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In this heartfelt episode of "Don't Be Caught Dead," I sit down with Barbara Allen, the visionary behind Australia's first animal chaplaincy program at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital from 2005 to 2011. Barbara shares her profound insights on the often-overlooked grief that accompanies the loss of our beloved pets. We delve into the emotional complexities of pet loss, exploring why the death of an animal can hit us harder than we expect, and how society's mixed messages can leave us feeling isolated in our grief.
Barbara's new book, "Broken Heart, Shared Heart, Healing Heart," serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating the turbulent waters of pet loss. She discusses the importance of normalising grief, offering practical advice for supporting those who are grieving, and the significance of rituals and memorials in honouring our furry companions. With her unique blend of compassion and knowledge, Barbara encourages us to embrace our emotions and recognise the deep bonds we share with our pets.
Key points from our discussion:
If you’ve ever thought “I really should get my affairs in order,” this is your moment.
For $99 (fully tax-deductible), you can sponsor one carer with a full year of practical planning support — or use the same tools to make sure your loved ones aren’t left guessing by creating your own backup plan..
https://project.liftwomen.com/p/692a1d7562daa122b31e6dc4
MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.
SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.
If you’ve ever thought, “I really should get my affairs in order,” or wondered what would happen if you suddenly couldn’t show up — this is your moment.
Through Critical Info, we’re inviting listeners of Don't Be Caught Dead to either sponsor an unpaid carer or put their own backup plan in place.
For $99 (tax-deductible), you can sponsor one carer with a full year of practical planning support — real backup, not paperwork for paperwork’s sake.
Or you can use the same tools to make sure your loved ones aren’t left guessing if something happens to you.
It’s not about being morbid.
It’s about being kind — to yourself and to the people who rely on you.
👉 Sponsor a carer or start your backup plan via this link:
https://project.liftwomen.com/p/692a1d7562daa122b31e6dc4
Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.
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