Did I wait too long? Did I do the right thing? What if I failed them?
If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you’ve probably asked yourself these same painful questions. Grief is hard enough, but guilt can make healing feel impossible.
I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, even with decades of rescue experience behind me. If you’ve ever struggled with that same inner dialogue, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I sit down with grief experts Ken Dolan-DelVecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez, hosts of The Pet Loss Companion podcast and co-authors of The Pet Loss Companion book. We’re diving deep into the emotional minefield of guilt after pet loss and how to find peace again.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why guilt is a natural part of grieving and what helps us move through it
• How “perfect timing” is an illusion and why it always feels off
• What self-forgiveness really looks like and how to stop replaying what-ifs

If you’ve questioned your decisions after saying goodbye to a pet, this episode will help you take the first step toward healing. Grief is love with nowhere to go—and you don’t have to carry it alone.

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.
Follow me for more support, heartfelt conversations, and practical ways to navigate life with pets.

CONNECT WITH KEN DOLAN-DELVECCHIO & NANCY SAXTON-LOPEZ:
Listen: The Pet Loss Companion Podcast
Read: The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Th

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Quick Update: We’re taking a short break and will be back with a batch of fresh episodes starting August 10!
In the meantime, binge your way through 100+ past episodes packed with pet-saving sanity—and maybe even solve that one issue that's driving you (and your pet) nuts.
Catch up, take notes, and we’ll see you soon!

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...