The Team

The Austin Pet Loss Connection Team came together to create this website to help individuals who are grieving the loss of an animal companion. We want to provide resources for immediate support as well as connections to therapists who can honor the profound loss you are experiencing.  Our hope is that you find comfort here.

Please email us with any questions or feedback at contactus@austinplc.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lesley Riley
Animals have so much to teach us about the true meaning of unconditional love.  This project is important to me because I believe when you invite an animal companion into your heart, your life changes forever.  When you lose that companion, the grief is devastating.  My hope is that this website provides a simple way for those seeking support to find a therapist who can honor the profound loss they are experiencing.

Cathy Heyman, LPC
Supporting people whose family members include animals is the work I was meant to do. When I lost three of my own animal companions in rapid succession in less than 1 year, I was thrown into the healing process at a break-neck pace. As counselor, I knew the importance of honestly grieving loss. What I learned was how to honor the bond between my animal companions and me. Through research, outreach, and my own therapy process I made it through this very difficult period. I am now here to help you through yours. The pain you feel is real. In addition, my goal with this website is to teach therapists and veterinary professionals the significance of the human-animal bond.

Mandy Russell
The animals that have blessed my life helped mold me into the person I am today. Through Austin Pet Loss Connection I hope to honor the precious relationship between humans and animals. It is an honor and a privilege for me to work with the APLC Team.

Susan Culp, DVM

Special Consultants

• Genae Girard, Marketing
• David Steadman, Graphic Design
• Hilary Turner, Web Structure