#25 - WHY LOSING A RABBIT HURTS SO MUCH - FIONA INTERVIEWS PET GRIEF EXPERT, KALEEL SAKAKEENY

Send us Fan Mail🎧 The Bunny Coach Podcast: Pet Loss, Grief & Love That Never LeavesWith Reverend Kaleel SakakeenyLosing a beloved pet can feel just as devastating as losing a family member — and yet, so many pet parents grieve in silence.In this deeply moving episode of the Bunny Coach Podcast, Fiona is joined by Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny, an ordained animal chaplain and credentialed pet loss grief counsellor based in the United States. After losing his own “big, big love,” Kaleel transformed his heartbreak into purpose and went on to found Animal Talks, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people through the grief of losing an animal companion.Together, Fiona and Kaleel explore why pet loss hurts so profoundly, why grief is not something to “get over,” and how love continues long after our pets are physically gone.This episode is for anyone who has ever loved — and lost — a bunny, cat, dog, or any cherished animal.🐾 In This Episode, We Talk About:Why losing a pet can feel as devastating as losing a human loved oneThe difference between grief and depression — and why pet loss is often misunderstoodWhy grief is not something to “fix,” medicate, or rushHow animals bring out our best selves — and why losing them feels so destabilisingWhy we don’t “move on” from grief — we integrate it into our livesThe Rainbow Bridge: why it comforts many people, and where it can fall shortWhether we’ll meet our pets again in the afterlifeHelping children navigate the loss of a beloved pet in a healthy wayWhen grief becomes complicated or stuck — and how to know when extra support is neededHow to honour your pet through rituals, remembrance, and making meaning from loss🕯️ A Conversation About Love, Not Letting GoAs Fiona shares the loss of her heart bunny Tango, and Kaleel reflects on the cat who changed the course of his life, this episode gently reminds us:Grief is not the price we pay for loving — it is proof that love existed, and still does.You are not weak for hurting. You are not “too attached.” And you are not alone.🧠 Support & Resources MentionedKaleel’s nonprofit Animal Talks offers:One-to-one pet loss grief counsellingMonthly online healing circlesOnline courses including:Will I Meet My Pet in the Afterlife?Running a Healing CircleCertified Pet Grief Specialist & Educator (8-week programme)🔗 Visit: AnimalTalksInc.com🐰 Bunny Parents — You’re Not Alone EitherIf you’re grieving a rabbit, or supporting a bunny through illness, ageing, or loss, you don’t have to carry it alone.To give your rabbit the A+ Bun Life they truly deserve, join Fiona’s Happy Bunny Club — a safe, supportive space with:Personalised guidanceMonthly live chatsExpert guestsA community who gets it🐇 Visit: FionasHappyBunnyClub.comNeed Help Bonding Your Rabbits?Check out my website for free bonding resources, links to book a call and the bonding help options I offer - Fiona Murphy The Bunny CoachBecause when bonding is done correctly, your rabbits can move from stress and conflict to a calm, happy partnership much faster.NOT BONDING AT THE MINUTE? Take a look at www.fionashappybunnyclub.com for enrichment, behaviour and care support from an expert!Subscribe to the Bunny Coach PodcastSubscribe so you don’t miss future episodes and I would love if you could leave a review — it helps other bunny parents find us!The Bunny Coach Podcast helps you can create a calmer, happier life for your bunnies and a more peaceful home for you.