In this heartfelt episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, hosts Liz Egler and Ashley Infantino sit down with Sarah to hear the deeply personal story of her English bulldog, Ramsey. Sarah opens up about her unconventional journey into pet parenthood—growing up with family members afraid of dogs, unexpectedly choosing a bulldog puppy, and how Ramsey quickly became a cherished part of her family.

Sarah shares the unique ways Ramsey helped her through life’s transitions—from office culture transformation to coping with fertility struggles and ultimately, motherhood. Together, they reflect on the powerful bond between humans and their pets, laughing about bulldog antics, navigating the haze of new pet ownership, and remembering special milestones with Ramsey and Sarah’s daughter, Romilly.

But this episode also bravely explores grief and the profound void left when a beloved pet passes. Sarah recounts the shock of Ramsey’s sudden cancer diagnosis, the impossible decisions pet owners face, and the compassionate community—in person and online—that helped her grieve. She also discusses supporting a child through loss and how she’s found new purpose and gratitude after welcoming another bulldog, Renoa, all while honoring Ramsey’s enduring place in their lives.

From canine companionship to devastating goodbyes, this is an honest, moving conversation about love, loss, and the glittery persistence of grief. Whether you’re a lifelong dog parent or facing the pain of pet loss, Sarah’s story will resonate deeply, reminding us of the profound impact our furry friends have on our families and our hearts.

In this heartwarming episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, host Elizabeth Polizzo and guest host, CJ Infantino, welcome Deb to share her journey shaped by the dogs she’s loved—and lost.

Debra reminisces about her beloved golden retriever, Wesley, recounting their adventures in Boulder, Colorado, and the indelible bond they shared. She speaks candidly about Wesley’s playful quirks—like his obsession with rocks and tennis balls—and the heartbreak of navigating his illness and saying goodbye through home euthanasia. The conversation offers an open, honest look at the pain of pet loss, the strange clarity of the moment a beloved animal's spirit leaves, and how grief can linger in everyday routines.

From there, Deb discusses how Wesley’s passing, combined with other life changes, cleared the path for her to leap into a new chapter: founding an animal rescue shelter in Dharamsala, India. She describes her immersion into the local culture, the unique challenges of animal welfare in India, and the surprising lessons learned from the scrappy, resilient Indian street dogs she grew to love—especially Ruby, a spirited rescue who became her companion.

Throughout the episode, themes of grief, healing, and connection are woven together. The hosts and Debra explore what it means to grieve deeply, how communities (both canine and human) can help us move forward, and how being open to new possibilities can offer profound meaning after loss.

Whether you’re an animal lover, someone who’s experienced loss, or just looking for an inspiring story about following your heart across the world, this episode is a testament to the powerful bonds we share with our pets—and the incredible impact they have on our lives.

Find out more: Dharamsala Animal Rescue.

After the heartbreaking loss of her golden retriever Wes, Deb shares how her grief became a catalyst for healing — not just for herself, but for countless animals and people through her work at Dharamsala Animal Rescue.

This episode is four of five from the series that inspired Sit, Lay Rest as part of The Day After podcast.

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the emotional journey of Dana, who shares her experiences of dealing with the grief of losing her beloved dog, Smitty, to heart disease. Throughout the conversation, hosts CJ Infantino and Ashley Infantino explore the profound impact of pet loss and the often underappreciated depth of mourning that accompanies it.

Dana opens up about the challenges she faced during the health decline of her dog, including difficult decisions about euthanasia and the lack of support from some veterinary professionals. She contrasts her lonely and painful grieving process with the support systems that did come through, including a special mention of the in-home euthanasia service, Lap of Love, which provided compassion during her time of need.

The episode also covers Dana’s struggles with personal organization and productivity due to depression and chronic fatigue since her loss. She shares how maintaining a connection to nature and part-time care for a friend’s dog has provided some comfort.

Listeners will find a discussion on the implications of pet loss on personal identity and mental health, with Dana expressing how vital her relationship with Smitty was to her happiness and stability. CJ relates to her experiences by reflecting on his own grief after losing his wife, fostering a conversation about the wide-ranging impacts of grief.

Moreover, Ashley brings insight into the emotional responsibilities of pet ownership, touching on her own experiences and the lessons of care and compassion they entail.

This episode is a touching exploration of love, loss, and learning to navigate life after the passing of a beloved pet, offering listeners understanding and validation of their grief experiences. It’s a must-listen for everyone who has ever loved and lost a pet.

In this episode, hosts Liz Egler and Ashley Infantino welcome guest Shannon, who shares her heartfelt journey of love, loss, and healing through the bond she formed with her pets. Shannon reminisces about her dream of having a dog and how her beloved canine companion, Martin Francis, became a pivotal force in her life, ultimately saving her during a time of crisis. She narrates her experiences with Martin and other pets, including her transition to caring for cats and her continued work fostering animals.

Shannon's story provides an emotional insight into understanding and coping with behavioral euthanasia, particularly as she discusses her decision-making process around her dog Daphne Louise's anxiety issues. The episode delves into the topics of empathy, healing, and the connections we share with our pets, touching on Shannon's thoughts on honoring animals and her vision of a sanctuary called Martin's Place.

Throughout the episode, Shannon's role as a nurse and animal advocate shines through, as she emphasizes the importance of being there for each other—both humans and animals. The conversation highlights the depth of relationships with pets and encourages listeners to embrace empathy and understanding in their own experiences.

