Create a Tribute: Use today to craft something special in memory of a pet who has passed. A small scrapbook, a painted stone for the garden, or even a written letter to them. It's a therapeutic way to celebrate their life and the love you shared. 🌟 Foster Bonds: If you have beloveds still with you, do something extraordinary together. Try a new trail, introduce a new toy or treat, or simply spend more uninterrupted time with them. Today is about creating new, joyful memories. 👣 Step into Empathy: Connect with others who understand the journey of pet loss. Share your memories, offer support, and listen. Sometimes, the most healing moments come from knowing we're not alone in our grief. 💌 Reach Out: If you know someone struggling with pet loss, send them a message of support today. A simple "I'm thinking of you" can mean the world. 🌈 How will you use this extra day to honor and remember your beloved pets? Share your plans or memories in the comments to inspire and support our community. Let's make this Leap Day a beautiful tribute to the love and lessons our pets give us, every day. #petlossquotes #petloss #petgrief #petgriefsupport #rainbowbridge #vetmed

"When a pet dies, should the owner get time off work?"Colleen Rolland, the president of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, thinks so, even though only a few US states currently offer bereavement leave for pets. "I can't tell you how many times I have had clients who have sat across from me and said, I am grieving more for this animal than I did for my mother, father, sister - put in any human relation." Please read below: #petloss, #petlosssupport, #petlossgrief, #petlossgriefsupport, #APLB https://lnkd.in/gppj-Nqg

Compassionate Support: Helping a Loved One Through Pet Loss Losing a beloved pet is an emotionally devastating experience. Pets are cherished family members who offer unwavering love and companionship. When a friend or family member is grieving the loss of a furry companion, offering support is essential. Here are some thoughtful ways to help someone navigate the difficult journey of pet loss: Listen with Empathy: Lend a compassionate ear and allow your loved one to express their emotions freely. Simply being present and listening can provide immense comfort. Acknowledge Their Loss: Validate their emotions and acknowledge the profound bond they shared with their pet. A heartfelt statement can convey empathy and understanding. Offer Practical Support: Assist with everyday tasks to alleviate some of the burdens of grief, allowing your loved one to focus on healing. Share Memories: Encourage them to share stories and memories of their pet. Celebrating their pet’s life honors their bond and keeps the memory alive. Provide Comforting Gestures: Small gestures like a heartfelt card or a personalized memorial keepsake can offer significant comfort. Respect Their Grieving Process: Allow them the space to mourn in their own way, without imposing expectations or timelines. Be There for the Long Haul: Grieving the loss of a pet is a journey. Offer ongoing support and understanding as they navigate their grief. By offering compassionate support, you can help your loved one navigate the difficult journey of pet loss with greater comfort and resilience. Your presence, empathy, and acts of kindness serve as pillars of strength, reminding them that they do not grieve alone. #PetLoss #GriefSupport #CompassionateCare #PetMemorials

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.

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?

🚨 Want to meaningfully support a grieving pet guardian? 📱 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. 🐾 Longing, yearning, anger, guilt, relief, questioning, shock, and so many more emotions can be swirling—please be kind to pet grievers. Here’s a few ways to do that: 💌 Use their beloved pet’s name often. It’s not just a name; it’s a bridge to cherished memories. It’s a light and a firework. 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.

Would you give someone the day off if their goldfish died?   I suspect the answer is a resounding ‘NO!’ However, if that goldfish was their only companion, and looking after it gave them meaning and purpose, and the goldfish had died unexpectedly (don’t they always), how would you then feel? And if that person was struggling and needed one day to get themselves together and then they would be back to full productivity tomorrow, would you still say ‘NO!’? I have used an extreme example, perhaps to get your attention, but I know someone so upset when their fish died that they wished they could have taken a compassionate leave day. My research at the University of Suffolk found that it is the closeness of the bond that matters, not the individual. No demarcation says some pets (cats and dogs) are ‘mournable’ and others are not (small furries and fish). Your response to my opening question may depend on how you view the human-animal bond. If you see pets as replaceable and there to serve a purpose (such as protection) you could answer very differently to the humanistic style of pet owner who attaches deeply, regardless of species. But in the world of work, we must always balance day-to-day productivity and profit with support and value for our employees. It’s not easy. One of the first changes I made to our Bereavement/Compassionate Leave policy at Magnus Group was to insert ‘but still of someone important to you’. Off the top of my head, I can think of three employees who took paid compassionate leave for their pet (of just one day, although they could have had up to three) and not only came back to work productive but also appreciative that we had done the right thing by them. Was I criticised for being too kind? Of course. But I believe if we treat people well, they are likely to stay with us, and I also believe sometimes there is no point in forcing someone to work when they are not going to be working well or, in some cases, safely. And of course, some people prefer to work through their traumas and ‘stay busy’. It is about knowing our employees well enough to have a fair idea of what they need. And why did I choose this topic? When Dad died, I was told I could ‘take as much time as I needed’ but when my 18-year-old dog died there was no such response. Who was to say I was closer to my dad than my dog? As it turns out, I was close to both 😊