For many people, losing a pet can feel just as profound as losing a human loved one - yet it’s often met with quiet misunderstanding from the outside world. Comments like “it was just a dog” or “you can always get another one” can leave grieving pet owners feeling isolated, unsure whether their emotions are valid.

The truth is, our animals are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. They share our routines, witness our milestones, and offer a kind of companionship that is steady and unconditional. When that presence disappears, it leaves a silence that can feel deeply disorienting.

After saying goodbye to our boy Cooper, we felt even more strongly that conversations around pet grief deserve a safe space. Not because our experience was unique, but because it reflected something so many families go through quietly.

Pet grief is not a sign of weakness or over-attachment. It’s a reflection of relationship - years of trust, love and shared moments. Some people feel waves of sadness, others feel guilt, relief, numbness or even moments of unexpected calm. All of these responses can exist at the same time and none of them make the bond any less real.

If you’ve found your way here, know that you don’t need to measure your grief against anyone else’s expectations. There is no timeline, no right way to remember and no “correct” depth of feeling. What matters is allowing space for what your heart is already experiencing.