AUSTRALIA Archives - Pets and People

My name is Chantal.

Your companion was never “just a pet” – they were family.

Animals have accompanied me throughout my life, from cats, dogs and rabbits to
cows and the many creatures that share our natural world. Very early on, I
understood that animals offer a unique kind of companionship: quiet, loyal and
accepting. They have often been my closest friends.

The bond shared with an animal companion can be profound. They witness our
daily lives, provide comfort during difficult times, and share in our routines and
celebrations. When they die, the grief can be overwhelming. Yet this sorrow is
often misunderstood or minimised by others.

Having experienced the death of beloved animals myself, I understand the depth
of pain that can accompany these goodbyes. While each person’s grief journey is
unique, no one should have to walk it alone.

As a counsellor, I provide a compassionate and supportive space where you can
talk openly about your companion animal, your grief and the challenges that may
follow. I will walk alongside you, ensuring that you feel heard, understood and
supported as you navigate this difficult time.

In addition to pet bereavement support, I have worked alongside individuals
experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, homelessness and the impacts of
domestic violence. These encounters have deepened my appreciation for the
resilience of the human spirit and the importance of being met with kindness and
understanding.

Mobile counselling available throughout Adelaide

I understand that attending a traditional counselling office may not feel right for
everyone, particularly during times of grief. Support can be offered in your own home,
during a gentle walk, or over a quiet coffee in a setting where you feel most comfortable
and supported.

I hold a Diploma of Counselling and have undertaken advanced studies in grief,
loss and bereavement. I am a registered counsellor with the Australian
Counselling Association (ACA) and am based in Adelaide, South Australia.
I strongly believe that grief following the death of a beloved animal companion is
real, significant and deserving of compassion and understanding.
Because the love we share with our animals continues long after they are gone.

M: 0426 085 926
Email: chantal@pathwaystogether.au

Hi, I’m Karen. As an animal lover, I understand the bond a human has with their pets. All I wanted to be when I was young was a vet. My life has been filled with pets, ranging from those we consider everyday companion animals such as cats and dogs, birds, guppies and goldfish, to farmyard friends such as chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. I have witnessed the miracles of nature and watched in awe as pets have given birth, and have seen baby chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys hatch and watched the parents raise their young. Of course, it also meant dealing with their death. Many times, I have had to make the difficult decision regarding euthanasia, and one occasion in particular, witnessed the traumatic death of a beloved family dog.

At high school, I completed work experience in a vet surgery and unfortunately the stars didn’t align and the dream of becoming a vet wasn’t to happen. I left high school to start working and eventually several years later, single motherhood ensued. During this time, amongst other jobs, I spent several years working in boarding kennels, making sure everyone’s pets were looked after as well as possible whilst they were staying there.

After more changes and long and successful careers first in retail, then employment services and recruitment, I now have the opportunity to work with animals and their humans again. This time, it is providing end-of-life support.

In addition to counselling, I am also a trained Animal Companion Doula and Animal Companion Celebrant ™, meaning I can provide support throughout the euthanasia journey, and services such as a funeral or celebration of life for your pet.

Counselling sessions are provided in a safe and supportive environment through either nature based Walk and Talk (no office involved) or via Telehealth in the comfort of your own surroundings. Utilising nature and its healing effects, walk and talk sessions do not have to be walking, but can be sitting in a safe, cool and comfortable, private outdoor space.

Based in Cairns, walk and talk sessions, doula, and celebrant services are available from Port Douglas through to the Cassowary Coast and Atherton Tablelands. Online sessions are available Australia wide. A range of appointment times are available to suit most schedules, with out of office hours appointments available upon request.

By providing the services I do, my hope is to provide support for others whilst they are going through the pain that I have felt so many times myself. If what I do can give someone even a small amount of comfort and knowledge that they are not alone in what they are going through, it makes my job so worth it.

No referral is required and if you are looking for someone to support you through the decision making process related to your pet, or end-of-life support, I am here to help. Please visit my website, Facebook page, or give me a call.

We lose a part of us when we lose a pet. There is never a ‘right’ time. It is heart-wrenching,
and the grief and sense of loss can be so devastating that it becomes difficult to find
enjoyment in everyday life without our pet by our side. It’s an overwhelming feeling of
emptiness that may be unintentionally invalidated by other people as they try to comfort us
using words such as “He/she had a good life”, or “Another fur baby is what you need”.

The added weight and responsibility of electing euthanasia to alleviate suffering may add
doubt, guilt, and feelings of failure to our already fragile emotional state.
As an experienced veterinarian, qualified counsellor, and dedicated pet owner I ‘get’ you.
I’ve supported many of my clients through this journey, and I’ve been there myself. I’m here
to help you find meaning in the depths of your pain, one step at a time.

I offer face-to-face chats for local Gold Coast clients plus catch ups over Zoom for those
living further away. I am flexible with times and happy to fit in with your needs, including
out of work hours and on weekends. Please email me for further information or to organise
a suitable time:

“The memories and paw print of a beloved pet remain in our heart and soul forever.”
– Unknown

When we lose our beloved animal companions, we’re left with a profound sense of emptiness—a hole
in our hearts that can feel impossible to fill. The bond we share with our pets is unlike any
other, built on unwavering loyalty, unconditional love, and a quiet companionship that fills
our lives with warmth and joy. So, when it’s time to say goodbye, the pain can be
overwhelming, and the heartache intense.

What makes it even harder is that those closest to us may not fully grasp the depth of that
connection, leaving us to grieve alone, unsure of where to turn for support. Having
experienced the crushing grief of losing my own pets, and as an experienced veterinarian and
grief counsellor who has walked beside countless pet parents through the heart-wrenching
decisions of palliative care and euthanasia, I deeply understand the complex swirl of
emotions you may be feeling right now.

