I’m sharing some important news about the future of this podcast. I appreciate each and every one of you who has listened, shared and supported the show.”

I’ve come to a decision that has been difficult but necessary: there will be no more episodes of The Companions Collective.

2024 has thrown us a lot of curveballs here at Chez Bella, making life a little more challenging lately. My baby girl is not really a baby anymore and with arthritis setting in on that leg she had TPLO surgery on in January 2023, she needs more from me. More of everything.

As many of you know, she is my world, just as your pets are to you.

She's my ride or die and it’s vital for me to be there for her in this time.

On top of that, my husband and I have faced some challenges dealing with his mother's estate. Navigating this kind of family business has been a heavy burden, and balancing everything has become increasingly difficult.

I need to simplify my life to focus on what matters most right now.

I’ve loved flexing my interview skills and connecting with so many of you through this podcast, especially during episodes that focused on understanding pet loss and grief. I believe our pets—especially our dogs—come into our lives to change us and make us better people. Losing them transforms us in even more profound ways, and those conversations have been close to my heart. I’m proud of the insights we’ve shared together.

I set a personal goal to reach 100 episodes, and while I won’t get there, I’m grateful for the journey and the conversations that brought us all closer together.

I do believe, though, that many of the episodes are a valuable resource to pet guardians who are experiencing anticipatory grief or pet loss grief. I hope you will go back and listen again when you need them or share them with someone who might need to hear them.

This isn’t goodbye forever; it’s just a shift in focus. I have other creative pursuits I want to explore, and I believe there’s a different outlet out there that might align more with where I am in my life right now.

I'll be over at Big White Dog Photography, making art for people who love their dogs that damn much, and getting as much love and as many snuggles as I can from the sweetest Maremmano-Abrusseze to ever exist in the world.

Thank you for being part of The Companions Collective. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope you continue to honor the beautiful bond we share with our pets. Keep being kind to yourselves and each other. Until we meet again, tell your dog I said hi.