Twenty years after qualifying as a veterinary nurse, founder Sieske Valk looks back on the winding path that led here - fieldwork in India, Kenya and Zanzibar, a mobile palliative care clinic in London, and a soul-cat named Lewis who shaped everything that came after. This is the origin story behind Autumn Animals 2.0, and why supporting pet caregivers through the "autumn" of their companion animal's life became the mission.

When a companion animal starts ageing or becomes seriously ill, the people around them face a wave of decisions, emotions and questions - most of which they navigate largely alone. The literature shows that pet caregivers experience increased caregiver burden, depression, anxiety and guilt. And yet the research into what they actually need to mitigate this remains strikingly limited. This is where my new IAAHPC-funded research begins.

When communication fails in the veterinary clinic, the consequences are more than just a misunderstanding. They result in shattered trust, caregiver guilt, and patient trauma. Through two harrowing cases involving a diabetic cat and a reactive dog, this article examines missed opportunities for empathy and advocacy. By shifting toward an interdisciplinary model that includes specialist case workers, we can stop treating pets as numbers and start honouring the complex bonds th

For many, a pet isn’t just a housemate; they are the "anchor" that defines home. When that bond is severed, the resulting "homesickness" reveals a profound loss of security and identity. This article explores the delicate balance of caregiving, the myth of post-pet freedom, and why the future of veterinary care must embrace holistic support for the grieving human-animal family unit.

After 17+ years of side-by-side companionship, I said goodbye to Lewis, the "feline love of my life." This article explores the raw, sacred process of a slow farewell: from final home rituals and a symbolic shroud to the "synchronicities" that suggest a lingering connection. It is a reflection on pet bereavement, the power of grief-informed support in the workplace, and how creating meaningful rituals can help bridge the void when a piece of your soul is no longer physical.

Lewis’s euthanasia was scheduled for 17 January 2026. On a very windy, November afternoon, the day after Lewis’s 19th birthday, I stood wailing in the Dawlish Warren nature reserve. I had just moved “beyond the choke”.

"We’re all too happy to document the early years... but we often forget to document the moments when we’re just relaxing together, perfectly content in each other’s presence." When the time with a best friend is short, a photoshoot isn't about perfection; it’s about capturing the soul. Discover the story behind Lewis’s final portraits and learn how to memorialise your pet’s unique routines and rituals before they are gone.

"There is no getting over them or replacing a person who seemed to have a direct line between their heart and yours." For many, losing a companion animal feels like losing a part of themselves - their dæmon. If you aren’t ready to "take the leap" into ownership again, there are other ways to honour that love. Explore meaningful UK-based alternatives, from fostering for those fleeing domestic violence to supporting terminally ill guardians and their pets.

"Rearing a cat feels vaguely similar to raising a child - in reverse." As Lewis celebrates his 19th birthday, we reflect on the transition from the "age of independence" to a stage of deep dependence. While society offers a village for new parents, caregivers of super-senior pets often navigate the sleepless nights and emotional strain alone. Explore why we need a holistic framework for veterinary palliative care that supports the human at the other end of the leash.

"In sensitive life-and-death conversations, language is everything." Many believe palliative and hospice care are interchangeable, but the distinction is vital for a pet's longevity and quality of life. From interdisciplinary support to the role of end-of-life doulas, explore the key concepts that shift our focus from "fighting disease" to providing a dignified, compassionate journey for our animal companions and their caregivers.

This week, it’s been a year since we moved into a converted barn on a working farm in beautiful Devon. Seeking a quieter life outside of London...

Here are some basic guidelines on how to communicate compassionately with grieving people

How to communicate with pet guardians who are going through grief in a compassionate, non-harmful way Half a year ago, I was asked...

I am usually not one for making New Year’s resolutions; I tend to stick to “Another Year on Earth" resolutions, taken during....

For a person who encounters endings daily and does their best to make these as dignified and well-planned as possible, I am not ready for...

Read the useful information of my late-sales funnel without having to give me any of your data.

When you have a senior pet, your veterinarian will tell you that it is very important to visit them regularly for check-ups. That...

My mornings are dictated by a few non-negotiables: taking time to slowly wake up and eating a wholesome breakfast preferably in bed. I...

Photo by David Gabrić on Unsplash Most people would prefer their pet to die peacefully in their sleep, rather than having to decide to...

How do you know your cat or dog is in pain? Read this blog post to find out!