Instagram story viewer> @havenheightscounselling> Posts

Faynixe - Pet Loss Grief Counsellor, RTC

@havenheightscounselling

undefined

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Let's talk about the pets we didn't lose to death.

Sometimes we lose them in ways that don't involve death, but the grief is just as real.

Maybe your dog ran away and was never found.

Maybe your cat stayed behind after a separation.

Maybe financial hardship forced you to rehome your horse.

These losses often go unseen. This is called disenfranchised grief—grief that isn't fully recognized or validated by others.

You might hear: "At least they didn't die." "You can always get another one."

But love doesn't care how the loss happened.

If they were part of your heart, your daily life, or your healing, your grief is real.

There are many ways to lose a pet, and every one of them deserves compassion.

If this is your story, I see you. You're not grieving "too much", you're grieving someone you loved. ❤️

🕊️ #PetLossGrief #PetLossSupport #GriefIsLove #PetLovers PetGrief YouAreNotAlone by @havenheightscounselling

9

0

a day ago

You don't have to be "better" by a certain date.

You don't have to explain why your heart aches so deeply that it physically hurts.

You don't have to "have it together" just to make others feel more comfortable.

Give yourself permission to be messy. To be "off". To be upset. To wish they were still here. It's all okay and part of the process.

Your grief has something to say. When you're ready, listen closely. It carries a quiet wisdom that only love can teach. 🤍

#youarenotalone #griefsupport #havenheightscounselling #pet #rainbowbridge🌈 by @havenheightscounselling

20

0

4 days ago

When we lose a beloved pet, we’re not only grieving their absence.

We’re often grieving the routines, the identity, the future we imagined, and sometimes even the lack of understanding from those around us.

Pet loss grief is complex because the bond was complex.

If you’re navigating this loss, you don’t have to minimize your love in order to make others comfortable.

If this resonated with you, I invite you to save this post for a day when you need the reminder: your grief is a reflection of the love you shared. 🤍

And if you feel comfortable, share in the comments: what is something people don’t always understand about your pet loss?

#AnimalLovers #griefjourney #YouAreNotAlone #havenheightscounselling #CompassionateCare #Grief by @havenheightscounselling

22

6

8 days ago

When we're in shock, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, planning, and weighing complex decisions doesn't always have access to full capacity.

Yet many grieving parents judge themselves as though they should have been calm, objective and certain in one of the most distressing moments of their lives.

If you're carrying guilt after a sudden loss, here's a gentle reminder:

You made that decision from a place of love, concern, and a desire to prevent suffering.

Share this with someone who needs to hear it today, or save it as a reminder for yourself.🩷

#youarenotalone #havenheightscounselling #griefsupport #pet by @havenheightscounselling

30

0

11 days ago

Tell me how you met your soul pet. 🩷

Since I've started this work, I've had the privilege of hearing some truly incredible stories, each one unique, deeply heartfelt, and unforgettable.

I absolutely love hearing these love stories.

Please share yours in the comments. 🐾✨ by @havenheightscounselling

35

4

15 days ago

Nobody talks enough about the power dynamic between pets and their humans.

They can't tell us in words what hurts, what they need, or what they would choose. Like infants, they depend on us to interpret, advocate, and make decisions on their behalf.

Maybe that's why guilt and second-guessing run so deep.

Not because we love them poorly.

But because we love beings who cannot speak for themselves.

And that's both beautiful and heartbreaking.

If you've ever questioned yourself, felt crushed by responsibility, or wondered if you did enough, you're not alone.

❤️ Follow for honest conversations about pet love, caregiving, grief, and the complicated emotions that come with loving them for a lifetime. by @havenheightscounselling

51

3

17 days ago

Men are often expected to “handle the hard parts” of pet loss and then move on quickly.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t grieving, it just means their pain is usually hidden.

I hold space for men who have lost a best friend and need somewhere safe to talk about it.

Save or share this with someone who needed these words today.

If you’re that man and would like support, you can book a free consultation via the link in bio or by message.

#youarenotalone #havenheightscounselling #petlovers #petlosssupport #griefsupport by @havenheightscounselling

53

3

22 days ago

Because for many people, they weren't "just a pet". They were a companion, confident, sidekick, hiking buddy, cuddle bug, comfort, safety, family, home...

And when that bond is broken, the grief that emerges can impact us on an emotional, physical, psychological and social level.

People don't go to counselling because they're weak. (Do we really still need to say that in 2026?)

They seek support because sometimes losing a pet feels like losing part of your family, your routine, your identity, and your safe space all at once.

It's time we normalize pet bereavement and make space for everything that comes with it.

#griefsupport #pet #havenheightscounselling #youarenotalone by @havenheightscounselling

128

8

a month ago

If you’re second-guessing your decisions around your pet’s care…
this is for you.

And suddenly, love gets tangled in doubt.

You start replaying everything…
wondering if you missed something,
if you waited too long, or not long enough.

But you didn’t make those decisions with the clarity you have now.
You made them in real time
with limited answers, pressure,
and a heart trying to do right by them.

You made them in love.

Second-guessing is grief trying to rewrite the ending
to soften the pain.

But your love was never in question.
Not then. Not now.

If this is sitting heavy with you…
you don’t have to carry it alone.

#YouAreNotAlone #AnimalLovers #havenheightscounselling #griefjourney by @havenheightscounselling

118

5

2 months ago

Anticipatory grief has a way of bringing up so much — love, fear, guilt, tenderness, even moments of peace. It’s not always easy to make sense of it all while you’re still in it.

In my work, I often witness how meaningful it is when people can hear from others who have walked a similar path — not to fix the pain, but to feel a little less alone in it.

If you feel called, I invite you to share a few words.
Your voice might gently support someone who is navigating this tender chapter right now.

#PetLossSupport #PetLossGrief #overtherainbowbridge #havenheightscounselling #YouAreNotAlone #Grief #AnticipatoryGrief #HonoringTheBond by @havenheightscounselling

78

3

3 months ago

When the World is Blooming, But You’re Grieving

May is often associated with growth, renewal, and things coming back to life. But when you’re grieving the loss of a pet, this time of year can feel surprisingly disorienting.

While the world around you is blooming, your inner world may still feel heavy, quiet, or uncertain. And that’s not something that needs to be rushed or fixed.

Healing after pet loss doesn’t follow the seasons, it follows its own rhythm.

Read more at: https://www.havenheights.ca/

#AnimalLovers #GriefCounselling #YouAreNotAlone #GriefCounsellor #havenheightscounselling #PetLossSupport #CompassionateCare #HealingTogether by @havenheightscounselling

70

5

3 months ago

If you've loved deeply, you've also likely grieved deeply.

At Haven Heights, we honour both.

Because to love an animal is to open your heart in the purest way possible.

For every soul awakened by paws, feathers, or hooves, we see you. 🩷

#petlovers #petlosssupport #petcare #havenheightscounselling #animallover by @havenheightscounselling

154

10

a month ago