Grounding Together: Supporting You and Your Pet’s Nervous Systems Through Connection

Life with animals is a journey of shared energy and emotion. Just as your pet looks to you for guidance and reassurance, their presence also impacts your own nervous system. This dance of co-regulation—where both you and your pet influence one another's emotional and physical states—is a cornerstone of your bond.

But let's be honest: it can be challenging. Some moments feel like harmony, where both of you are grounded and calm. Other moments feel overwhelming when stress, fear, or sadness take over. And that's okay. You don't need to be perfect, nor does your pet. What matters is showing up with compassion for yourself and for them, knowing that your connection offers a pathway to balance.

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The Forever Connection, Afterlife Connection Hana Mäkinen The Forever Connection, Afterlife Connection Hana Mäkinen

Tuning Into Your Pet's Messages

Signs of Connection and Comfort From Your Pet in the Afterlife:

In the quiet spaces of grief, when the world feels heavy after losing a beloved animal companion, many pet parents find themselves searching for something—anything—to remind them their bond still exists. This deep longing to feel connected, even after a pet's passing, is not just about seeking comfort but honouring the love that never fades. It's a love that transcends life and death, creating a forever connection between you and your pet.

For years, I've worked with people navigating the complex emotions of loss, helping them open their hearts to the signs that their pets are still present, watching over them from the other side. These signs are more than random occurrences—they are heartfelt messages sent by animals to remind us of their love, support, and continued presence.

Below are some tools to help you nurture that sacred bond after your pet has transitioned. May these tools offer insights to help you tune in to the messages your pet may be sending to you to provide comfort and guidance as you move through your grief.

Recognizing and interpreting signs from your pet in the afterlife can feel challenging, especially when emotions are raw. But there are certain practices you can use to quiet the mind, lift emotional blocks, and open yourself to the messages they send.

Here are some practical techniques to help you better attune to yourself to open the pathways of connection to the subtle ways your pet is reaching out:

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The Forever Connection, Afterlife Connection Hana Mäkinen The Forever Connection, Afterlife Connection Hana Mäkinen

The Forever Connection: Signs From Your Pet

Through my work in animal communication, I've learned that our pets don't simply "leave" us when they pass. They continue to hold space for us in a way that is uniquely theirs, sending signs of their love from the other side. They see us as we move through the pain of their loss and regularly reach out, waiting for the moments when we are open to noticing their signs.

These animals share their experiences with me—how they are around you, supporting you, even when you feel their absence most acutely. They send signs in a way that matches their personality, as if to say, "I'm still here, loving you." They don't become discouraged if you miss their signs. Instead, they patiently send signs and know that when you are ready, you will recognize their presence again. (Ready means in regards to not being blocked by the pain or grief or fleeing of guilt)

The love you share with your pet is eternal, and the connection is still alive. As you move through your grief, you will reach a point where you can see beyond the pain and open up to the subtle signs your pet sends to reassure you that they are still with you.

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How Our Relationships with Animals Transform Us

Have you ever observed the natural connection between young children and animals? Infants, toddlers, and animals engage with the world similarly—through emotions, body language, intuition, and energetic expression rather than words. It's an innate quality that both children and animals possess, forming the foundation of their natural bond. These connections show us that we all have an inherent capacity to communicate beyond words, to share understanding and affection through the energy we emit and our emotions. This innate ability is the root of our connection.

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Lean In: Opening Your Heart In Challenging Times

Anticipatory grief is a profound and often misunderstood emotional experience that can arise when you're caring for an aging, ill, or newly diagnosed pet. This grief, which emerges before the actual loss, can be triggered by various milestones and events throughout your pets lifetime—such as birthdays, if they injure themselves, knowing someone who’s pet has passed or is on their end of life journey, the onset of a new illness, or the visible signs of aging.

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Pet Loss & Grief, Senior Years & End-Of-Life Hana Mäkinen Pet Loss & Grief, Senior Years & End-Of-Life Hana Mäkinen

Understanding Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief is a profound and often misunderstood emotional experience that can arise when you're caring for an aging, ill, or newly diagnosed pet. This grief, which emerges before the actual loss, can be triggered by various milestones and events throughout your pets lifetime—such as birthdays, if they injure themselves, knowing someone who’s pet has passed or is on their end of life journey, the onset of a new illness, or the visible signs of aging.

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The Importance of Attunement in Building True Connections  

Mothering is an act of love and care that extends beyond the boundaries of giving birth. It is a relationship built on attunement and understanding between the caregiver and the receiver. Attunement is the ability to tune into the needs and emotions of others, to respond with empathy and compassion, and to create a safe and secure space for them. When we look at nature, we can see the natural attunement between mother animals and their babies. Mother animals are attuned to their offspring's needs from birth, providing them warmth, nourishment, and protection. They respond to their babies' cries and movements, knowing what they need to feel safe and secure. This natural attunement is a reminder that we, too, are part of nature and that we have the innate ability to tune into the needs of others. 

It is a reminder that attunement is not just a human skill but a universal one we can learn from the natural world. Attunement is the ability to tune into the needs and emotions of others, to respond with empathy and compassion, and to create a safe and secure space for them. As an animal communicator and end-of-life grief specialist, I have seen how attunement is crucial in building genuine connections with both humans and animals. It is essential in creating a bond that goes beyond words and actions, a connection that touches the heart and soul. Attunement becomes even more important in our pets' aging and senior years. It is a time when our pets need us the most, and we need to be there for them. Attunement allows us to understand their needs, provide comfort and support, and strengthen the bond between us.

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From Guilt to Growth: Unpacking Your Guilt

Why do some pet parents feel guilty about their pet's end-of-life (EOL) journey and loss? Pets are active members of your family, and you often have a profound sense of responsibility for them and the choices that you make for them. Sometimes, you feel you may have failed them in that depth of love and caring.

What influences the feelings of guilt? How your beloved pet's EOL journey went, medical care choices and the circumstances leading up to and around their death can all influence the level of guilt you may feel.

When caring for an ailing or aging pet, you may feel regret and guilt if you had any moments of anger, yelled, or felt frustrated with them in their final days. This is due to caregiver tiredness from all the extra assistance/care required, coupled with the high emotions of an EOL journey and the day of your pet’s transition.

Feelings of guilt are common and often present in the early days following their loss as you look back at the care you gave and question whether it was enough, the right thing to do.

In a decade of communicating with animals, I have come to a profound realization:

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The Art of Being Present: Enhancing Your Bond with Your Pet

In the realm of animal communication, where understanding and connection transcend spoken words, my journey took an unexpected turn. As an animal communicator, I've guided countless pet parents through the emotional labyrinth of responsible rehoming. Little did I know that one day, I'd find myself standing at the crossroads of this challenging decision, faced with the heart-wrenching choice to rehome my own cherished companion.

Soulstice, my dog of love and lessons. Our paths intertwined during the messiest chapter of my life—post-divorce, navigating the care and eventual loss of my mom. Soulstice came into my life when I faced my darkest corners of grief and loneliness. Together, we embarked on a journey of healing and discovery.

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