Author Archives: Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

The Gift of Planning Ahead

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

There is no doubt that the hardest part of loving a pet is the inevitable goodbye at the end of their beautiful, but far-too-short lives. When faced with the death of a pet, the options and decisions can feel overwhelming … Continue reading →

Posted in End-of-life decisions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Paw Print and Memorial Ideas

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

MN Pets makes a clay paw print at each visit, and some families have questions about additional paw print options they can create before the visit or as a family. Here are some additional creative options: Create your own clay … Continue reading →

Posted in Memorializing a pet | 1 Comment

Anticipatory Grief: The Sadness Before the Loss

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

When we learn that our beloved pet has a terminal illness, or we realize that they are struggling with the changes that old age brings, many of us feel a deep sense of loss or grief even though our pet … Continue reading →

Posted in Grieving the loss of a pet, Preparing for your pet's appointment | Leave a comment

Coping With Grief During the Holidays

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

For many people, the holidays are a time spent with our loved ones, celebrating our relationships and togetherness. When you have lost a family member, including a beloved pet, the holidays can magnify your sense of loss. Suddenly, the merriment … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays | 2 Comments

Am I ready for another pet?

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

The ifs and whens of getting another pet can be complicated and emotional, and no two experiences are exactly alike. While there isn’t necessarily a “right” or “wrong” decision, there are some questions you should ask yourself to help explore … Continue reading →

Posted in Grieving the loss of a pet, Memorializing a pet | 2 Comments

Grief Role-Modeling

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

For kids of all ages, losing a pet can be a confusing, heartbreaking and scary experience. For many kids, it might even be the first time they have had to grapple with death and grief. But, along with all of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Children and families | Leave a comment

Healing Through Remembering

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

  If you have ever lost a human family member, you know that funeral services, public announcements, obituaries, visitations or wakes, and many sympathy cards usually follow the death. Often, there is a period of mourning that is acknowledged, respected … Continue reading →

Posted in Grieving the loss of a pet, Memorializing a pet | 4 Comments

9 Ways to Memorialize a Pet

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

When a beloved companion animal dies, the void they leave behind can feel overwhelming. When their physical presence filled every space in your lap, bed, home and heart, the emptiness you feel after they are gone can be the most … Continue reading →

Posted in Memorializing a pet | 5 Comments

A Place to Start (When You Don’t Know Where to Start)

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

This decision is not easy.  In fact, the question of whether to help end your pet’s suffering through euthanasia can be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. So many factors play a role in whether or … Continue reading →

Posted in End-of-life decisions | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Your Pet’s “Bucket List”

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

Do you have a bucket list of things you’d like to do in your lifetime? Lots of people do, but have you ever considered making a bucket list for your pet? As our pets age and change, it’s easy to … Continue reading →

Posted in Preparing for your pet's appointment | 4 Comments