Nine-ish Lives

Intro: Why This Matters

In the debut episode of Nine-ish Lives, Rachael shares the heartfelt inspiration behind the podcast, rooted in her personal journey of losing her beloved cats, Jeff, Gal, and most recently, Max. Drawing from her professional background in health, wellness, and animal rescue, as well as her certification as a Pet Loss and Bereavement Specialist, Rachael opens up about the profound challenges of pet loss—its emotional, financial, and societal complexities. She reflects on why talking about pet grief matters, validating it as a deeply personal and often overlooked form of loss. This podcast is a resource she wished for during her own grieving process, offering listeners compassionate guidance, practical tools, and heartfelt stories to help them feel less alone. Whether you’re preparing for a pet’s end of life, mourning their passing, or navigating the long-term absence of their presence, this episode reminds you that your grief is valid, your bond with your pet is enduring, and you don’t have to face this journey alone.