Pet Death Support
We are each unique.
Our relationships are unique.
What we need when death occurs may also be unique.
When Marilynn’s pets died, she honored them with a home funeral
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 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.
Peroline
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 place 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.
Caring for your pet after death
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
Marilynn can help you know what to expect and teach you how to care for the body. She’ll explain what happens after death and share what worked for her when she cleaned their coats and laid them out. She can share information around cooling techniques and performing ceremonies or rituals and 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, she can provide supplies for you.
Keep in mind that you know what’s best for you and yours. Follow your heart and allow your intuition to guide you.
Rigel
What to expect with pet death support
Conversations about caring for your pet after death can take place via phone. 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…to talk through the logistics so you feel comfortable and confident to do this on your own (no charge)
Marilynn provides supplies, and after-death care for your animal
After-death care for animals $100 + supplies and mileage.
Use the button below to request and secure this service.
What folks are saying about Marilynn as a Pet Doula
“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.”