Nicole Vykoukal, LCSW Austin pet loss support counselor I was honored to contribute to a thoughtful and moving story by Stephanie Federico for KUT's ATXplained series about the Pet Rest Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas. As a psychotherapist specializing in Austin pet loss support and grief, I shared insights into the deep emotional bonds we form with our pets and how their loss can profoundly impact us. Stephanie's story explores not only the fate of the cemetery but also the

Celebrating the holidays without your best friend hurts. These tips won’t take all your emotional pain away, but they can help you cope and

I have compiled a list of ways to memorialize your beloved companion animal when they die. These suggestions have come from my own experience with pet loss and countless others’ suggestions for remembering and honoring their lost loved ones. Create a space Make an altar or space honoring your companion. The altar can include your pet’s favorite items (cat nip, toys, pet beds), photographs of your companion, flowers and other items you find relevant to honoring your loved one

A Lesson from My Dog The Morning Walk I was in my mid-twenties and in graduate school. On a breezy spring morning, my dog Lucy and I were out for our usual walk when we came across a white plastic bag caught in some vines and billowing in the wind. Lucy went on high alert. Her ears perked, her nose twitched, and she locked eyes on this strange object. When the bag rustled in the breeze, the hair on her back stood up and she began barking. I tried to keep walking, but she was