27 When It's Time to Say Goodbye: Supporting Pet Families (and Their Kids) Through the Final Journey

Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt episode I chat with Kristen Griffin, an End-of-Life Stage Pet Doula and author of the touching children's book Magnum's Final Goodbye. Kristen shares her journey from veterinary medicine to becoming a compassionate guide for families facing the difficult decision to say goodbye to their beloved pets.Drawing from her own experience losing her soul dog Magnum, she explains what it means to support pet parents through the final stages, creating meaningful goodbyes and honouring the pet's dignity in their last moments. As a doula, Kristen helps ease the emotional weight, offering gentle, personalized care during one of life's toughest transitions.A big focus of the conversation is helping children process pet loss. Kristen's interactive book Magnum's Final Goodbye (available via her Etsy shop and magnumsfinalgoodbye.com) provides parents with tools and words when they're struggling to explain death, grief, and the Rainbow Bridge to young kids. Through storytelling, activities, and open dialogue, it normalizes these hard conversations and helps families heal together.Whether you're currently navigating pet loss, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand the profound bond we share with our animals, this episode offers empathy, practical insights, and a reminder that every goodbye can be filled with love.Follow Kristen on Instagram at @magnumsbridge for more on her doula services, book updates, and pet loss support. 🌈🐾@SpicyDogMamaFollows Cass' spicy girl, Lady Rey @MyLittlePibbleIf you are missing that supportive person in your life, reach out! I would love to help encourage you and be someone that you can go to to feel less alone. Email [email protected] GroupSupport the showSupport the showI am not a dog trainer. I'm an uneducated, untrained and unqualified dog mama over here learnig from my own mistakes, the amazing people around me and the dogs in front of me. I'm sharing my own experiences and my own opinions. Always consult (and research) a professional trainer to help you with your dog. With love,Cass & Rey