Welcome back to Sit, Lay, Rest. In this episode, host Liz speaks with Lauren about the tender, often solitary path of grieving a beloved pet. Lauren shares her experience of loving and losing her dogs, Alfie and Squishy, and how this heartbreak led her unexpectedly toward healing with the help of flower essences and herbalism.

Together, Liz and Lauren discuss how pet loss often leaves us with little room or language to process our emotions—and how finding support in the non-human world, from the intuitive bonds with animals to the gentle vibration of plants, can make it possible to move through grief with greater compassion.

Whether walking through a cattle ranch or the depths of her own sorrow, Lauren reflects on how slowing down, connecting with nature, and opening up to nonlinear healing have changed her relationship to loss and to life.

Settle in for an episode that holds space for healing, remembering, and discovering new forms of comfort when grief arrives.

In this heartfelt episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, guest E.B. Bartels—author of "Good Grief"—opens up about the complexities of losing treasured animal companions. Drawing from her own experiences of pet loss starting at a young age, E.B. shares how these moments shaped her curiosity about grief rituals around animals and inspired her to research how people from various backgrounds mourn their pets.

Listeners are guided through stories of personal essays, family rituals, and cultural practices surrounding pet death—from scatterings of ashes in meaningful places to the comfort found in memorial boxes and framed photos. E.B. reflects on the lasting impact of each pet, the emotional responsibilities that come with caring for animals, and the universal grief that connects all kinds of loss, whether animal or human.

The episode is filled with warmth, vulnerability, and surprising facts about how people celebrate, honor, and remember their non-human loved ones. If you’ve ever experienced the loss of a pet or want to better understand the special bond between humans and animals, this episode offers empathy, solace, and a celebration of love that outlasts loss.

Welcome back to Sit, Lay, Rest! In today’s episode, hosts Ashley and Liz sit down with Dylan for a deeply personal conversation about navigating the highs and lows of life with a beloved dog. Dylan shares the unforgettable story of Lia, his Siberian husky and constant companion through college, career changes, and cross-country moves. From classic tales of puppy mischief—like Lia’s incredible ability to chew through and get stuck inside a couch—to moments of loyalty and love, we’re treated to anecdotes that capture the essence of their bond.

As Lia grew older and faced health challenges, Dylan opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of vet visits, difficult decisions, and preparing for loss. Together, the hosts and Dylan discuss what it means to grieve, especially for men, and the importance of finding community with others who deeply understand the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a pet.

If you’ve ever experienced the love of an animal, this episode will strike a chord—bringing together laughter, tears, and heartfelt reflections on how our pets shape our lives long after they’re gone. Settle in for a touching tribute to Lia, and a conversation about healing, remembering, and honoring every paw print left behind.