saudade
n. /saʊˈdɑːdə/
a deep, complex, and bittersweet emotion of melancholic longing or nostalgic yearning for a loved one, place or experience that is absent, lost or may never return
Available on amazon now
A Field Guide for the Journey Before Goodbye.
Paperback + eBook Available Now
This isn’t a grief book. It’s a practical compassionate guide and toolkit for moving through–for navigating the daily reality of caring, grieving and loving all at once.
Included on the Recommended Reading List of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB).
the journey
Caring for our pets in their final stage is one of the hardest experiences we face. These pets are not “just dogs” or “just cats.” They are cherished family members and steadfast companions. Their unconditional love shapes our lives forever.
Not everyone will understand.
At saudade paws, we support caregivers with compassion and understanding. We offer thoughtful guidance for your pet’s final stage and beyond.
Our purpose is to provide practical support and emotional guidance when you need it most. We honor the special human-animal bond you share with your companion.
understanding the pet caregiver journey
Many caregivers tell me the same thing:
“I don’t know if what I’m feeling right now is normal.”
To help make sense of this experience, I developed the saudade paws Pet’s Final Chapter Caregiver Journey — a framework that maps the emotional and practical stages many families move through while caring for a beloved companion in their final chapter.
Most pet parents start with the Navigator so they don’t have to guess where to begin.
Choose your Path
For Pet parents
You are not alone.
Get compassionate, practical guidance for caring for a senior or terminal pet—including one-to-one conversations, home-based support, and Field Guides that help you make decisions with confidence.
for pet service professionals
Support your team and strengthen client care.
Partner with saudade paws to provide hospice-informed support for families, reduce staff burnout, and improve client satisfaction through practical frameworks, training and caregiver resources.
Our Field Guides
From the first signs of decline to life after loss, be supported every step of the way. Our Field Guides are your gentle, compassionate companions, turning overwhelming emotions into manageable steps.
Each Field Guide provides clear, practical tools—from managing anticipatory grief to navigating decisions and bereavement.
Need a Guiding Conversation?
The weight of complex decisions or systemic challenges can be too much to carry alone. Whether you’re a pet parent seeking clarity or a professional aiming to transform your services, a personalized conversation can map your clear path forward.
Schedule a free 30-minute connection call. This is a judgment-free space to be heard, ask questions and explore solutions.
Your experience lights the way
Did you know over 9 out of 10 pet caregivers experience anticipatory grief before saying goodbye to a beloved companion? And most never discover the support that is available.
By sharing your story, you help create better resources that comforts and empowers pet parents around the world.
the heart behind the work
This mission was born from love and loss. Understanding the person and purpose behind this work can build the trust needed to walk this path together.
