I recently received a message from a woman whose beloved dog had passed away more than a year ago. Her words were filled with pain, and it was clear she hadn’t been able to find peace since his passing. She shared how she constantly feels unwell, has no energy, cries often, and is struggling to cope with everyday life. She described what I recognised as Traumatic Grief—a type of grief often associated with sudden or deeply distressing losses.

Although she had seen a grief counsellor, the heaviness in her heart remained. She told me she had been “beating herself up” ever since her dog died. The guilt, the what-ifs, and the overwhelming sadness had taken hold. And amidst that pain, she asked if an animal communication session might help. She also asked if I would be honest with her—particularly about two things: whether her dog had reincarnated, and whether the passing had somehow been her fault.

I responded from the most honest and heartfelt place I could.

I told her that I couldn’t promise to know whether her dog had reincarnated—not yet. That’s something we would ask during the session, as it’s the pet’s soul that shares that insight. What I could share was this: not every animal chooses to reincarnate in this lifetime. They, too, are on a soul journey. Their decisions are made from a place of wisdom and love, often before they even meet us. If they don’t return, it’s not because we did something wrong or because they’re punishing us. It’s simply not part of the plan their soul agreed to. And that, in itself, is an act of divine timing—not rejection.

I also gently explained that when we are in a deep state of grief, it can be harder to feel or receive communication from our pets in spirit. The intensity of emotion, especially when layered with guilt and trauma, can create a kind of fog that blocks the subtle, loving presence our pets try to share with us. It doesn’t mean they’re not there—it just means we might not be able to sense them yet.

I encouraged her to continue working with her counsellor, and to develop strategies for those moments when the grief feels consuming. I also suggested journalling—something so simple, yet so powerful. Writing down memories of her dog, their favourite games, sweet moments, and shared quirks. Focusing on the joy they created together, rather than just the pain of the goodbye. Sometimes this shift in focus can gently open the heart to healing.

And finally, I told her that when she feels ready—when she can speak of her beloved dog without crying every time she mentioned his name, then that would be a beautiful time to consider an animal communication session. A space where we can ask the soul-level questions she carries, and where she might hear what her dog truly wants her to know.

Grief is never linear. It ebbs and flows. But when we stop carrying it alone, when we begin to honour the love instead of just the loss, that’s when healing begins to unfold.

With love,
Donna

Animal Communicator & Pet Psychic
🌐 www.PetLossAndGrief.com | 🌐 www.donnadolittle.com.au
🕊️ Supporting you through the journey of love, loss, and soul connection