There’s Nothing Like a New Pet

There’s nothing like bringing home a new pet, we plan EVERYTHING.

Whether it’s a puppy from a breeder, a new fur friend from a shelter or a pet that has been rehomed – we do it all.

New Bed, New Bowls, New Collar, New Leash, a visit to the vet, Trainer, Insurance, Microchip, Boots, Raincoat, Apple tracker, a Furbo … and the list goes on…

We plan playdates, book walking services, plan daycare and know which stores have the best treats. Our offices are equip for our dogs to come to work with us, we call in sick when they are sick and quite simply put – when we can no longer people – we turn to our dogs, to our cats and to our pets for pretty much … EVERYTHING.

Every aspect of their existence is planned, it is loved, nurtured, and rightfully so, doted on as well as catered to. We look at them with all the love in our eyes that is reflected from their unbiased devotion, unwavering loyalty, and the bright future they bring to our lives.

Not only do we understand what their needs are we also take great delight in being their ambassador of life. But … what happens when it’s time for their death??

It is my experience as well as understanding that, while we have started to see embers of change, the subject of pet passing is still and at large taboo.

My almost 20 years career in the pet industry has been the most inspiring greatest adventure of my life. As a businesswoman who founded and previously owned (as well as sold) an Urban Dog Walks Inc in Toronto, as a professional dog and puppy trainer who is committed to ongoing education about what training a dog really is all about (hot tip, it’s not as hard as has been made out to be) and as certified pet loss bereavement specialist here’s what I have learned:

• The human – animal bond is one of the purest, deepest forms of connection that exists.
• Pet loss deeply affects our mental, physical as well as emotional wellbeing.
• The majority of pet loss is reactive – whereas at least 80% doesn’t have to be.

What we can’t control, manage, and plan for regarding pet loss is tragedy, traumatic incident and or circumstances that are out of our hands. In these moments, reaction is all that we have. The emotional effects of these moments are alienating to our core and justifiably perpetuate profound sadness and bewilderment.

When looking at pet loss holistically, from the point of view of the entirety of your pets life, it is essential to ask: why are we, as a society, treating most if not all pet loss as if it is a traumatic incident almost 100% of the time whereas in reality there are at least 80% of pet losses that can be planned, managed, prepared for and determined in advance?

Why don’t insurance companies offer pet loss bereavement counseling sessions for the passing of our pets? Why doesn’t our professional place of employment have bereavement support built into their organizations for their employees for time off when their pets pass? Why don’t our veterinarians offer different end of life options and or work hand in hand with certified end of life practitioners in the industry?

The why’s can go on and on, however … there is one answer that meets them all.

The answer is, is pet loss and pet death is utterly and entirely unbearable to think about.

The very thought of it breaks our heart and yet it is one of the only certainties that we can guarantee when it comes to all things pet related.

And so, I ask, what if we embraced this tumultuous time and undeniable occurrence? What if we understood the unseen and truly accepted the fact that one day our beloved furry best friend will inevitably pass? What if we took a deeply complicated and emotionally charged space and greeted it with elevated grief, preparation, and compassionate loving intention?

If we were to act on the above, if we were able to accept the heart break and if we were to replace reaction with action what we would be doing is deeply loving and honouring the life of our pet and protecting the safety of our hearts. The old adage, especially in this instance, is so very true – knowledge IS power, and can you image how powerful it would be to plan a peaceful, thoughtful caring and compassionate passing for your pet?

I encourage you to take a moment and think about it.

… But really … have a think about it…

Should we, as a society, begin to embrace the above here’s what your pets passing could look like:

OPTION 1:

An in-home euthanasia, prebooked 3 days off work, the planning of cremation OR a pet burial.

OPTION 2:

A booked visit to the vet, the choice of who you would like to be with you, the preparation for the passing of your pet with your children, and perhaps the choice to leave your pet at the vet’s office.

OPTION 3:

Booking a photoshoot with your pet to have the memory of their last week, a request to work from ho9me for the 3 days after your pet has passed and the decision to work with a pet funeral home and work with an Aquamation Cremation Centre.

The list of options goes on and regarding any of the above, time is of the essence. The acknowledgement of anticipatory grief, the diagnosis of terminal illness or the steady decline of wellbeing, happiness, and function due to old age is the time when planning can and ought to begin.

To understand your pets passing is looming and to have the foresight as well as loving intention to plan accordingly is ultimately the greatest, most loving gift you can give to both you AND your pet.

… Something to Think About and Something to Act Upon …

About Koryn Greenspan

Koryn Greenspan is a professional Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, Professional Dog and Puppy Trainer and a passionate advocate for pet wellness and holistic pet care.  

As the founder of The Parted Paw, one of the first pet loss bereavement support services in the country, she is committed to raising awareness about pet loss as well disenfranchised grief and helping workplaces foster empathy and understanding for grieving employees who are anticipating or currently grieving the loss of a beloved pet. 

More information about The Parted Paw and Koryn can be seen at www.thepartedpaw.com or on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/koryn

Email: [email protected] 

The Parted Paw in the Press

https://localpaws.ca/2025/03/04/managing-anticipatory-grief-embracing-the-unseen/

https://localpaws.ca/2025/02/07/disenfranchised-grief-have-you-experienced-it/