Navigating Pet Loss: A Conversation with Sydney Dahl on the Wolf vs Wish Pet Loss Support Podcast
Welcome to the 2025 season of the Wolf vs Wish Pet Loss Support Podcast! I’m Erica Messer, your host, and I’m honored to continue bringing you meaningful conversations, helpful tools, and real-world experiences on coping with the devastating loss of our beloved pets. If you’re looking for more information, resources, or educational tools for yourself, your business, or your organization, visit WolfiesWish.com.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Sydney Dahl, a leader in pet aftercare who has transitioned from running Love, Koda and Wolfie to working in the end-of-life care industry. She is here to share her personal journey, her passion for improving aftercare options, and the importance of grief support in the pet loss space.
Sydney’s path to aftercare started with her personal experience of grief. In her twenties, she lost both her stepfather and her family dog in quick succession while working in Silicon Valley’s fast-paced tech industry. This contrast between her personal grief and the corporate world made her reconsider her career path. Recognizing the lack of attention and resources for grief and loss, she pivoted toward the pet aftercare industry, aiming to make the experience more compassionate and supportive for grieving families.
Sydney hopes to see a cultural shift in how seriously people take pet loss. Many of us consider our pets as family members, yet pet grief is often dismissed or minimized. Sydney wants to continue advocating for more awareness and support for grieving pet owners.
One major change she’s pushing for is the widespread adoption of aquamation (also known as water cremation). Unlike traditional flame-based cremation, aquamation is an environmentally friendly process that still allows families to receive their pet’s ashes. Sydney’s company is at the forefront of this movement, striving to expand aquamation services across the country to offer more choices for pet owners.
Dealing with pet loss on a daily basis takes an emotional toll on professionals in the industry. Sydney’s company prioritizes mental health by allowing employees to take time off when needed, offering additional benefits, and collaborating with organizations like Veterinary Well-Being Buddies to provide self-compassion guides and mental health resources for veterinarians.
Many pet owners avoid thinking about aftercare until they are faced with an unexpected loss. Sydney encourages pet parents to educate themselves on their options so that when the time comes, they can make informed decisions without feeling rushed. Her company offers flexibility, allowing families to take their time before deciding on aftercare arrangements—a stark contrast to the typical rushed decision-making process at a veterinary clinic.
Unlike many aftercare services that offer limited choices and require immediate decisions, Sydney’s company ensures that all pets receive individual care. They do not offer communal cremation, ensuring that families have the option to retrieve their pet’s remains at any time. This thoughtful approach gives pet parents peace of mind and more control over how they honor their pet’s memory.
As the pet loss industry evolves, more unique and meaningful memorial options are becoming available. From Parting Stone’s solidified remains to Eterneva’s diamond ashes and artisanal urns, pet owners have more ways than ever to honor their pets. Sydney encourages people to explore these options and choose what resonates with them, whether it’s cremation jewelry, a memorial painting, or another personalized tribute.
For Sydney, working in pet aftercare has led to a profound shift in her mindset. Instead of fearing mortality, she finds it brings greater appreciation for life’s precious moments. She encourages pet owners to embrace this perspective and use it as a way to deepen their connection with their pets while they’re still here.
As pet loss becomes a more openly discussed topic, Sydney believes that families will feel more supported in their grief. The industry is evolving, and with compassionate leaders like her, more pet parents will have access to the care and resources they deserve.
Thank you, Sydney, for sharing your story and shedding light on the importance of compassionate pet aftercare. If you’re interested in learning more about Sydney’s work and aquamation services, stay tuned for future updates.
If you found this conversation meaningful, please share your thoughts in the comments or visit WolfiesWish.com for additional support and resources. Let’s continue to create a world where pet grief is acknowledged, respected, and supported.
Until next time, take care and cherish every moment with your furry companions. 🐾
