Wolfie's Wish Pet Loss Pawdcast with Erica Messer

Reagan Pasternak is a Canadian‐born actress, singer and writer whose lifelong compassion for animals led her into the world of grief work for pet-lovers. Known for her roles on television and film, she shifted focus to her personal experience of pet-loss and created the book Griffin’s Heart: Mourning Your Pet With No Apologies — a memoir, healing journal, grief guide and keepsake all in one.Her work invites us to acknowledge that losing a beloved animal companion is a deeply valid kind of grief, and offers tools to honour that loss with authenticity and tenderness.

Rev. Jaime Nieves, “The Creature Preacher” is an ordained United Methodist pastor with a passion for all of God’s creatures and promoting the exploration of exercising compassionate and respectful dominion over animals the right way.

Angela Chakos is a professional animal communicator based in the metro–Philadelphia/New Jersey area, with a compassionate approach to connecting pets and people. Inspired by deep healing through communication with her own beloved dog, Charlie, after his passing in 2020, Angela discovered and nurtured her intuitive gift to help animals express themselves to their human companions.Today, Angela is deeply committed to fostering stronger bonds between pets and their people—offering insight, reassurance, and a clearer understanding of what your furry family member is trying to say.

Erica Messer is joined by Adam Greenbaum, founder and CEO of WhiskerCloud, a digital marketing agency dedicated to veterinary professionals. Adam shares his personal journey through the loss of his beloved dog, Baxter, and how that experience inspired a deeper commitment to supporting pet parents and the veterinary community. Together, Erica and Adam explore the profound bond we share with our animals, how grief reshapes us, and why compassion and connection are essential in pet aftercare. This heartfelt conversation offers comfort, insight, and a reminder that we are never alone in our grief.

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Melanie Savage—grief coach and advocate for pet parents navigating loss. Melanie opens up about her own journey with grief and how it inspired her to help others process the deep emotional bonds we share with our animals. Together, we explore how grief can be a portal to healing, the importance of honoring the goodbye, and practical tools to stay grounded through the pain of losing a beloved companion. Melanie holds a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University, where her research focused on improving support for human-animal relationships. She also partnered with Community Veterinary Outreach to create a mental health and social support service for pet parents accessing the organization’s Ottawa-based clinics.Tune in for a rich, compassionate discussion on grief, memory, and how to honor the animals who changed our lives forever.

In this special bonus episode of the Wolfie’s Wish Pet Loss Support Podcast, you're invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the love you shared with your beloved companion. This gentle guided meditation by Author Reagan Pasternak offers a safe, comforting space to help you move through grief, ease emotional tension, and invite healing energy into your heart with the soothing sound of harp music. Whether you're newly grieving or simply need a moment of stillness to remember your pet, this meditation is designed to support you wherever you are in your journey. Find a quiet place, press play, and let these words hold you with care and compassion.Reagan's book is available at:griffins heartMusic by@hauteharpist

Dr. Judy Morgan is a retired veterinarian, author, and educator with a passion for holistic pet care. A valedictorian graduate from Woodstown High School (1977), she earned her B.S. from Rutgers (1980) and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois (1984). She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractor, and food therapist.After 36 years in practice, Dr. Morgan retired in 2020 to focus on speaking, education, online consultations, and her webstore. She serves as Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Monkey’s House Dog Hospice and actively supports Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and English Toy Spaniel rescues.A best-selling author of eight books, she has been featured on major media outlets, including Fox News, CNN, and PBS. Through her Naturally Healthy Pets podcast and extensive writing, she empowers pet owners to use natural healing, reduce chemical reliance, and improve pet wellness worldwide.

Sydney Dahl is a passionate advocate for pet well-being and a leader in the pet industry. As the founder of Evvi Aftercare, Sydney brings a wealth of knowledge and heartfelt dedication to helping pet parents navigate the joys and challenges of caring for their beloved companions. Sydney works to create meaningful solutions that enhance the lives of pets and the people who love them. Today, we’re excited to have Sydney on the show to share insights, experiences, and invaluable advice with our listeners.