Planning in advance for the end-of-life of our beloved companion animals is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your pet and yourself.

End-of-Life Doulas are non-medical care givers who are in service to others, like a concierge, for death and dying. We are here to help you and your family plan for, anticipate, work through and grieve for your dear dog, cat, horse or other companion animal.

We also spend a good deal of time educating our communities on how better they can prepare themselves and their families for the end-of-life, for both humans and companion animals, whether tomorrow, next week or twenty years from now. Doulas help initiate conversations about death and dying. It is a given that we are all going to die one day, and we should be prepared so we can fully live our lives in the here and now! With regards to the actual end of life, doulas can help as little or as much as needed when the time is nearing for your pet’s last days.

“Those who learned to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, become our teachers about life.” Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (On Children and Death, 1985)

I will meet you on the path wherever you are in your journey. I will walk with you, listen to you, support and guide you and offer resources to insure that you feel completely comfortable on this journey. I create a safe and sacred space for each client, as I feel honored that you have chosen me as your travelling companion on this part of your journey while you navigate the space of losing your dear pet.

I offer a 30 minute free consultation- I call this a “Map Reading Consultation,” since we are considering going on a journey together! In this time, we learn about each other, you and your companion animal’s individual situation, your needs, what you would like to accomplish in our time together. If you decide you would like to, we will plan for a future conversation.

My Services:

Education-Individual and Community

Individual one on one planning and educational conversations about losing a companion animal/pet
Conversations with family/loved ones

Here is a quote from Francesca Lynn Arnoldy with regards to Living Fully and Dying Prepared Workbook that we offer for humans, a 6 week workshop. You can find more information about my workshops here.

“Whether you are interested in exploring mortality, providing care to others facing the end of life, or you’re seeking more meaning and purpose in the here and now, this interactive workbook offers practical skills and profound insight to help you move beyond fear and nurture inner strength.”
Francesca.

Listening & Supporting The Client-Individual Planning

Answer questions, ease anxieties
Advocate for the client/animal
Assist client and family for what they envision to be a good death.
Get to know you and your situation and your pet’s needs as well as the human needs
Talk about final wishes for healing, dying
Final wishes for visits
Animal companionship
Caregiver relief and support

Holding Physical and Emotional Space for Clients (both human and companion animals)

Care coordination with practitioners for pain management, therapies, to promote comfort and relaxation
Creating sacred space for people and animals

Honoring Emotions, Feelings and Relationships, as well as Beliefs and Practices

Guiding and mediating difficult conversations
Working with client/family to discuss and prepare for grief

Legacy Coaching

Reflecting on memories
Legacy projects and gifts
Explore and preserve the stories, wisdom and messages that give life meaning.

Memorial or Celebration of Life:

Creating Sacred Space
Bedside presence
Facilitating gatherings of loved ones over prayer, meditation, sacred singing and music
Arranging a Living “Celebration of Life”
Planning rituals, ceremonies, services
Ensure that any cultural or spiritual needs are met and honored

Guidance After:

Grief Tending
Ensure the family has support for themselves

Companion Animal End-Of-Life Doula