A new perspective can open new possibilities - even in pet loss.
Our self-guided tools offer practical ways to reflect, find calm, create, connect, and move forward at every stage of pet grief adjustment.
OUR WHY
At Pause for Paws, we believe the love we share with our pets continues after they’re gone.
Our vision is a world where any pet loss is recognised as a meaningful human grief. Through stages in adjustment, we adapt to a new reality with support and knowledge.
Our self-paced approach is based on a respect for human-animal connections, and how they can change us.
Low cost, accessible, creative and flexible.
WHAT IS PAUSE FOR PAWS?
Created by a Clinical Expert who’s been there.
Pause for Paws is the creation of Dr. Monica Hadges, a leading Australian mental health clinician with over 25 years of experience in person-centred practices, ACT and CBT for grief, trauma, and wellbeing—and a lifelong pet lover.
Here, you’ll find a warm, clinically informed, and privately accessible ideas.
Activities grounded in evidence-based research on loss, attachment, resilience, and coping.
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
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.
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.
