A gentler, clinically informed approach to pet grief and adjustment.
When a beloved pet dies, the loss can change far more than we expect. Our routines, our homes, our sense of connection, and the shape of everyday life.
Pause for Paws is a self-guided Companion for pet grief and adjustment, bringing together evidence-based psychological approaches, reflective practices, creative activities, and practical Support Tools you can explore at your own pace.
You don't need to know where to start. You can simply choose what you need today.
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Self-guided
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Evidence-based
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Clinically informed
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Your pace
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Your choice
〰️ Self-guided 〰️ Evidence-based 〰️ Clinically informed 〰️ Your pace 〰️ Your choice
FOR EVERY PET. EVERY BOND.
EVERY KIND OF LOSS.
Dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and every beloved animal in between.
The relationship you shared with your pet was unique. So is the way you experience their loss.
Pause for Paws is designed for pet owners of all kinds, recognising that grief isn't determined by species. Whether your companion walked beside you, flew around your home, lived in a stable, curled up on the couch or greeted you from their favourite little corner, their place in your life mattered.
WHEN YOUR WORLD FEELS DIFFERENT
Losing a pet can leave a very real space behind.
A pet can be part of the rhythm of everyday life — the morning greeting, the walk, feeding time, the sound of paws or wings, the quiet company beside you, or simply knowing they were there.
When that presence is suddenly gone, the changes can feel enormous.
You might experience sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, relief, numbness or a sense that something is missing. You may find yourself adjusting to new routines while also trying to make sense of what has happened.
There is no single way to grieve a beloved pet.
Pause for Paws offers a place to pause, explore what you're experiencing and find Support Tools that may help you navigate the changes in your own way.
WHAT IS PAUSE FOR PAWS?
A Companion you can return to whenever you need it.
Pause for Paws is a self-guided Companion grounded in an evidence-based, clinically informed approach to pet grief.
It brings together psychological approaches, reflective practices, creativity, mindfulness and practical activities in a flexible collection of Journeys, Pathways and Support Tools.
You might want to understand what's happening, reconnect with memories, find some calm, express yourself creatively, take a small step forward, or feel connected to others.
There is no right place to begin.
Choose what feels right for you. Move at your own pace. Come back whenever you need to.
OUR FOUR JOURNEYS
Pause for Paws brings together four connected Journeys, each exploring a different part of the experience of pet loss. You don't need to move through them in order. Each Journey can be explored in its own time, when it feels right for you.
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Understanding the early experience of pet loss.
Free resources and information to help you understand grief, loss and the changes that can follow the death of a beloved pet.
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Finding your way through life after loss.
Our first self-guided Companion Journey, with practical, reflective, creative and calming Support Tools to help you navigate the changes that come after losing a beloved pet.
EXPLORE THE ADJUSTMENT JOURNEY →
Available now · 6 Pathways · 18 Support Tools
$42 AUD · One-time payment
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Honouring the bond that shaped your life.
A future Journey exploring the memories, meaning, connection and appreciation that can continue to grow from the relationship you shared with your pet.
COMING SOON
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Gently moving forward while carrying what matters with you.
A future Journey supporting the ongoing process of integrating loss, reconnecting with life and finding your own way forward.
COMING SOON
A GENTLE REMINDER
There is no right order. No timeline. No expectation to complete everything.
Pause for Paws is designed around choice. You can explore the resources available now and return as new Journeys become available.
A message from
Dr Monica Hadges
“I’ve lived with cats and dogs since I was six years old. But it was in 2006 that our family’s deep connection with Golden Retrievers began—when we adopted Jessie, a sweet and strong rescue girl. She’d been surrendered after breeding and arrived with her own quirks (and a love of chewing window blinds), but her joy for life was contagious.
Jessie led us to raise four more golden pups, each with their own personalities and gifts.
In late 2024, we lost both Sasha (aged 13) and Bosley (aged 5) within months. It was Bosley’s sudden death from canine epilepsy that broke something open for me - and inspired Pause for Paws.
Boz was a luminous white puppy when he came into our lives. His energy was gentle, joyful and he helped us be grateful and more present each day. His unexpected illness and euthanasia changed me. Both in his life and in his memory - his companionship reminded me of the very things I teach: the power of relationship, presence, acceptance, and courage to keep going. We grow in change.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
Boz taught me that. I miss him every day.”
Dr Monica Hadges
Creator of Pause for Paws
BA., Grad Dip Psych., MA., LMHC, MSW., AMHSW, PhD
LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT?
Sometimes you want a little more personal support. Pause for Paws is designed as a self-guided Companion. If you're looking for individual grief and loss support, counselling or another professional service, you can contact us to enquire about the options available.
