Just A Friend

~ Just A Friend ~

4/23/22
~ Kevin ~

"It Was Just A Dog",
I Once Heard From A Friend
"You Should Get Another One."
They Quickly Followed...
Unable To Comprehend

It's Just Another Thing That Grief Took
As It Rewrote My Address Book
Notice Now How Little Time I Spend
With My "Friend"?

Why Should I Explain And Defend?
Go On The Mend? I Didn't Offend.
With No Energy To Lend,
As It Turns Out, In The End,
They Were "Just A Friend".

This week I've been hearing a lot about the things our friends and families say to us when we have a loss. Although it may come from a well-meaning place, people can say some very hurtful things. During this time, it's okay to only surround ourselves with those who understand. We don't have the energy to explain and teach others about what we're going through. 

Come join us today if you'd like to talk, share, and be around others who understand.

Weekly Journaling Prompt

In what way was your pet more than "just a dog/cat"? How much more did they mean to you? How much did they give you throughout the years you had together? Spend a few minutes and write about how important they were (and still are!) to you.

Recent Media Appearances

The Dragonfly Connection

Amber Cook

4/27/22

https://pod.link/1462587802/episode

My latest podcast appearance just dropped on The Dragonfly Connection with Amber Cook! Check it out. We talk about grief in general - the stigmas around it, the process, and ways to help ourselves and others.

Follow Amber on Instagram @the_dragonfly_momma

 

The Tiberius Show

Tiberius

8/10/22

https://www.spreaker.com/user/thetiberiusshow/the-tiberius-show-ep-199-kevin-ringstaff

My latest podcast appearance just dropped on The Tiberius Show with the energetic Tiberius! Check it out.  It was a pretty fun podcast episode  for kids wherein yours truly talks about pet loss and why would anyone want to be in such a sad line of work. Fun stuff.

Sacred Grove

Maribeth Decker

3/11/22

https://sacredgrove.com/online-pet-loss-grief-groups/

Check out our latest podcast appearance with Maribeth Decker from Sacred Grove! We had a wonderful and humorous talk about what to say and do to help others in their grief. 

 

Stolen Our Hearts

Nyree Giles

2/26/22

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stolen-our-hearts

Check out our latest podcast appearance! The show for ferret lovers, new ferret parents and people who love all sorts of exotic pets and are interested in knowing more about pets and themselves.

Self Discovery Media - Sara Troy

Podcast: How to Grieve a Loving Pet or Person

https://selfdiscoverymedia.com/2022/01/17/kevin-ringstaff-griefing-for-pets-peoples/

Check out our latest podcast appearance on the Self Discovery Media network!

Is Pet Bereavement Leave Catching On?

Article: Is Pet Bereavement Leave Catching On?

https://builtin.com/people-management/bereavement-leave

Fun article your's truly was recently featured in.