Ariana R Hayes DVM

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Navigating Pet Loss

Here is a poignant video tribute for a beloved pet. The artist Breanna Bell was commissioned to create a mixed media portrait based on a favorite photograph of the dog Hamilton.


Video Link:

Mixed Media Pet Portrait 🐕 Grieving the loss of pets 💔 Art Studio Sessions


As Breanna works through the process of developing this piece, she offers a peaceful and contemplative stream of consciousness on the meaning of the human-animal bond. Breanna recognizes and validates that pet loss grief is often disenfranchised grief. Breanna tactfully normalizes all the confusing and conflicting emotions that pet owners experience as they grapple with making decisions about end-of-life care for their pets.


Breanna emphasizes the importance of self-care and letting the grief and mourning process take the time that it needs. Each person’s journey through grief is very individualized. Certain things that help one person may not be as helpful to another, and vice versa. Some may benefit from discussing this life-changing event with a trusted counselor.



Consider some things that pet owners may do to memorialize their pets:

  • Hold a memorial service

  • Write a letter to their pet

  • Write up the story of their pet’s life to share with others

  • Create a garden stone to mark a physical space to honor and remember their pet

  • Personalize an urn for safekeeping and display of their pet’s ashes

  • Scatter ashes in a place that holds special meaning for their pet

  • Frame a favorite photo

  • Keep a journal

  • Collect cherished keepsakes like paw prints, nose prints, and locks of hair

  • Create or commission custom jewelry to honor their pet (some of which may contain ashes or locks of hair, or be personalized with paw or nose prints)

  • Store or display their personal effects like dog tags, collars, and favorite toys

  • Create or commission artwork in their pet’s likeness

  • Support their local animal rescue with a donation of time or supplies


For all those in need of support, please check out these resources:

Disclaimer: Dr. Hayes provides links to these resources but is not responsible for the content found there. Dr. Hayes has no financial relationship with any of the linked content. These links are provided for informational purposes and their inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Ariana and Breanna met in 2008 at the University of Montana where they were college roommates and played in the Grizzly Marching Band together.


Lap of Love Pet Loss Resources

  • Includes free virtual pet loss support group access, as well as paid 1:1 counseling and paid pet loss journey classes

DoveLewis Pet Loss Support

  • Includes links to free virtual grief support groups, free virtual memorial art workshop groups, and various other outside links

Pet Loss Hotlines

  • List of free hotlines by geographical region

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

  • Free and paid options to access chat support, video support, among others

Pet Parent Grief Support Resources

  • Short articles encompassing understanding grief and support for families

Final Gift Grief Support

  • Two brochures on pet loss

Chewy: Forever Loved

  • Short articles on navigating grief, supporting those going through pet loss, and supporting other pets

Reddit: r/PetLoss

  • A community of support from laypersons who have navigated similar situations


If you would like to create a free public or private/password-protected post to memorialize your pet hosted on this blog, please write QOLpetcare@gmail.com to contact Dr. Hayes.