01/21/2026
I had the honor of presenting a webinar, When Love Hurts: Understanding Pet Loss and Gentle Tools for Coping, for Mental Health America on January 20, 2026, focused on pet loss, grief, and the often-invisible emotional impact of the human–animal bond.
Pet loss is frequently minimized; yet for many individuals, it represents a profound attachment rupture that can activate intense grief, trauma responses, and feelings of isolation. This webinar created space to recognize that loss as real, valid, and deserving of compassionate, informed support.
I am deeply grateful to Morayo Orly, Programs & Development Director of Mental Health America of Illinois, for her vision and for highlighting the importance of inclusive grief education. I also appreciate her leadership in providing a platform to elevate conversations around disenfranchised grief, emotional regulation, and accessible coping tools for bereaved pet guardians. Special thanks as well to Dr. Josefina Alvarez for making this connection possible.
Thank you to everyone who attended, engaged, and shared your reflections. Continued dialogue and education are essential as we work toward more humane and responsive mental health systems.
