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.

"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.

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...

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

Photo credit: Tereza Hošková on Unsplash Are you not sure whether your pet needs specialist palliative or hospice care or whether you...

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What is the difference is between palliative and hospice care. Read this post to find out.