An October Altar to Honor Pets Passed
When an animal friend passes there are so few places where pet loss grief is normalized… life just kind of.. moves on.
Pet loss grief can feel like it’s encapsulated in one’s heart, frozen in time. Which is why it can be so helpful to build an external place for that love to be — with an altar.
In this post, we’re taking inspiration from the Day of the Dead, and many other traditions worldwide of honoring our loved ones with intention.
Hello Dear Intuitive One,
I can't be the only one who falls apart when an animal friend I have loved and lost pops up on my Facebook memories.
When this little photo of my dog, Bernard popped up on my FB wall from seven years ago, resting his little fluffy pantaloons and sleeping in his little cart in the yard, it unearthed a level of love and loss akin to the day of his passing.
Bernard, (AKA Little buddy) napping in his cart October 2017. His cart was custom built by my husband and it helped Bernard get around including taking long hikes and playing with other dogs for nearly 14 years.
A wobbly little dog with Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Bernard had a condition called cerebellar abiotrophy which, in short, made him very wobbly and tippy. It was like he’d had too much celebratory wine and couldn’t find the mothership. So my husband built this little cart to help hold him upright so he could walk, run and play on his own without someone holding him up so he wouldn’t fall over.
Despite estimates from multiple veterinarians, this little dude lived 14 years longer than everyone expected, during which he managed to shape us into better, more present and compassionate people.
During this time, Bernard was the sun we all orbited around.
Every sip of water he took, we held his little water bowl for him,
He taught Steve and I how to be a team (even when shit was really hard).
Life was one big puppy party for Bernard. He was a master teacher disguised as the class clown. From his vantage point, nothing could hold him back from joyful adventures, not even his tippiness.
An unexpected animal communication teacher
Bernard was one of my strongest animal communication teachers. During my 14 years in “Bernard University” I received daily lessons on the importance of intuitively listening to him. To ask him questions and follow up questions, and take the time, moment to moment, to listen to his responses, so I could truly understand what he was feeling and what he wanted and needed to make the most out of each precious day with him.
I still miss this guy every single day.
When an animal friend passes there are so few places where pet loss grief is normalized… life just kind of.. moves on. Pet loss grief can feel like it’s encapsulated in one’s heart, frozen in time.
Having sacred spaces to feel our feelings and tend to our hearts can feel like a healing balm for this flavor of grief. It doesn’t take it away, but it does bring a great deal of comfort, while validating the profound burden of loss being carried. Here are a few ideas to help you carve out some space for tending pet loss grief.
6 Ideas to help you create space for pet loss grief and honor your animal friends this day of the dead
🌿 Mindfully spend time in places and spaces you used to spend time together and, while you do, be sure to thank the energy of the place or space for holding such good memories for you.
🌿Create a pet loss alter with photos, their favorite toys and some fresh flowers or plants that you can tend to daily for as long as you need.
🌿Write your pet an old fashioned letter sharing with them how you are and what you miss about them and tuck it into the hollow of tree.
🌿Listen to a guided animal communication meditation (like this meditation I’ve shared on Insight Timer) to help you reconnect with them, right from your own heartspace.
🌿Take the time to look through old photos of your animal beloved with a friend or by yourself to help you remember the good times.
🌿Set up a time to talk with them with the help of an animal communicator. In-spirit sessions give you the opportunity to talk with each other again and reconnect with the love you shared with your animal beloved. You can request a time to work with me by following this link.
Thanks for tuning in with me today,
"I had an incredible session with Joanna shortly after the passing of my soul dog. Joanna enabled me to find the peace I needed after his passing.
It was beyond comforting to know that his soul is at peace, that our deep connection was indeed understood by him as well and that he is still present in my life, watching over me and the rest of the pack. I only wish I had discovered her earlier!"
Crystal F. - Via Google Reviews
