September marks National Pet Memorial Month, a time set aside to remember the animals who left pawprints on our hearts and to acknowledge the deep, enduring grief that comes with their loss. For many, the bond with a pet is as profound as any human connection—sometimes even more so. Yet, despite this, grief over losing an animal is still often misunderstood, dismissed, or minimized with the hurtful phrase, “it was just a pet.”
One person working to change that narrative is Beth Bigler, widely recognized as the world’s most sought-after pet loss grief counselor. Her journey to this work is as inspiring as it is unexpected. After a successful 20-year career in Hollywood—collaborating with some of the biggest names in film, television, and theater—Beth left the entertainment industry to pursue her true calling: helping people navigate the heartbreak of losing a beloved animal.
Her newly released book, Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss, offers a compassionate, day-by-day guide for transforming pain into presence and sorrow into lasting remembrance. It’s not just a book—it’s a daily lifeline for anyone learning to live without their animal companion.
Why Pet Loss Deserves Real Recognition
Beth has made it her mission to elevate the conversation around animal loss into the realm of legitimate mental health care. She emphasizes that the emotional impact of losing a pet is not a minor issue—it can be as destabilizing as losing a close family member. Our pets offer unconditional love, emotional refuge, and even help regulate our nervous systems. When that presence disappears, the absence can feel like a deep wound.
Through her work, Beth addresses several truths that resonate with both grieving pet parents and mental health professionals:
- Grieving a pet is real and valid — dismissing it only deepens emotional pain.
- Connection doesn’t end at death — there are meaningful, healthy ways to feel close to an animal after they’ve passed.
- Public perception matters — whether you’re a celebrity or an everyday pet owner, how you talk about pet loss shapes how others experience it.
From Hollywood Sets to Healing Hearts
Before becoming a certified grief counselor and pet loss specialist, Beth built a name for herself in the entertainment industry as a skilled writer and producer. But even in that high-profile world, she recognized the universal truth: loss spares no one. Today, she works with clients privately, partners with veterinarians and pet brands, and offers guidance to public figures navigating very public goodbyes to their pets.
Beth’s blend of clinical knowledge and lived experience sets her apart. She not only understands grief from a professional standpoint but also knows the intimate, personal devastation of losing an animal. This makes her uniquely able to guide people through one of the most difficult journeys they’ll face.
A Community of Compassion
Beyond her private counseling, Beth has cultivated a thriving online presence through her Instagram community (@honoringouranimals), where she shares heartfelt advice, personal stories, and healing strategies. Her voice—human, heart-forward, and grounded in empathy—has made her a trusted guide for thousands seeking solace in the wake of loss.
She’s also been featured in Business Insider, USA Today, and ABC 2 News, further amplifying her message: pet grief is not only valid—it’s vital to address.
As we observe National Pet Memorial Month, it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and honor the animals who made our lives richer, fuller, and more loving. They may be gone from our sight, but their impact is permanent, shaping the way we love and live.
For more on honoring animals and addressing the challenges they face in today’s world, visit Sustainable Action Now’s Abuse of Animals & Wildlife section. Whether you’re grieving a pet, advocating for animal welfare, or both, one truth remains: our animals deserve to be remembered—not just in September, but always.