Join us in this episode of Sit, Lay Rest, and let's navigate the path of rebuilding after loss, together.

In this episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, hosts Liz Egler and Ashley Infantino engage in a heartfelt conversation with guest Kristin and her German Shepherd, Ginger. Kristin shares the emotional journey of choosing Ginger, the ups and downs of pet ownership, and the eventual heart-wrenching decision of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. The conversation touches on themes of loyalty, companionship, and the unique bond between humans and their canine friends.

Listeners are introduced to Ginger's personality, her protective nature, and her role as a "Zen mom" at dog daycare. Kristin also discusses the challenges they faced with Greta, another German shepherd they briefly had, and how Ginger's demeanor changed after Greta left.

The discussion expands to the grief of losing a pet, as Kristin reflects on Ginger's decline due to neurological issues and the decision to opt for home euthanasia through the organization Lapse of Love. The conversation delves into the complexities of pet grief, comparing it to losing family members, and the lasting impact pets have on their humans.

Kristin shares how she honored Ginger's memory, her involvement with a local animal shelter, and eventually adopting another shepherd, Violet. The episode touches on the healing process, individual approaches to grief, and the unconditional love and joy pets bring into our lives. The hosts and Kristin emphasize following one's heart and intuition when coping with grief and the inevitable advice from others.

Overall, the episode offers a poignant tribute to Ginger and highlights the importance of pets in our lives, providing a mix of touching memories and insights into pet ownership and loss. 

Tune in to listen wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is three of five from the series that inspired Sit, Lay Rest as part of The Day After podcast.

In this episode, CJ & Elizabeth delve deep with Nicole as she shares the complex and heartbreaking experience of losing her cherished companion, Roger.

Through raw and vulnerable storytelling, Nicole shares the heart-wrenching moments leading up to Roger's passing due to heart disease, highlighting her feelings of guilt, shame, and overwhelming sadness. The episode captures Nicole's deep bond with Roger, portraying the unconditional love and unique connection they shared, reminiscent of the love she received from her grandmother.

As Nicole bravely explores her grief and coping mechanisms, listeners are invited to witness her transformative healing process. From initially feeling unprepared for new pets to eventually welcoming Arthur and Archibald into her life, Nicole's journey serves as a testament to the power of self-compassion and the profound impact of therapy, particularly EMDR and somatic therapy, in processing emotions and trauma.

The episode also touches upon themes of spirituality and connection, as Nicole recounts moments that make her believe in Roger's continued presence in her life. With discussions on the significance of mourning and embracing the grieving process, Nicole's story resonates with anyone who has experienced the profound loss of a beloved pet. 

Through shared memories, reflections, and insights on self-love and healing, the episode offers a touching exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound grief.

This episode is two of five from the series that inspired Sit, Lay Rest as part of The Day After podcast.

In this episode, we welcome Kristina to share her touching journey of love, loss, and new beginnings with her canine companions. Losing Wilson, a cherished 17-year-old shih tzu mix, was a painful experience for Kristina, leading her down a path of deep reflection and mourning. She discusses the tough decisions around doggy hospice care and the emotional process of coping with Wilson's passing, which includes cherished memories and mementos that continue to provide comfort. 

Kristina also introduces us to Goose, the rescue dog who stepped into her life when she least expected it. Despite initial hesitation and the chilling ambiance of the quarantine facility where they first met, Goose quickly became more than just a pet, filling the void left by Wilson and even having a social media presence dedicated to him.

Throughout the episode, Kristina candidly shares humorous anecdotes, the challenges of grieving, and the unexpected joy that Goose brings into her life, illustrating the complex emotions of losing and finding love again in the world of pet companionship. 

This episode is not just a story about pets but a deeper exploration of human emotions, resilience, and the profound impact that animals can have on our lives. Join us as we delve into the highs and lows of Kristina's emotional journey with her beloved dogs.

This episode is one of five from the series that inspired Sit, Lay Rest. 

In this moving episode, we are joined by guest Ashley W. who shares her heartfelt journey of grief following the loss of her beloved dog, Simba. This episode marks the beginning of a month-long series dedicated to exploring pet grief, a topic often overlooked and minimized in society.

Throughout the episode, Ashley discusses the complex emotions surrounding euthanasia, the loneliness of grieving a pet, and the societal challenges that come with acknowledging this type of loss. She details the anticipatory grief she faced as Simba aged and her challenging decision to eventually euthanize him, a decision filled with emotional weight and second-guessing. Ashley talks openly about the guilt of feeling relieved when no longer burdened by caregiving responsibilities, yet struggling with the isolation that followed Simba's passing.

Hosts Ashley and CJ contribute their personal experiences with pet loss, enhancing the conversation with their insights on dealing with grief, the impact of losing a pet on family dynamics, and the importance of recognizing joy amidst sorrow. They discuss societal attitudes toward grief, the insensitivity often shown towards those mourning pets, and the need for more supportive frameworks to help individuals cope with loss.

The conversation also touches on the valuable support systems that have aided Ashley W., such as grief groups and journaling, and how these have helped her navigate her emotions during this tough time.

By the end of the episode, listeners will find a compassionate exploration of pet loss, the universal nature of grief, and the small yet significant ways in which we can support each other through such profound moments of sorrow. This episode not only provides a space for empathy and understanding but also challenges us to rethink how we respond to the grief of others, particularly when it involves a beloved animal, setting the stage for the rest of the series that will delve deeper into the nuances of pet grief.