“Compassionate grief support inspired by the quiet presence of Esther the Saint Bernard.”
- MSW student (Liberty University)
- MA in Thanatology (CUNY Brooklyn College)
- Thanatology & community health professional
- Volunteer bereavement support caller (Accent Care Hospice)
- Trained end-of-life doula
- Working toward grief & bereavement therapist licensure
- Guided by compassion, dignity, and the belief that no one—human or animal—should face death alone
Category: Education & Advocacy
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Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has become one of the most meaningful and clinically valuable tools in mental health, hospice care, trauma recovery, and bereavement support. Decades of research show measurable psychological and physical benefits, yet most U.S. insurance plans still do not cover the service directly, even though the evidence is strong (Fine, 2019). As someone…
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Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) have come a long way since Dr. Boris Levinson’s dog, Jingles, broke through a child’s silence in a therapy session. What began as one psychologist’s curiosity about the comfort animals bring has grown into a respected professional field built on science, ethics, and compassion. In The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions, Dr. Aubrey…
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Giant breed dogs, with their towering size and gentle hearts, have a long history of bringing comfort to humans. For centuries, these dogs have been guardians, workers, and loved companions. In recent decades, their role has expanded into therapy work, particularly in hospice and end-of-life care. Their calm presence, steady nature, and size make them…
Anna & Esther: Companionship, Grief and the Healing Power of Presence 