When Losing a Pet Feels Like Losing Family

What this episode covers

What happens when losing a pet feels like losing part of yourself? In this episode, Jennifer Muldowney sits down with Adam Greenbaum, founder of Love Baxter, to talk about the kind of grief people often struggle to explain out loud. Adam shares the story of Baxter, the dog who stayed beside him through the hardest years of his life, from building a company to the quiet moments most people never see. When Baxter suddenly became sick, Adam and his wife spent months fighting to save him, only to lose him days after being told he had "beaten" his illness. What makes this conversation powerful is not just the story of Baxter. It's the reminder that pets become part of our routines, our identity, and our emotional safety. They are there through loneliness, stress, heartbreak, and joy without judgment or conditions. And when they're gone, the silence they leave behind can change everything. Key Topics: -Why losing a pet can feel as painful as losing a family member -Building emotional support systems for people grieving the loss of a pet -The hidden reality of pet grief that most people do not talk about -Creating better guidance and resources for families facing pet loss -Understanding the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets Quotes from the episode: "There's no funeral, there's no blueprint, there's no community rallying around you when your pet dies." — Jennifer Muldowney I spent my whole life trying to be good enough… and in that moment, I realized I already was. — Adam Greenbaum Timestamps: [02:24] Baxter's Rescue Story: Adam shares how he found Baxter in a neglected home and brought him into his life. [05:13] Fighting to Save Baxter: Adam opens up about Baxter's final months, the costly treatments, and the heartbreak of losing him days after being told he was okay. [08:04] Why Love Baxter Exists: Adam explains how he built Love Baxter to connect grieving pet owners with support, guidance, and trusted resources. [10:23] When Pet Owners Are Left Alone: Adam talks about the gap between saying pets are family and actually supporting families after loss. [12:03] Why Pet Grief Feels So Invisible: Jennifer and Adam discuss how pet loss often comes without leave, rituals, or community support. [19:20] Turning Pain Into Purpose: Jennifer and Adam talk about helping grieving families because the work truly matters. [29:13] Listening Before Selling: Adam shares why death care should start with understanding the family, not pushing services. [34:46] Helping Children Through Pet Loss: Adam reveals that many families search for guidance on how to help kids grieve a pet. [36:56] Honoring a Pet the Right Way: Adam ends with a reminder that saying goodbye to a beloved pet should be handled with care. Connect with Adam Greenbaum at: Websites - lovebaxter.com beacons.ai Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at: Instagram -   / jennifermuldowney   TikTok -   / therealglamreaper   YouTube -    / @theglamreapermuldowney   LinkedIn -   / jennifermuldowney   Facebook Page -   / muldowneymemorials   Email us - [email protected] Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/ Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh