Hospice Explained: 194 Pet Grief and Disenfranchised Loss (with Hospice Chaplain Jessica Shannon)

194 Pet Grief and Disenfranchised Loss (with Hospice Chaplain Jessica Shannon)

Jul 27, 2026

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