Grieving Our Animal Companions
My beautiful girl “Athena”
By Lyndell Drever
“Listening another's soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being performs for another.” —-(Douglas, Steele)
For me, this quote is at the heart of spiritual direction practice and it is my guiding light while holding space for someone as they grieve the loss of a beloved companion animal.
The grief that comes with losing a companion animal can be unique as people have often shared that they feel very lonely and that not many people truly understand just what this companion animal was to them and how deep their grief is; for many, it’s the most intense grief they have ever experienced. There is also often guilt with having to decide on euthanasia or not being able to afford the expensive treatments.
Holding space for someone to connect with, befriend, honor, and speak their grief is an incredible gift for me. I find it magical how individuals can be completely devasted and heartbroken, but when they can connect within, even for just a couple of breaths, and follow/listen to their spirit/soul the grief starts to unwind.
The gift of having grief validated and sharing all the many different aspects of a grief journey has been healing for many. I am very grateful for the beautiful souls who have trusted me to walk with them for part of their grief journey.
Thank you
Lyndell Drever
is a massage therapist and craniosacral therapist for both people and animals, a Social Worker-focusing on Grief Support, and Spiritual Director/Companion. Through deep listening and guidance, she provides a space for others to connect, feel and hear Spirit/God.