Grief After Pet Loss: Navigating Euthanasia, Guilt, and Goodbyes

Tell Us What You ThinkIn this deeply emotional and unfiltered episode of Tails of Truth, JoJo and Dr. Angie sit with grief in real time as JoJo shares the story of losing her soul dog, Bodhi, over New Year’s.This conversation explores the raw truths of pet loss—anticipatory grief, guilt, anger, tenderness, and the impossible weight of deciding when it’s time to say goodbye. JoJo opens up about Bodhi’s sudden cancer diagnosis, the choice to pursue in-home euthanasia, and the heartbreak of letting go on a “good day.” Together, they talk honestly about the bargaining, self-doubt, and self-blame that so often follow euthanasia decisions—even for veterinary professionals.Dr. Angie offers grounded veterinary insight and compassionate reassurance, reminding listeners that there is no perfect moment, no “right” amount of suffering, and no way to love an animal deeply without eventually experiencing this pain. They also discuss how society minimizes pet grief, why comments like “just get another dog” can be so harmful, and how grief can ripple through families, children, and other animals in the home.This episode is not about answers—it’s about permission. Permission to grieve how you grieve. Permission to feel devastated by the loss of an animal who was your constant companion, your comforter, your witness. And permission to honor the love that made the loss hurt so much in the first place.💛 Key TakeawaysGrief after losing a pet is real, profound, and often minimized by societySaying goodbye on a “good day” can be one of the hardest decisions pet parents faceEuthanasia guilt and self-doubt are common—even among veterinarians and veterinary nursesThere is no perfect time to say goodbye, only a loving decision made with imperfect informationChildren and other pets benefit from being included in end-of-life goodbyes when possibleLoving an animal deeply means eventually grieving them—and that pain reflects the depth of that love 🎙️ Sound Bites  “It’s not so easy to say goodbye on a good day.” ~JoJo “Your heart can’t understand a terminal diagnosis, even when your medical mind does.” ~ Dr. Angie “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him." ~JoJo “Grief looks however it’s going to look.”  ~ JoJo “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him.” ~JoJo “There is no sweet spot. You wrestle with it either way.” ~ Dr. Angie Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTubeSchedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD.Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo