She had to decide the day her dog would die. And no matter what she chose… she wondered if it was wrong. In this emotional episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio sits down with Jackie (Rainbow Bridge Raina) to explore the layered reality of pet loss grief — from anticipatory grief and euthanasia guilt to the stigma of being told “it’s just a dog.” Jackie shares the story of her “soul dog,” Riley, who passed after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. She opens up about: Pet loss carries a unique weight. Unlike human loss, we often carry full responsibility for our animal’s health, care, and end-of-life decisions. That responsibility can amplify guilt, doubt, and shame. If you’ve ever lost a dog, struggled with euthanasia decisions, or felt alone in your grief, this conversation will make you feel understood. Whether you’re navigating the loss of your own pet or want to better support someone who is, this episode will bring you comfort, clarity, and healing. Join the DEAD Talk Patreon for only $5 to support our mission & and gain access to exclusive content and features: 👉 https://patreon.com/deadtalks?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Purchase “Not Dead Yet” or DEAD Talk trucker hats here with free domestic shipping: 👉 https://deadtalks.myshopify.com/ 10% off Neurogum made with sustainably-sourced natural caffeine, L-theanine, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, which have been scientifically shown to boost attention and enhance focus: https://neurogum.com/?utm_commission=deadtalkspodcast&platform=grin&link_id=1654933&token=WtumfL5E9dMY2DxZOVhMDDU7Z1f0OkyV&contact_id=8c837874-1ae8-4097-96fb-4809bfd0b22f&attribution_window=30 All links to everything DEAD Talks: 👉 https://linktr.ee/deadtalks DEAD Talks with David Ferrugio engages death a little bit differently. Each new guest shares their experience with grieving or perspective on death in a way that shatters the “don’t talk about death” taboo. Grief doesn't end; it evolves. Having lost his father on September 11th when he was 12, he learned the importance of discussion and sharing other people's stories. DEAD Talks Podcast hopes to make it a little easier to talk about grief, loss, death, mourning, trauma, or whatever it may be. You may cry, but you also may laugh. ⁠Follow DEAD Talks Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok + more⁠ ⁠www.deadtalks.net⁠ #grievingapet #petlossgrief #petloss