Held by the Herd: A Donkey-Supported Gathering for Pet Loss & Continuing Connection

Grief can make it hard to feel what is still there.

When we've been caring for an aging or declining animal, or when a beloved companion has crossed over, our nervous system can remain caught in the intensity of worry, caregiving, missing, and loss. It can be difficult to feel grounded, centered, or open to anything beyond the immediate ache of what has changed.

But the relationship doesn't have to end when the physical relationship changes.

Many people continue to experience connection with their animals after they cross over — through signs, dreams, a felt presence, or quiet moments of knowing. Sometimes we notice these experiences but aren't sure what to make of them. Sometimes we simply long to feel our animal close again.

This gentle, intentionally small gathering offers space to slow down, settle the nervous system, and become more present — creating room to explore the possibility of what may still be here.

With the donkeys beside you, we will:

Settle and reconnect.

Through quiet time with the herd and simple grounding practices, we'll give your body and nervous system an opportunity to soften, settle, and come back to center.

Explore continuing connection.

We'll talk about the ways people experience connection with their animals after they cross over, including signs, dreams, felt presence, inner communication, and other forms of knowing.

Practice opening to your animal.

You'll be gently guided through a practice of reaching toward and becoming more aware of your own connection with your animal — whether they are still physically here or have crossed over. The donkeys will be there as a quiet, grounding presence as you explore.

There is nothing you need to prove, believe, or experience in a particular way. You can come curious. You can come open. You can come simply longing to feel closer to your animal.

This is a space to slow down, listen inward, and make room for the possibility that love and connection can continue, even when the way we experience our relationship changes.

The gathering is intentionally small and limited to six participants. ☔ Rain or shine....we will be in our indoor event barn if needed due to weather.

Blair Hope is a professional animal communicator, Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner, and Healing Touch for Animals practitioner who has spent years supporting animals and the people who love them through all stages of life, including end-of-life, grief, and continuing connection.