Pet Death Support
We are each unique.
Our relationships are unique.
What we need when death occurs may also be unique.
Marilynn’s after-death pet care experiences
Caring for my cat’s bodies after death was helpful and useful for me.
For those who feel called to care for their pets after death, I share in hopes that you may feel inspired to do so in a way that feels good to you.
Although pet death is downplayed, it is a really big deal and can have a huge impact on our lives. It’s different from, and should not be compared to, human death.
The relationships that we have with our pets are different than the relationships we have with humans. Not better or less than, just different.
We are impacted wholly and completely by these beautiful creatures. When their physical death occurs, our lives and environments are impacted in ways we don’t anticipate or expect. Our grief can come when we realize their absence in the spaces and places where we were used to being with our beloved. There’s a noticeable and undeniable void, and things are quiet.
It was a gift to be able to care for and honor the bodies of my cats after their deaths. It helped me to be in touch with the love I had for them and the equally proportionate grief I experienced when they died.
Rigel
What does it mean to care for your pet’s body after death?
DESCRIPTION
Caring for your pet after death can mean honoring their life by caring for their body.
This can include:
Cleaning the body
Laying them out (this can be for a period of hours or for a few days)
Cooling the body
Conducting ceremony or ritual
We can help you know what to expect and teach you how to care for the body.
We’ll explain what happens after death and share what worked for us when we cleaned their coats and laid them out.
We can share information around cooling techniques and performing ceremonies or rituals, and we can talk about options for final disposition.
You may have supplies and materials for after-death care around the house; however, if you don’t have what you need or want, we can provide supplies for you.
Service options include:
A phone call…we can talk through the logistics so you feel comfortable and confident to do this on your own (no charge)
We drive to you and provide supplies, you do the rest
We drive to you, provide supplies, and help care for your pet
Keep in mind that you know what’s best for you and yours. Follow your heart and allow your intuition to guide you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Conversations about caring for your pet after death can take place via phone or Zoom. Typically people are interested in learning about what it means to care for their pet after death, the logistics of how to do that, and what supplies might be needed to complete the task. Whether a pet is discovered deceased, dies at the vet’s office, or is euthanized at home, after-death care is possible if it’s desired.
Service options include:
A phone call…we can talk through the logistics so you feel comfortable and confident to do this on your own (no charge)
We drive to you and provide supplies, you do the rest
We drive to you, provide supplies, and help care for your pet
WHO IS IT FOR
Adults (18 and over) who:
are interested in learning about honoring their pet after death by caring for the body
have a desire to care for their pet’s body after death
want to have a home funeral for their pet
Testimonial
“I contacted Marilynn when my 18-year-old cat, Taylor, very suddenly started showing symptoms of severe disorientation and losing the use of her back legs. I was emotionally overwhelmed and scared, not knowing whether this was the end of her life - and I was unable to think clearly to make any sense of what was happening. Marilynn’s presence was so calming and grounding for me. She was able to talk me through the death process in an incredibly compassionate and informative way. She was constantly checking in with me to ensure I wanted to hear more, and was deeply present and gentle given my obvious grief and shock. I appreciated that she asked me questions about my own preferences in handling Taylor’s death - helping me navigate all of the choices yet never imposing her own views, truly honoring my connection with my little one.
I honestly didn’t realize how much I needed guidance in this realm, but that initial experience with Marilynn really helped me feel more grounded, informed, and prepared to be really present for Taylor’s death. In addition, subsequent conversations with Marilynn about death rituals have really inspired me in thinking through creative ways to honor Taylor when she does transition.
Thank you for the work you do, Marilynn - you really bring the sacred to such a heartbreaking process.”
Nicole Kemp