The Pahl Paw Patch

In this episode, Nelson discusses three major myths about pet loss, and how they may be hindering your healing.

Topics in this Episode

• The issue of judgement (1:05)
• You're bizarre or weak (1:59)
• Celebrity examples (2:48)
• Your loss is less (4:43)
• Refuting scientific literature (5:19)
• Workshops, seminars, and retreats (5:40)
• I should be over it already (6:11)
• Do you still feel shame? (7:52)

Healing Links

Pet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats

Supporting Links

Podcast: The Toxicity of Judgment
Video: Joe Rogan talking dog loss
IG Video: Tim Tebow tribute to Bronco
Study: Psychosocial variables of pet loss
Study: Adjustment to death of a pet
Book: The Loss of a Pet

Next Episode: Does Attachment Style Affect Pet Loss?

In Episode #4, Nelson discusses five reasons pet loss is so intense.

Topics in this Episode

• 5-fold anatomy of pet loss (0:36)
• The bi-product of love (1:06)
• Lost sense of Self (2:20)
• Feeling unsafe (4:28)
• Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats (5:53)
• Surrendering autonomy (6:24)
• Dashed hopes & dreams (7:53)
• Why is pet loss so intense? (9:49)

Healing Links

• Pet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats

Supporting Links

• "Changing Times, Changing Identities"
• "I am not who I thought I was"

Next Episode: 3 Myths About Pet Loss Grief

In this third episode of The Pahl Paw Patch, Nelson highlights the empirical research in support of pet loss.

Topics in this Episode

• Pet loss is often misunderstood & devalued (0:29)
• Pet loss is largely disenfranchised grief (0:43)
• What is "disenfranchised grief"? (0:53)
• The affect of pet loss on your physical health (1:16)
• Pet loss can cause anxiety, depression, and even anger issues (1:46)
• Pet loss often causes neuroticism in the bereaved guardian (1:56)
• It can manifest as complicated grief and may even result in PTSD (2:07)
• Pet loss can surpass the intensity of human death-grief (2:27)
• Evoking emotional responses similar to parent-child dynamic (2:50)
• Workshops, seminars, and retreats (3:18)

Healing Links

Pet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats

Supporting Links

Study: Causing "broken heart syndrome"
Explanation: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Study: Pets increase self-esteem
Study: Pet loss often devalued
Study: Pet loss as disenfranchised grief
Study: Can cause serious physical ailments
Study: Long-term anxiety & depression
Study: Frequency of neuroticism
Study: Manifesting as complicated grief
Study: Pet loss can be more intense
Study: Why people love their pets
Study: The need for more recognition

Next Episode: Why's Pet Loss So Intense?

In this second episode, Nelson discusses one of his pet loss experiences.

Topics in this Episode

• Introducing "Piggy" (0:28)
• The love of my life (1:21)
• Her healing lessons (1:53)
• Piggy's passing (2:19)
• The day I said "goodbye" (2:58)
• My father's reaction (3:22)
• An evening of devastation (4:07)
• The ensuing weeks (4:45)
• All I wanted (5:17)
• Workshops, seminars, and retreats (5:45)

Healing Links

Pet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats

Next Episode: What Does Research Say About Pet Loss?

In this premier episode of The Pahl Paw Patch, Nelson tackles the subject of pet loss and its legitimacy.

Topics in this Episode

• Symptoms of pet loss (1:45)
• You must feel shame (2:30)
• It was "only an animal" (3:20)
• Losing a trusted companion & healer (5:36)
• A drastic change to our routine (6:22)
• Pets encourage more social exposure (7:01)
• Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats (7:42)

Healing Links

Pet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats

Supporting Links

Study: Causing "broken heart syndrome"
Explanation: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Study: Pets increase self-esteem

Next Episode: My Pet Loss Story