For a sick or aging pet

When Your Pet Is Sick or Aging

You don't have to have said goodbye yet to start this. Anticipating a loss is its own kind of grief — here's a gentle order to work through, at your own pace.

A dog looking up with soft, trusting eyes
How to use this guide: Start with step 1 if you want practical footing, or skip straight to whichever step feels most urgent right now. There's no wrong order.
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1
Start here

Track quality-of-life signs

A gentle, printable checklist to track comfort, appetite, mobility, and the good days versus hard days — so decisions feel less like guessing.

Open the Hospice & Comfort Care Checklist →
2

Start preserving memories now

The small details fade faster than you'd expect — the sound of their bark, the way they greeted you. Write them down while they're still vivid.

Open the Memory Journal →
3

Write to your pet

A private letter to them, while they're still here to (in spirit) receive it. Many people find this brings unexpected peace.

Open Letter to Your Pet →
4

Help kids understand what's happening

Age-appropriate language and gentle ways to prepare children in the house for what's coming, without overwhelming them.

Open the Children's Grief Guide →
5

Plan aftercare ahead of time

Answer a few gentle questions to compare cremation, burial, and aquamation — with realistic costs — so it's one less decision to make in the moment.

Open the Aftercare Planner →
6

See how others are getting through this

You're not the only one anticipating this loss. Read what other families are navigating right now, or share your own.

Open the Discussion Board →
7
Ongoing

Get support as things progress

A free 30-day email series with grounding, practical guidance for wherever you are in the process.

Start the 30-Day Grief Companion →