Ruth Hatten
- Sep 5
- 6 min read

How to Find Comfort and Spiritual Growth Through Pet Loss: Lessons from Animal Companions

Over the past few months, I've noticed a significant increase in the number of animals passing over. While I often work with animals who have advanced fatal diseases, this recent surge in losses has felt different. It's as if the universe is guiding more people to me during this challenging time. I see it not just in my practice but also in the stories I hear on social media and in conversations with others. Death, of course, is part of the cycle of life, but witnessing so many departures in such a condensed period has given me pause for reflection.

How to deal with the death of a pet — Rainbow Bridge by Stella Violano

The Spiritual Lessons in Loss: What Our Animals Teach Us

As I’ve been working with clients whose beloved animals are nearing the end of their time on Earth, or who have passed over, I’ve been noticing a pattern, and contemplating that. Perhaps these individuals are drawn to me because helping them through this transition feels like an integral part of my work’s evolution. It’s caused me to revisit the profound lessons that animals impart to us when they die.

Lilly’s Passing: A Personal Journey of Grief and Growth

This realisation became especially clear after the passing of my dear cat, Lilly, in November 2022. With her passing, I came to realise the deep lessons that animals teach us through their death. Their presence in our lives serves as a constant source of wisdom and enlightenment. Whilst the time of their passing can be heartbreaking, it can be a particularly potent opportunity to receive profound teachings that transcend the physical world.

Losing Lilly brought me immense sorrow, but it also opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of death. Through Lilly’s transition, I learned how to support others through similar losses, and her passing became a catalyst for my personal growth. The connection I felt with her during and after her passing was transformative—it helped me see death not as an end, but as a transition that carries profound spiritual significance.

Lilly’s passing was unexpectedly sudden. One moment, she seemed to be doing so well, and then, almost overnight, her health took a sharp decline, signaling the start of her transition. This abrupt shift offered me a chance to prepare for the journey ahead. I learned practices that I could use to honour the life we shared and to honour and support the release of her soul from her physical body.

I had some animal communication sessions to gain clarity and guidance on how she was feeling and what she was experiencing, and so that I could assist her at this juncture. Messages I received through these sessions revealed her teachings as well as the ongoing supportive role that Lilly would play in my life:

"I know my mum says how do I do life without Lilly. Mum will do life because I'm still going to be with her in Spirit."
"Butterflies is my way of showing her I'm still here." These will be a symbol of her spirit and that she is still with me, that she is still going to be around.
"Mum is going to transform through this (grieving process)." There's going to be a shift down the track around our relationship and the lessons will continue to unfold when Lilly decides to transition.
"(Mum) does have this genuine deep love within her that she only shows to us. It's ok to express and channel that to others too. Mum is super compassionate and she needs to share this more far and wide."
"Mum chokes in the throat when she thinks about me passing and we've got to clear this. This is on her mind energetically and emotionally. She hasn't accepted this. I'm here to teach her to transform through this because it's going to take her to the next level energetically and emotionally."*

Supporting Clients Through Animal Transitions

Lilly’s passing has also enhanced my ability to guide my clients through the difficult period of losing their animal companions. I’ve learned that death can be a deeply spiritual experience, one that offers profound lessons for both the animal and their human. With Lilly's teachings in mind, I approach each session with greater empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of purpose. I hold space for both the animals and their grieving humans, offering comfort and support as they navigate this challenging time.

The Spiritual Awakening and the Role of Our Animals

I’ve been contemplating whether this increase in animal transitions might be linked to a broader spiritual awakening. The planet is going through significant changes, and humans are facing ongoing challenges on this physical plane. Our animals play a vital role in providing the support we need, both physically and spiritually. They help us navigate these challenges, offering guidance, love, and comfort even after they pass from this world.

Continuing Bonds: How Our Animals Guide Us After Death

After Lilly passed, I received several messages confirming that she would continue to support me:

"I'm exactly where I need to be doing exactly what I need to be doing and all you need to worry about is you doing the same. We're both walking the path and taking the steps and doing what we need to do and the way that we need to do it and that's all we ever need to do. I'm here with you, you're here with me, we're in this together. Together. I know it's been hard for you as I've transitioned out of your life in the way that it was and I know it's been hard for you to understand and I know you've had a gaping hole in your heart and the grief has been palpable and you haven't known how to find your bearings again... Keep coming back to me, keep coming back to this, keep coming back to what I taught you, keep coming back to what you taught me and trust in what is coming next because you are ready for that..."

"No, no, no, no, no. I will stay. I will remain in the way that I have. Things might change, but that's evolution. Things are going to change for you. Things are going to change for me, but I remain steady. I remain solid. I remain... present, I'm right here with you, I'm not going anywhere."**

Lilly has shown me that even though she’s no longer physically here, her spirit continues to support and teach me. This connection has been a source of comfort and healing, and it’s something I believe we can all experience with our beloved animals. Even after they leave their physical bodies, they can remain present as our spiritual guides, offering wisdom and love that transcends the physical plane. We can continue our journeys together as divine beings. Knowing this can be a beautiful balm for the heart, for the soul.

Embracing the Spiritual Connection Beyond the Physical Plane

As I continue my journey, I’ve come to understand that our connection with animals goes far beyond their time on Earth. Their presence in our lives is a gift that extends into the spiritual realm, providing guidance and support that lasts long after they’ve passed. Knowing this brings a sense of peace and a deeper appreciation for the enduring bond we share with our beloved animal companions. Their physical departure is not the end—it's a transition that deepens our connection and helps us evolve spiritually.

Some additional resources that you might find helpful:

Energy Healing - these sessions can help animals as they pass over, they can assist the pet parent with managing the loss, and to support the animal's soul after they have passed over
Wellness Consult - an opportunity for us to connect so that I can support and guide you through this phase
Rainbow Essence - a flower essence that assists animals and their humans before and after transition
Support Through Pet Loss - a recording of an Instagram Live I did in July 2024
Animal Soul Journeys on The Natural Animal Podcast
Returning Home with Interspecies Communication on The Natural Animal Podcast

I'm thinking of creating a pre-recorded meditation that you can download and use to be and communicate with your animal in spirit. Please comment below or contact me directly at ruth@ruthhatten.com or in my Instagram DMs if this is something you'd be interested in receiving.