Thanks--I am so glad to be back at work! While I hope to be around for many years to come, it is true that my life as a dog tends to be much shorter than human lifespans. I know my family will be sad when I am no longer with them. When mom works with others who have lost family members (human and pet--she says we can mourn the loss of our pets in very similar ways we mourn human loved ones) she focuses on something called the Four Tasks of Mourning (Worden):

• Task 1: Accept the reality of the loss

• Task 2: Process the pain of grief

• Task 3: Adjust to a world without the deceased

• Task 4: Help the survivors find an appropriate place for the deceased in their emotional life

Usually our mourning process happens with the support of friends of family. Sometimes, though, people don't really understand how people can grieve the loss of a pet. Sometimes they say things that feel hurtful even if they don't mean to be unkind. If that's the case, you might want to reach out for some additional help. Pet Loss and Bereavement Support Groups can be helpful if you're struggling with the loss of a pet. Individual therapy is also available if you find yourself needing more help.

Worden JW. Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner. fifth ed. New York: Springer Publishing Company; 2018.

Hey, no woofies! Sometimes I wonder that myself. From my perspective, here's how the day goes. Dad gets up at some ridiculous hour of the morning and walks me--oh, not that early in my day? Got it. The work stuff. More...

Mom says she didn't teach me to be a therapy dog on purpose. She says I just am. But I am trained and certified because apparently just BEING my awesome self wasn't quite enough. So here's my story. More...

You know, that is a really good, really personal question. I would say you should come see me anytime you have treats for a good dog. But Mom says you're not actually coming to see me and that I'm there to help you. More...

Well, that's a little bit different from person to person. Sometimes I help by playing with people. I always play with kids! They're so fun and they really know how to play. Adults though, adults seem to have a hard time playing. More...