When we lose a human loved one, society rolls out a "red carpet" of support. Meals are delivered, bereavement leave is granted, and our grief is validated. But when a "soul dog" or a beloved feline companion passes, pet parents are often met with silence, awkwardness, or the dismissive sentiment that it was "just an animal."

In this episode, we talk with Koryn Greenspan, a certified pet loss bereavement specialist and end-of-life pet doula. After a 13-year career in the pet industry and the profound loss of her own soul dog, Georgia, Koryn founded The Parted Paw to fill the void in how we support those grieving a pet.

In this episode, we explore:
• The "Hierarchy of Species": Why the clinical definition of bereavement doesn't distinguish between humans and animals, and why your grief is 100% valid.
• Anticipatory Grief: Navigating the "limbo" when a pet is aging or in palliative care.
• Practical Support: What to actually say (and what not to say) to a friend who has lost a pet.
• The Digital Gut-Punch: How social media memories can complicate the healing process and why we need better "digital boundaries" for grief.

Whether you are currently navigating the loss of a pet, supporting a friend, or working in the animal care industry, this conversation offers a safe space to acknowledge that love is love and loss is loss.

Website: https://www.thepartedpaw.com/
Instagram: thepartedpaw_griefsupport
TikTok: ThePartedPaw

About the Podcast:
Dying to Know More explores the complex, often hushed conversations surrounding death, dying, and the grief that follows. Hosted by Ashley Haugen, we aim to educate and empower listeners to lean into the uncomfortable parts of life with grace and curiosity.

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