The Pahl Paw Patch

In this episode, Nelson discusses three major myths about pet loss, and how they may be hindering your healing.Topics in this EpisodeThe issue of judgement (1:05)You're bizarre or weak (1:59)Celebrity examples (2:48)Your loss is less (4:43)Refuting scientific literature (5:19)Workshops, seminars, and retreats (5:40)I should be over it already (6:11)Do you still feel shame? (7:52)Healing LinksPet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and RetreatsSupporting LinksPodcast: The Toxicity of JudgmentVideo: Joe Rogan talking dog lossIG Video: Tim Tebow tribute to BroncoStudy: Psychosocial variables of pet lossStudy: Adjustment to death of a pet Book: The Loss of a PetNext Episode: Does Attachment Style Affect Pet Loss?

In Episode #4, Nelson discusses five reasons pet loss is so intense.Topics in this Episode5-fold anatomy of pet loss (0:36)The bi-product of love (1:06)Lost sense of Self (2:20)Feeling unsafe (4:28)Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats (5:53)Surrendering autonomy (6:24)Dashed hopes & dreams (7:53)Why is pet loss so intense? (9:49)Healing LinksPet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and RetreatsSupporting Links"Changing Times, Changing Identities""I am not who I thought I was"Next Episode: 3 Myths About Pet Loss Grief

In this third episode of The Pahl Paw Patch, Nelson highlights the empirical research in support of pet loss.Topics in this EpisodePet loss is often misunderstood & devalued (0:29)Pet loss is largely disenfranchised grief (0:43)What is "disenfranchised grief"? (0:53)The affect of pet loss on your physical health (1:16)Pet loss can cause anxiety, depression, and even anger issues (1:46)Pet loss often causes neuroticism in the bereaved guardian (1:56)It can manifest as complicated grief and may even result in PTSD (2:07)Pet loss can surpass the intensity of human death-grief (2:27)Evoking emotional responses similar to parent-child dynamic (2:50)Workshops, seminars, and retreats (3:18)Healing LinksPet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and RetreatsSupporting LinksStudy: Causing "broken heart syndrome"Explanation: Takotsubo cardiomyopathyStudy: Pets increase self-esteemStudy: Pet loss often devaluedStudy: Pet loss as disenfranchised griefStudy: Can cause serious physical ailmentsStudy: Long-term anxiety & depressionStudy: Frequency of neuroticismStudy: Manifesting as complicated griefStudy: Pet loss can be more intenseStudy: Why people love their petsStudy: The need for more recognitionNext Episode: Why's Pet Loss So Intense?

In this second episode, Nelson discusses one of his pet loss experiences.Topics in this EpisodeIntroducing "Piggy" (0:28)The love of my life (1:21)Her healing lessons (1:53)Piggy's passing (2:19)The day I said "goodbye" (2:58)My father's reaction (3:22)An evening of devastation (4:07)The ensuing weeks (4:45)All I wanted (5:17)Workshops, seminars, and retreats (5:45)Healing LinksPet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and RetreatsNext Episode: What Does Research Say About Pet Loss?

In this premier episode of The Pahl Paw Patch, Nelson tackles the subject of pet loss and its legitimacy.Topics in this EpisodeSymptoms of pet loss (1:45)You must feel shame (2:30)It was "only an animal" (3:20)Losing a trusted companion & healer (5:36)A drastic change to our routine (6:22)Pets encourage more social exposure (7:01)Workshops, Seminars, and Retreats (7:42)Healing LinksPet Loss Workshops, Seminars, and RetreatsSupporting LinksStudy: Causing "broken heart syndrome"Explanation: Takotsubo cardiomyopathyStudy: Pets increase self-esteemNext Episode: My Pet Loss Story

The Pahl Paw Patch is a podcast for pet loss grief, hosted by narrative psychologist Nelson Pahl.