Finding Comfort After Pet Loss: Your Sarasota Pet Grief Support Center

The bond we share with our pets is unbreakable, and the grief that follows their loss can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this difficult time, we have compiled a wealth of pet grief support resources. Our collection includes expert advice on coping with anticipatory grief, heartwarming testimonials, and connections to local and national grief professionals. We are here to support you in honoring your pet’s memory and finding your way forward.

Navigating Your Pet’s Grief Journey

What is Anticipatory Grief ?

Anticipatory grief is a natural, yet often overwhelming, emotional experience that begins before the physical loss of a pet. It’s the sadness and anxiety we feel when we see our beloved companion’s health decline due to age or illness, and we start to prepare for a future without them. This period can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from sorrow and fear to anger and guilt, as we grieve the small losses along the way—like the inability to go for daily walks or play fetch. This “in-between” time is a profound journey of love and letting go, highlighting the deep bond we share with our pets and the difficult reality of saying a final goodbye.

Creating Cherished Memories

Navigating anticipatory grief is a journey, and focusing on what you can control can bring comfort during this difficult time. By redirecting your energy toward positive actions, you can create meaningful moments and memories with your beloved pet. This approach, often called “redirecting focus,” helps channel feelings of anxiety and dread into present-moment actions that are both empowering and healing.

Creating a Bucket List

One of the most powerful ways to cope with impending loss is to create a bucket list of your pet’s favorite things to do. This shifts the focus from the future loss to celebrating the life you’ve shared. Even simple activities can bring immense joy to your pet and to you. Consider things like:

Adorable dog licking an ice cream cone held by a hand outdoors. Perfect summer treat moment.

Consider things like:

  • Enjoying their favorite treats: A special ice cream or a scoop of peanut butter.
  • Going to their favorite places: A trip to the dog park, the beach, or a special trail they’ve always loved.
  • Doing the simple things: A gentle pet massage, a long cuddle session on the couch, or sleeping in a cozy bed with you.

The Healing Power of Photography

A professional pet photo shoot can serve as a beautiful and lasting tribute. Working with a photographer who specializes in pet portraiture can capture the unique bond you share, creating tangible memories you can cherish forever. These photos become a permanent reminder of your pet’s personality and the love you shared, providing comfort long after they are gone.

Shih-tzu dog with long eyelashes looking regal in a photoshoot..

Coping with the Loss of your Pet

Grieving the loss of a pet is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no single “right” way to feel or process your emotions. It’s okay to experience a wide range of feelings—from profound sadness and loneliness to anger, guilt, or even relief. Allow yourself the space to feel these emotions without judgment. Remember the love and joy your pet brought into your life, and know that honoring that bond is a crucial part of the healing process. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community—whether that’s friends, family, or a support group—can provide comfort and help you navigate this difficult time.

A touching black-and-white photo of a cat's paw reaching out to a human hand, symbolizing connection.

Professional Pet Loss Support

You don’t have to carry the weight of pet loss alone. A pet grief specialist can provide the tools and resources to help you process your emotions and find peace. From anticipatory grief to coping after your pet’s passing, their guidance can make this difficult journey more manageable.

Local Professional Grief Support: Reverend Sarah Whitten-Grigsby

Reverend Sarah Whitten-Grigsby is an Interfaith minister with a special focus on Animal Ministry and a profound understanding of the human-animal bond. As the Founder and President of the ONE MORE DAY Foundation, Rev. Sarah brings her extensive experience and deep compassion to support those grieving the loss of a pet.

Based in Sarasota County, Rev. Sarah offers guidance and compassionate support, drawing on her extensive experience with dogs and her personal understanding of pet loss.

ook cover for The Staggering Loss of a Dog, a grief support book for pet owners by author Rev. Sarah Whitten-Grigsby.
The Staggering Loss of a Dog

Having experienced firsthand how her own dogs provided healing during personal times of grief, she is uniquely equipped to help you navigate this difficult journey. Her book, “The Staggering Loss of a Dog,” is a compassionate guide through the grief of losing a canine family member. Based on her extensive experience, the book reassures grieving pet parents that their feelings are valid and normal.

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Remote Professional Grief Support: Renee Michelle, MA

Our journey with Renee and her beloved French bulldog, Eben, began with a TCVM consult after his cancer diagnosis. Our shared goal was to ensure Eben remained as happy and comfortable as possible, and we were so inspired watching their family thrive and make the most of every moment.

Renee’s personal experience, combined with her professional training and 15 years of helping people through grief, led her to a new purpose: supporting pet parents. Recognizing the profound process of saying goodbye to a pet, she now specializes in providing compassionate anticipatory grief and pet loss support.

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Their incredible story was recognized with the Deb Bauer Unsung Hero award at the Catalina Film Festival. We invite you to watch Eben and Renee’s inspiring film here:

Pet Loss Support Groups

It’s crucial to seek support during this time. Remember that you are not alone in this experience. In addition to a pet loss specialist, you can find comfort and strength in a supportive community. Sharing your feelings with family, friends, or a pet-related support group can help validate your emotions and provide a safe space to process your grief. This is an opportunity to honor the profound bond with your pet and to lean on others who understand the depth of that love.

Sarasota Dog Logo for pet memorials
Sarasota Dog Memorials
Veterinary Wisdom Honor the bond, pet loss resources
Veterinary Wisdom Pet Grief Support Articles
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement

Local Veterinary Support & Emergency Services

Local Emergency Clinic Contacts

Sarasota County

Blue Pearl Pet Hospital – 941-923-7260
7414 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231

Suncoast Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center – 941-929-1818
4937 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231

Manatee County

Bradenton Veterinary Emergency – 941-748-0202
2910 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL

Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota – 941-893-1500
8033 Cooper Creek Boulevard # 101
University Park, Florida 34201

Charlotte & Desoto County

Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Port Charlotte – 941-255-5222
17829 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Local Specialty Clinics

Veterinary Neurology

Levine Veterinary Neurology – 941-351-1678
Dr. Christopher Levine & Dr. Kristen Levine
8460 Cooper Creek Blvd. Suite 101
University Park, FL 34201

Veterinary Oncology

Gulfcoast Veterinary Oncology – 941-926-1920
Dr. Heidi Ward
7519 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231

Veterinary Orthopedic & Specialty Surgery

Coastal Veterinary Surgical Specialists – 941-923-4816
Dr. John Kirsch
665 Tamiami Trail N.
Nokomis, FL 34275

Gulf Shore Veterinary Specialty Surgery – 941-347-4311
Dr. Byron Young
2011 Englewood Rd
Englewood, FL 34223