About Dog Loss

Born from personal loss, built to help others navigate their grief journey

Why I Built This

Vena

I lost my two dogs, Vena and Puffin, in ways that were sudden and unexpected. One had ongoing health issues, while the other seemed fine until we realised in hindsight there had been subtle signs we'd missed. As someone who isn't naturally emotional or much of a talker, I found myself struggling with grief in ways I hadn't anticipated.

I tried therapy for several months, but honestly, it felt overwhelming. The pressure to open up and process emotions in a traditional setting just didn't work for me. Then I tried something different - I started talking to an AI about my loss. Surprisingly, it helped in ways that traditional support hadn't.

That experience made me realise there might be others like me who struggle with conventional grief support. So I decided to build something better - a tool that could provide the compassionate, non-judgmental space I needed, available whenever grief hits.

Puffin

My Background

I work in technology, building apps and websites, and I've spent several years in the dog industry focusing on improving dogs' lives through quality nutrition. This combination of tech skills and deep understanding of the human-dog bond shaped how I approached creating Dog Loss.

When I looked for apps to help with pet grief, I couldn't find anything that did what I envisioned. Most were either too clinical, too generic, or didn't understand the unique aspects of losing a dog. I wanted to create something specifically for people like us - dog lovers who are struggling with loss and need support that meets them where they are.

What Makes Dog Loss Different

  • Built by someone who gets it: I'm still navigating my own grief journey
  • No pressure to "perform" grief: Talk when you want, how you want
  • Dog-specific understanding: Recognises the unique bond between humans and dogs
  • Available 24/7: Grief doesn't follow business hours
  • Private and judgment-free: No awkward silences or pressure to share more than you're ready for
  • UK-focused support: Connects you with relevant local resources when needed

My Hope for You

I know how isolating pet grief can feel, especially when the world expects you to "get over it" quickly. I built Dog Loss because I believe the bond we have with our dogs deserves recognition, and the grief we feel when they're gone deserves support.

Whether you're someone who struggles with traditional therapy like I did, or you just need a safe space to process your feelings about your dog, I hope this app can be a helpful companion on your journey. I'm still figuring out my own grief, and that's okay - healing isn't linear, and there's no "right" way to grieve.

Important: Dog Loss is a wellness tool created from personal experience, not a replacement for professional mental health support. If you're in crisis or need immediate help, please reach out to the Samaritans (116 123) or your GP.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Join others who have found comfort and support through Dog Loss. Your journey to healing starts with a single step.