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 our beloved furry family member dies, we can be left with a deep sense of loss and a
feeling of emptiness in our lives. We often have such a special, unique bond with our pets,
involving unconditional love and companionship that end-of-life care and saying goodbye to
them can be heart-breaking.
Sometimes people close to us might find it difficult to understand the depth of that special
bond, which can make it difficult for us to feel supported by them when we need to talk
about and honour our loved one. Having felt the deep distress at losing my own pets, and
as a vet, having supported many pet parents through palliative care and euthanasia of their
loved one, I understand the myriad of thoughts and emotions you may be experiencing.
I am here for you at any time during the later stages of your loved one’s life and beyond, to
walk alongside you, support you to process your grief, and help make meaning from their
loss. They will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories.
Please feel comfortable to direct email me for further information. We can catch-up from
anywhere via online Zoom meetings and face-to-face meetings can be organised in the
Brisbane area. I am flexible with times and available 7 days a week.
Take care of yourself, Debbie

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

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.

Are you struggling with…?

• I’ve been told I need to euthanize my pet
• My pet has passed away
• My pet experienced a traumatic death
• I’m not coping with the death of my pet
• I feel guilty regarding how my pet died
• I don’t know whether to get another pet
• My pet has a serious medical condition
• My pet experienced a traumatic injury
• I’m not sure whether to rehome my pet
• I had to rehome my pet
• My pet may need surgery
• My pet has had surgery
• My pet is missing

I believe friends, confidantes, soul mates and best friends come in all shapes, sizes and forms, including the form of a pet. It makes perfect sense you may experience overwhelm, heartbreak, confusion, anger, anxiety, and many other thoughts and feelings when you go through these challenging times.

Having someone who can truly listen and help you to unravel the myriad of thoughts and emotions you are experiencing, can provide you with much needed guidance, comfort and support.

I’m also a trauma therapist, having undertaken several courses with the Blue Knot Foundation (National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma). I also worked as a Trauma Therapist prior to starting my own business. Many of us experience trauma, as well as grief, when going through the situations above. It’s important to have a therapist who is aware of trauma-informed practice during these times.

Please don’t suffer in silence. I take pet loss seriously, and I will take you seriously.

Having worked in the Pet Boarding Industry for over 22 years I have been exposed to many people who have shared their stories of loss of a much-loved pet over that journey. Some to accidental passing, illness, old age or have “gone missing”. The pain and grief of that loss can be hard to cope and recover from. I will support and work with you to understand those feelings and help you come to terms with that loss. I also have been a pet owner for all my life and understand the sadness and shock when you lose your much-loved pet and companion. I too have lost my best fur friend not so long ago after an 18 year journey together, the pain was heart wrenching.

Animal companion loss and grief is recognized professionally as a serious emotional condition that is often as difficult to cope with as the loss of any family member or friend and should not be left untreated.

The healing journey can begin with talking about the loss, acknowledging the passing of your pet. In saying this, the length of time it takes to accept that loss will vary from person to person. You can’t begin to cope with your emotions until you let them out.

It could be that you maybe are struggling to make the difficult choice of letting go of a much-loved pet companion to avoid further suffering due to illness or old age. I can offer support in making the decision if it is the right time to euthanize and work with you on the pain, strain and guilt associated with that decision.

Please feel at ease to contact me for a consultation either by telephone or to arrange a face to face meeting.

Our pets become our best friends and companions and whether we are prepared or not for their loss it is always heart breaking ! It is like losing any member of the family.

I have lost two beautiful German Shepherds ( one only in February this year) in an untimely and tragic manner so I truly understand the grief, heartache and guilt that accompanies such a huge loss. It is very important to express your grief, and although the pain never really goes away, I can offer a kind, supportive ear to help you cope during this most difficult time.

I am available for counselling sessions either via phone, Skype and Zoom.

Please contact me for an Obligation free chat via email/ phone for more information.

No referral required.

I understand your Pet has been your best friend and part of the family, I am here to help with understanding and compassion.

Having owned many animals over the years, I understand how a companion animal can be very important, we consider them as family, and a special bond is broken when our beloved pet dies.

I owned a Labrador called Crystal who died of Cancer. I nursed Crystal to her final days. When she went over the rainbow to Doggy heaven. The hardest part was making the decision to have her put down and rest out of pain. It was the hardest decision I have ever made. This is when I realized how she was like losing a daughter or son, it was so painful. I truly understand the grief, heartache and the guilt that accompanies a huge loss.

Specializing in pet grief counselling to help other people just like you. TOGETHER WE WORKED TOGETHER. I have now rescued a Greyhound called Sirius, I understand we are all different and grief takes time, and Sirius was not to be a replacement. He has a very different personality to Crystal, but he has been a treasure, and good has come out of losing Crystal a Greyhound is rescued. There is a solution for you as you may not want to own another pet again. We work together. I will provide you with support and guidance to make losing your beloved pet a little less painful.

You can give me a call on, or SMS 0409005766 and together we will make an appointment that suits you. I have a beautifully appointed room at my house and also an outdoor area if you prefer to sit in my peaceful garden.