From my earliest memories, I’ve been a storyteller, both through words and images. I was four years old when I began creating my own storybooks, fully illustrated and with talk bubbles for the characters. Most of my stories were about little girls who saved animals, so it’s no great surprise that I was drawn to veterinary chaplaincy. I love stories about animals, and through my work with Pet Chaplain, I’ve been privileged to hear many inspiring tales about the amazing bonds between people and their animal companions.
Like Rob, I grew up in a pet-loving home surrounded by dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and parakeets. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing many incredible animals in my life. My pet chaplaincy work has deepened my appreciation for those animals with whom I’ve shared my home as well as the wondrous, mysterious creatures I glimpse when out in nature. It has also given me the opportunity to meet dozens of animal lovers from around the world, whom I consider to be among the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve ever known.
I hope my contributions as a writer and artist are making a difference in the lives of people who find their way here. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Like many of the people I support, I grew up in a pet-loving family and have personally experienced the heartache of losing beloved animal and human family members. I founded Pet Chaplain because I recognized that people who love animals and grieve their loss need access to the same emotional and spiritual support resources available when we lose a human loved one.
The grief I witnessed at the veterinary college where I served as chaplain and the pet-loss support group that I facilitate can be intense, and many people struggle to find others to confide in after losing a beloved pet. My goal is to help people find sympathetic listeners and safe spaces where they can share their grief and begin to understand the social and emotional impacts of the loss.
If you're grieving for a pet, I encourage you to find someone with whom you can safely share your stories about the animals and sacred places you love. This is one of the primary reasons Karen and I created the Pet Chaplain Learning Series. We encourage you to explore your grief with kindred spirits, express your love for animals, and transform loss into a mission to serve others like you.
Please share a little bit about your situation and how we can help you.
Complete this form to receive email updates on the upcoming Pet Chaplain Learning Circles. We'll let you know when registration opens.
Pet Chapel Press is an independent imprint of Pet Chaplain and publishes non-fiction books that concern animals, the earth, and human spirituality.
Four titles have been completed by Pet Chapel Press: Heart Animals, Always in My Heart, Just an Animal, and Veterinary Chaplaincy.
We are not currently accepting submissions. Please direct any rights licensing inquiries to: licensing@petchaplain.com.
