Additional Resources for Senior Pet Care and Pet Loss

Contributed by, Mandi Pratt - Greyboy Pet Portraits

When my dog, Willow, and my cat, Paris, were both in their senior years and suffering health troubles, I found myself scrambling to care for them both. 

Just like us pet parents try to do - I wanted them to live out their best years with the best care to my ability.

I did my best with what I knew at the time. That’s all we can do, right?

Unfortunately, I ended up having to help them gain their angel wings within two days of each other pretty much by myself. (My husband was out of town for Willow’s passing.)

Needless to say, it was very difficult. 

It was also strange as I’m usually the one sharing pet loss resources with my pet portrait clients and here I was needing some resources for myself.

I really needed help. Here’s what helped!

I’ve gathered everything I wish I could have told myself into a two page guide with links to resources on Senior Pet Care and Pet Loss in hopes it will help you too. The following are a few of my favorite resources, which can be found in my Senior Pet Care / Pet Loss Guide.

For senior pet care

Dr. Harvey’s - If we are supposed to stop feeding them kibble, then what do I buy? Because raw was so expensive and I hate cooking, this was my answer.

Senior Dog Revolution Podcast - I felt supported and listened to, especially with the anticipatory grief episode.

Book, “It’s Never Long Enough” - I looked up what kind of cancer my dog had and understood it better which helped me get out of denial. This book is THE go to resource for Senior Care!

After saying goodbye

I couldn’t find the grief support I needed. I don’t heal well in a group - I had forgotten that I recharge better by myself just because of my personality. 

A Pet Loss Support Group online and an in person grief group didn’t help either. 

I found two online grief libraries that made it easy for me to pop in, watch or listen to something for 15 min. And then think through what I heard to process my grief bit by bit. 

So, I hope these resources will help you too. If you’d like double the resources listed here to better help you in supporting your pet – and yourself – please grab my FREE guide here.