Life as a vet’s wife has often taken unexpected turns—like the Christmas when Steve brought home a new mum cat and her litter of eight kittens to foster, or the family walk to the beach that ended with rescuing an injured seagull. These experiences, along with fostering many animals over the years, have given me a deep appreciation for the love and care our pets bring into our lives.

They have also shown me the importance of compassion at every stage of that journey, including the hardest moments of saying goodbye. This inspired me to study for a diploma in pet bereavement counselling, so that I could support others through the heartbreak of loss. Having experienced the grief of losing my own pets, I understand how important it is to have someone who listens with empathy and helps guide families through the end-of-life process with dignity, comfort, and care.