The Scottish Pet Bereavement Counselling Service

28/08/2025

Thinking of all those who are grieving the loss of their beloved companion xx

19/08/2025

I’d like to offer my thanks to those who have been kind and patient as I navigate my own grief journey following the loss of my mother on August 1st after almost a year of illness. It was a privilege to help care for her in her final weeks and months.

I intend to be back at some point in September and will contact those who have joined the waiting list in due course. I will follow up on enquiries of course too to make sure everyone got the support they needed. Xx 🙏

A Safe Harbour

Do not rush or judge a grieving heart,
for sorrow is an ocean.
Sit quietly with those who grieve
and listen without haste or expectation.

Hear the echoes of their love,
the memories that swell like tides,
the tears that rise and fall
across a world that suddenly feels so vast.

Offer your presence as a steady shore,
your silence as a gentle shelter,
your heart as a mirror reflecting only care.

To hold them in the stillness,
to breathe alongside their sorrow,
is a rare and wonderful gift,
a quiet light in the shadowed spaces.

There is no rush, no path to force;
to be there is enough,
to offer a safe harbour to grieve,
until sorrow feels less heavy,
and the heart a little lighter.

~ 'A Safe Harbour' by Spirit of a Hippie

✍️ Mary Anne Byrne

~ Art by Anne Virlange

10/07/2025

Hi Everyone,

I’m taking a break for personal reasons however you can contact one of my colleagues at Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors or if you specifically want to work with me, you can be added to my waiting list by completing the online form on the contact page of my website.

Thank you for understanding xx 🙏❤️🌈

Please note that we are currently operating a waiting list. Your details will be added and we will be in touch when appointments are available. We look forward to hearing from you soon…

08/06/2025

Whenever you feel that you need support is the right time to reach out and ask for it.
If you’re suffering from anticipatory grief, if it’s been days, weeks, months or years after your pet has crossed the rainbow bridge and you want to talk about it… please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the website. Xx

www.thescottishpetbereavementcounsellingservice.com

08/06/2025

❤️‍🩹

🌟 FAQ: What Should I Do After Euthanasia❓🌟

Saying goodbye is heartbreaking. Here’s what to expect and what’s okay:

🌿 Take your time. Stay with your pet as long as you need.
🌸 Aftercare. Dr Patrick will help with cremation, burial or other choices.
💔 Feel it all. Sadness, relief, guilt—it’s all normal.
🫶 Lean on support. Talk to someone who understands.
💌 Honour their memory. A photo, a letter, a quiet moment—they all matter.

There’s no “right way” to grieve. Just your way. And you're not alone. 💞

06/05/2025

Some useful words of comfort when you don’t quite know what to say xx

Instead of saying, "I know what it feels like", let's say "I cannot imagine your heartbreak".

Instead of saying, "You're strong, you'll get through this, let's say " You'll hurt, and I'll be here.

Instead of saying, "You look like you're doing well, Let's say, "How are you holding up today?"

Instead of saying, "Healing takes time", let's say "Healing has no timeline".

Instead of saying, "Everything happens for a reason, let's say "This must feel so terribly senseless right now".

And when there are no words to say at all, you don't need to try and find some. Love speaks in silences too.

~ 'Words' by Ullie-Kaye

~ Art by Jennifer Yoswa

15/04/2025

This is so sad and easily avoided if people were more responsible and respectful. Xx 😢💔🌈🐾

14/04/2025

And, National Gardening Week is celebrated from April 28th to May 4th! Xx 🪴

Happy National Gardening Day friends!! 🌼

13/04/2025

Further to my previous post on horticulture therapy… You may have allotments or community gardens nearby if you don’t have a garden at home. Xx ❤️🌱🪴

13/04/2025

🪴Horticulture Therapy. 🪴

I’m no expert but I enjoy it. In my garden/home I grow fruit, veg, herbs & berries because I like to eat organic homegrown produce. But I also grow pretty flowers to sit & admire and also to attract bees, butterflies etc. to give nature a helping hand. Lavender and jasmine are 2 of my favourite fragrant plants to grow.

There are so many well documented health benefits to gardening and it’s such a great feeling when you start to see those little seedlings come through as I’m seeing now with my fruit & veg. My strawberry plants from last year are taking off again and are quite possibly one of the easiest things to grow, particularly when they’re already established.

It’s not too late to plant seeds or, if you’re not confident or don’t have the patience, you can buy plants ready to go. You don’t need to have a garden to grow either as many plants are happy in pots indoors.

Plants can be part of a living memorial to your pet by using a water bowl underneath your plant pot or using a collar to decorate the pot. Many people plant a tree or bush in memory of their beloved companion and if it feels right, some scatter the ashes there too.

As a hobby it fills some time and is a good distraction from grief giving you a mental break from all the thoughts associated with your loss.

It doesn’t matter whether you grow produce, plants, flowers or trees. It’s caring for something and watching it grow and flourish that’s good for the soul. Not to mention creating a beautiful fragrant space to relax in and enjoy with your loved ones. Xx
🌱 🪴 ☀️

12/04/2025

If you are in Renfrewshire/Glasgow and considering an at home euthanasia, I can personally recommend this compassionate service.
My lovely friend recently brought her dog to stay at my home as he neared the end of his life as he could no longer manage the stairs.
When it was his time to go, Rainbow Paws Pet Euthanasia came to put an end to his suffering and I can’t thank her enough for all that she did.
We later took him to Beloved Pet Funeral Care who were also amazing and have the most beautiful room where your pet is laid out for you to say your final goodbyes before cremation.
You are never alone in your pet loss journey. Support from kind, caring and compassionate services are available if you need them. Xx 💔🌈🐾

I started Rainbow Paws just over a year ago and have been overwhelmed by the support I have received. I have been honoured to help so many families say goodbye to their cherished companions while at home surrounded by love. It is such a privilege to hear all your stories and memories about your beloved pets and witness the everlasting bond that exists between you.
In order to continue to grow my business I would be grateful if you could continue to share my page and pass on my details to friends and family that may need my service. I would also ask that if you found Rainbow Paws to have been a comfort and help to you and your family that you could add a review to my page. When families are making such a heart breaking decision it is reassuring for them to read personal recommendations from people that have been on the same journey.
And finally ..... If you have a photo of your beloved companion that you would like to share in their loving memory I would love to see them.
Thankyou again to everyone I have met on my Rainbow Paws visits, every one of your lovely pets have left a pawprint on my heart xx

12/04/2025

Guilt is a huuuge part of the grief journey and can often rear its head during the anticipatory grief stage.
If you want to talk it over, I’m here for you. Xx 💔🌈🐾

https://thescottishpetbereavementcounsellingservice.com/contact/

🌟 Post-Euthanasia Guilt: Did I Do the Right Thing? 🌟

Making the decision to euthanase a beloved pet is one of the hardest choices we face. The weight of this responsibility can lead to feelings of guilt and doubt. It’s important to remember that choosing to end your pet’s suffering is a profound act of love and compassion. 🐾🌈

Here are some thoughts to help you navigate these emotions:

💔 Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to grieve and question your decision. Allow yourself to feel and process these emotions.
❤️ Reflect on Your Pet’s Quality of Life: Consider the pain and discomfort your pet might have been experiencing. Your decision was made with their best interest at heart.
🗣️ Talk to Us: Don’t hesitate to reach out us. We’re here to support you and provide clarity on the situation.
🌟 Celebrate Their Life: Remember the joyful moments you shared with your pet. Creating a memorial or sharing stories can be healing.

You did what you believed was best for your beloved pet. Trust in the love and care you provided throughout their life. 🐾💙