Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement The APLB offers free online chat sessions with trained pet loss grief specialists. Excellence- endeavors to cultivate and train our team(s).

Our vision is to foster a society in which on-going empathetic pet loss and grief support services are widely accepted and available to pet families. The APLB's core values are the following:
Compassion- is constant in our efforts to provide an atmosphere of understanding of a pet parent’s pain in grief and we have a desire to mitigate that pain through coping strategies and support resources. Int

egrity- is dedicated to pursuing honest, transparent and ethical initiatives that will enhance our member benefits to our loyal members. Empowerment- strives to empower our members with education, networking and opportunities to engage in providing support to others. Goal setting and achieving those benchmarks are vital to our success. Community- is committed to collaborating and partnering with other organizations, associations and for-profit businesses to foster synergy and best practices for pet parents and pet industry professionals. Fiscal responsibility- is unwavering in our commitment to set standards of fiscal procedures and internal controls that demonstrate our responsibility to the fees collected and donations received.

Preparing Without RushingAnticipatory grief gives us something rare: time. Time to say what we need to say, to take more...
06/10/2026

Preparing Without Rushing

Anticipatory grief gives us something rare: time. Time to say what we need to say, to take more photos, to hold them a little longer. It doesn't make the loss hurt less — but it can allow for a more conscious, loving goodbye.

Is there something you wish you had said or done before your pet passed — or something you're grateful you did?

The Weight of KnowingThere is a particular kind of grief in knowing what is coming. Every ordinary moment becomes a good...
06/09/2026

The Weight of Knowing

There is a particular kind of grief in knowing what is coming. Every ordinary moment becomes a goodbye. Let yourself feel all of it — none of it is too much.

How did you spend the final days or weeks with your pet? Is there something you're glad you did?

Grief Can Begin Before the GoodbyeWhen a beloved pet receives a terminal diagnosis, grief can begin long before the loss...
06/08/2026

Grief Can Begin Before the Goodbye

When a beloved pet receives a terminal diagnosis, grief can begin long before the loss itself. This anticipatory grief is real, valid, and often lonely — because the world doesn't always recognize mourning for someone still living.

Did you experience grief before your pet died — during illness or a terminal diagnosis? What was that time like?

Speak Their NameOne of the most healing things we can do is say our pet's name out loud — in stories, in conversation, i...
06/06/2026

Speak Their Name

One of the most healing things we can do is say our pet's name out loud — in stories, in conversation, in memory. Their name keeps them present. Don't be afraid to say it. It brings more love, not more pain.

What was your pet's name? 💛 Share it here — let's say their names together.

Euphemisms and ConfusionWhen veterinarians use euphemisms like 'put to sleep' during a crisis, pet owners often don't fu...
06/05/2026

Euphemisms and Confusion

When veterinarians use euphemisms like 'put to sleep' during a crisis, pet owners often don't fully absorb what's happening. Dr. Sife (founder of the APLB) in 'The Loss of a Pet' advocates for clear, compassionate language at these moments — for everyone's sake.

Looking back, was there a moment of confusion around language during your pet's illness or passing?

Stop Saying 'Just a Pet''It was just a pet.' These four words can undo weeks of hard-won healing. Your animal companion ...
06/05/2026

Stop Saying 'Just a Pet'

'It was just a pet.' These four words can undo weeks of hard-won healing. Your animal companion was not 'just' anything. They were a relationship, a routine, a source of love. Their loss deserves to be named and honored — not minimized.

Have you heard this phrase? How did it affect you — and how did you respond?

Words MatterThe words we use around pet loss matter more than we realize. Phrases like 'put to sleep' or 'it was just a ...
06/02/2026

Words Matter

The words we use around pet loss matter more than we realize. Phrases like 'put to sleep' or 'it was just a dog' can create confusion and pain. Speaking honestly and directly — with compassion — helps both adults and children process what has happened.

Has someone ever said something that unintentionally made your grief harder? What would have been more helpful to hear?

We would like to invite you to the second of our two-part webinar series on seniors and pet loss with Nina and Courtney....
06/01/2026

We would like to invite you to the second of our two-part webinar series on seniors and pet loss with Nina and Courtney.

The first session was extremely interesting, and we hope you can join us for this second event. As usual, you’ll be able to ask questions in the live Q&A session.

You will have to register separately for this second event. The link is below.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:00-8:15 PM, ET
📍 Location: Zoom

aplb.org/specialevent

https://www.aplb.org/webinar-seniors-and-pet-loss-part-2

Grief Is Learned — and So Is HealingHow we model grief for children matters deeply. When children see adults cry, talk o...
05/30/2026

Grief Is Learned — and So Is Healing

How we model grief for children matters deeply. When children see adults cry, talk openly, and slowly heal, they learn that grief is survivable — and that love is worth it.

What did losing a pet teach you about grief — and what do you hope to pass on to the young people in your life?

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Kawkawlin, MI

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