"There is no way I could’ve gotten through this on my own."
When my dog Petey died, the emotional pain and anxiety leading up to his death was overwhelming for me. Jess Kwerel was there for me every step of the way. She help me understand that what I was feeling was normal. And that it was OK, that he was not just “a dog,“ but so much more. To make everything worse my cat died unexpectedly 10 days later. Jess always knows what to say and was a constant source of support to me. She helped me understand that the animals that we share our lives with are so much more than just pets and the pain that we feel when we lose them is unimaginable. There is no way I could’ve gotten through this on my own. Having Jess as a sounding board and ear to listen and someone just to give me a hug when I needed one was what helped get me through the hardest times.
- Allison K.
"We were surprised at how much it hurt, but Jess was so adept at helping us deal with the grief."
When we lost our beloved cat BaoBao at a young age, Jess was so caring and kind in helping us deal with our shock and grief at losing him so quickly. We were surprised at how much it hurt, but Jess was so adept at helping us deal with the grief.
We appreciate that Jess was able to show us that, mentally, losing a pet is akin to losing a family member, and that it is okay to grieve the loss of someone so close.
-F.M.
"Jessica continually reassured me that it is completely normal to grieve so deeply for a loved one who had spent nearly 15 years at my side."
I do not know how I would have made it through the days, weeks, and months following the death of my long-time best friend Tess without the support, understanding, and insights of Jessica Kwerel. While much of the world was wondering how I could be so paralyzed over the loss of a dog, Jessica continually reassured me that it is completely normal to grieve so deeply for a loved one who had spent nearly 15 years at my side. Jessica visited my home several times for my dog's last meals and cuddles and showed up to my apartment within minutes of me coming home from the vet. I have gone on to own and love other pets, and I know no matter where we are in the world, I will be calling Jessica for support when I face the same struggles again. I cannot recommend her more highly.
-Amy H.
“She is not just an incredibly empathic listener, she has golden insights and timely wisdom to provide when we were so clouded with sadness.”
Jessica was an absolute angel sent at the very perfect time. Her grief counseling for me actually began prior to having to make the awful, life changing decision of putting my sweet Zoey to rest. Jessica, in the most compassionate and tender way, was able to support me and odd to say, Zoey as well through this process.
She is not just an incredibly empathic listener, she has golden insights and timely wisdom to provide when we were so clouded with sadness. She heard everything... my tears, fears, doubts, complaints, concerns, etc. Her personal experience of walking through this with her own pet and sharing that story was also such a gift.
She offered abundant, non judgmental support, guidance without pressure, and soooo much genuine love and kindness for myself and my sweet Zoey. I cannot thank her enough as I could've never gotten through this unbearable season without her.
-Meg W.
“Reaching out to Jessica, the day after my 19 year-old cat died, was the best thing I could have done for my mental and physical health.”
I had no idea what the impact of losing my beloved friend would have on me. I felt physically ill and stunned. She spent time on New Year’s Eve (he died the day before) talking to me on the phone and explaining to me what some symptoms of grief would feel like.
I felt like I was stuck in quicksand and that I couldn’t feel anything other than sharp debilitating grief and huge emotions that were unknown to me. Jessica’s open heart showed me that this pain was part of my love and my 19 year relationship with my beloved friend. She showed me the path to accept my grief and flow with the rapids till my heart and mind reached calmer waters.
I am so incredibly thankful for her, and I am sure Fatty sent her my way.
-Cecilia F.