Please know that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. I’m here for you, to help
you process the sorrow and find meaning in your pet’s life and loss. Your pet will forever
hold a special place in your heart, and their memory will live on, a cherished part of who you
are.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” Anatole France

My name is Fiona and I live in North West Sydney. I have owned, loved and lost animals all my life and have felt the incredible pain of grief when they’re gone.
In my experiences personally and professionally, I feel sad that few people understand the realness of what some of us feel when we no longer have our best friends by our side. Well meaning friends tell us she’s in a better place now, that we were lucky to have her and maybe we just need to get another pet. We are encouraged to move on and forget when all we want to do is stay with them and remember. We feel unheard and lonely, that we’re over reacting and there must be something ‘wrong’ with us. Our grief may become disenfranchised – or unvalidated.
As a person centred counsellor I take time to understand you. We work together to explore your relationship with your pet and your changed life since they’ve gone. By providing a safe space for you to feel your emotions around grief, together we work to integrate your loss and grow through it. Grief is Love – it happens in our heart not our head and needs to heal through connection and support.
I offer counselling by Zoom, phone or face to face

I’m Estella, a life long cat lover. It never gets easier when our animals die and I noticed within my grief counselling practice a lot of people who had unresolved grief from the loss of companion animals at earlier points in their lives, which is why I look to specialise in the area of companion animal loss grief counselling.

I run a fee for service mobile counselling business throughout Canberra and surrounds – that means I come to you! There is nothing more special than supporting someones grief in their own home and being shown the collar and/or lead from a lost pet. I am also able to provide counselling via Zoom.

The bonds we share with our companion animals are unique, fulfilling and imbued with personal meaning and connection. We are blessed with their living and loving presence, so it goes without saying that we deeply grieve when this relationship changes through loss. We may also find ourselves in the unenviable position of deciding if our companions are suffering too greatly to maintain a quality of life. Weather you have lost an animal companion or are struggling with difficult questions about compassionately euthanising a loved one in the future, I am here to support you.

I offer a safe and informed space where you can explore the difficult experiences and questions that arise, openly and honestly, allowing our grief to move forward in such a way as we can honour the memory of our beloved companion animals.

I understand that I am not only working with a unique individual, with their own story of loss, but with the memory and story of a unique animal companion. For some, a pet is an animal we share our space with. For many of us, though, a pet is a best friend, a companion, a family member, a trusted confidant, a source of love, joy, stability, and a supportive and caring figure in our lives.

Warmly

Douglas Nichols

I began my professional career in a very different industry, working with animals in a Veterinary Clinic. I found that when an emergency occurred or during the end of life process I was drawn to providing support to the families. I realized that this is where my interests lie; providing a space for families to grieve the loss of their beloved Pet.

The unexpected loss of my 3 year old cat, Artemis reaffirmed my belief of how important it is to recognize how deeply we grieve the loss of our pets. In our session I will show your grief the honor and respect that it deserves by creating a safe place for you to talk. Together we will work towards finding meaning from our losses and begin to step forward in life without our pet, though always remembering the mark they have left on our lives.

Hello there. I’m Linda, pleased to meet you. I have always had a great love of all creatures great and small and a genuine desire to help others as far back as I can remember.

I have had animals (cats, dogs, birds, fish and even a lizard or two to name a few) all my life. Sadly, in 2017, I said goodbye to one of those very special pets we meet along the way, my beautiful black Burmese rescue cat, Merlot. He was with me for 18 years. I was heartbroken, finding the absence of his presence one of the hardest things.

My journey through loss drives me to walk beside others as you find your way through your journey. My approach is gentle in nature and very much focused on you. I offer flexible counselling options (you are welcome to browse my website to learn a little more). This includes phone sessions, face to face at a mutually agreed location or home visits. I am generally available Monday to Saturday by appointment and some phone sessions may also be available Sundays and public holidays on request.

Our relationship with our pets is unique. They are such a constant in our life and the loss of that relationship is immeasurable. We face many challenges as we watch our pets age; as we support them through illness; as we prepare to say goodbye; and as we find our way after they are gone.

Wherever you are in your journey, please reach out, I’m here.

My thoughts are with you. Linda.

Relationships are the key to life. For many of us, animals make up a huge part of those relationships we have. I have lived with and loved animals throughout my life. I grew up surrounded by dogs, ducks, geese, cats, birds of every kind, pet mice, rabbits, fish and I had horses – an animal loving family! Now as an adult I absolutely understand the significance animals play in our lives, the devotion they can have to us, the deep bonds we have with them and of course the searing loss when they pass.

I worked as a Couple and Family Relationship Therapist meeting with individuals, couples, families and children for a leading national family and relationship organisation for over a decade. I provided therapeutic support to many people regarding the relationships they have with the animals and fur babies in their lives. Now in my own private practice I am able to take that even further and offer: Animal Inclusive Therapy, where your animal companion is welcome to join you in the counselling sessions (without having to be a registered assistance animal) and Walk and Talk Therapy, enabling being outdoors while receiving counselling assistance. I also offer online therapy (via video link up through ZOOM or Skype) and phone counselling.

The animals for whom we feel deeply, may at this time be unwell; may have disappeared or been stolen; you may have had to make a very difficult decision to part with because of moving; they may be a wild animal; the companion to someone else or a memory from a long time ago. Whether the animal be feathered, fured, scaled, on two legs, four or swim; your grief, worry or distress is your own, you have a right to feel it, express it and be heard.

Please feel very welcome to contact me with any questions or to make an appointment. See my website for information and fees.