WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following website may contain images and voices of deceased persons.

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!


Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info Platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up to download the speakers kit!

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!


Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info Platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.
Podcast Page - Banner Title

Healing Hearts: Navigating Grief After Pet Loss

Listen, watch, follow
Apple Podcasts
Podcast Page - Podcast Preview
17th July 2025

Listen now

About this episode

In this heartfelt episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I sit down with Barbara Allen, the visionary behind Australia's first animal chaplaincy program at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital from 2005 to 2011. Barbara shares her profound insights on the often-overlooked grief that accompanies the loss of our beloved pets. We delve into the emotional complexities of pet loss, exploring why the death of an animal can hit us harder than we expect, and how society's mixed messages can leave us feeling isolated in our grief.

Barbara's new book, "Broken Heart, Shared Heart, Healing Heart," serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating the turbulent waters of pet loss. She discusses the importance of normalising grief, offering practical advice for supporting those who are grieving, and the significance of rituals and memorials in honouring our furry companions. With her unique blend of compassion and knowledge, Barbara encourages us to embrace our emotions and recognise the deep bonds we share with our pets.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Show notes

Guest Bio
Podcast Guest - Image
Barbara Allen

Author & Ordained minister in the Uniting Church in Australia

Barbara Allen helped develop Australia's first animal chaplaincy program at Lort Smith Animal Hospital from 2005 to 2011. She is passionate about animals and about stewardship of all creation, and is the author of numerous books, including I Was TherePigeonAnimals in Religion, and Pelican. Allen serves as an ordained minister in the Uniting Church in Australia (a Methodist/Presbyterian/Congregational merged church), and in a voluntary capacity as the grief support person for Story Dogs, a charity that uses dogs to help children become confident readers. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Summary

Key points from our discussion:

  • The emotional impact of pet loss and why it can be so profound.
  • How to support someone grieving the loss of a pet.
  • The role of rituals and memorials in the grieving process.
  • The importance of normalising grief and seeking help when needed.
  • Barbara's personal journey and the lessons learned from her beloved animals.

Transcript

1
00:00:01,530 --> 00:00:03,240
We don't have scales for grief.

2
00:00:03,270 --> 00:00:06,630
We don't say, well, we have
this much grief for a partner.

3
00:00:06,630 --> 00:00:09,660
We have this much for a mother,
we have this much for a dog.

4
00:00:10,080 --> 00:00:12,150
Grief is grief and it's about the bond.

5
00:00:12,150 --> 00:00:13,410
It's about the love.

6
00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:15,300
It's not about the species.

... Read More

Resources

 

  • Make Death Admin Easy with The Critical Info Platform

A simple system to sort your personal paperwork for when your information becomes critical.

Sign up here.

 

  • My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Purchase it here.

 

  • Support Services
    If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Share

Podcast Icon

Recent Episodes:

Post Image
VAD: Choice, Compassion, and the End of Life
We all know death is coming for us, yet most of us avoid talking about it like it’s the plague....
Post Image
Found Family: The Importance of Compassion in Grief
What if I told you that talking about death could be one of the most empowering conversations you ever have?...
Post Image
Weaving Life and Death: The Art of Eco-Friendly Coffins
What if the way we say goodbye could heal both our hearts and the planet? In this profound episode of...
Podcast alternate logo

Keep in touch

Stay in the loop with the latest Critical Info updates, events and podcast episodes.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.