Episode
194 Pet Grief and Disenfranchised Loss (with Hospice Chaplain Jessica Shannon)
- Podcast
- Hospice Explained
- Published
- Jul 27, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1477
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://hospiceexplained.libsyn.com/episode-194
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Summary
194 Pet Grief and Disenfranchised Loss (with Hospice Chaplain Jessica Shannon) Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews board-certified hospice chaplain and author Jessica Shannon in episode 194, focusing on pet grief. They discuss pet loss as "disenfranchised grief," often experienced as lonely and minimized by society, and describe anticipatory grief that begins as pets age and decline. Jessica explains how pet grief can be as intense as human loss, may trigger cumulative grief when an animal is tied to a deceased loved one, and includes grieving routines and caregiving roles after a pet dies. She shares her experience losing multiple dogs and the impact of euthanasia decisions, notes that surviving pets also grieve, and offers guidance to acknowledge the grief as real, allow time, and not rush into getting another pet. Jessica also mentions her memoir, The Sum of Grief: A Daughter's Memoir, about "grief math," which includes animals' roles in coping with loss. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:29 Meet Host and Guest 01:37 Why Pet Grief Matters 03:38 Anticipatory Grief Signs 05:41 Lonely Disenfranchised Loss 07:09 Stories of Multiple Losses 10:09 Pets as Connections 14:42 Routine and Caregiver Role 16:49 Rehoming After Death 19:28 Practical Pet Grief Tips 21:43 Animals Grieve Too 22:36 Book Plug and Wrap-Up 23:55 Final Thanks and Outro If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods,…