Sit, Lay, Rest

Healing in the Grief Portal: Lauren’s Journey with Alfie, Squishy, and Plant Allies | Sit, Lay, Rest

Welcome back to Sit, Lay, Rest. In this episode, host Liz speaks with Lauren about the tender, often solitary path of grieving a beloved pet. Lauren shares her experience of loving and losing her dogs, Alfie and Squishy, and how this heartbreak led her unexpectedly toward healing with the help of flower essences and herbalism. Together, Liz and Lauren discuss how pet loss often leaves us with little room or language to process our emotions—and how finding support in the non-human world, from the intuitive bonds with animals to the gentle vibration of plants, can make it possible to move through grief with greater compassion.  Whether walking through a cattle ranch or the depths of her own sorrow, Lauren reflects on how slowing down, connecting with nature, and opening up to nonlinear healing have changed her relationship to loss and to life. Settle in for an episode that holds space for healing, remembering, and discovering new forms of comfort when grief arrives.

Good Grief: Understanding How We Heal After Losing Beloved Pets | Sit, Lay, Rest

In this heartfelt episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, guest E.B. Bartels—author of "Good Grief [https://www.ebbartels.com/good-grief/]"—opens up about the complexities of losing treasured animal companions. Drawing from her own experiences of pet loss starting at a young age, E.B. shares how these moments shaped her curiosity about grief rituals around animals and inspired her to research how people from various backgrounds mourn their pets. Listeners are guided through stories of personal essays, family rituals, and cultural practices surrounding pet death—from scatterings of ashes in meaningful places to the comfort found in memorial boxes and framed photos. E.B. reflects on the lasting impact of each pet, the emotional responsibilities that come with caring for animals, and the universal grief that connects all kinds of loss, whether animal or human. The episode is filled with warmth, vulnerability, and surprising facts about how people celebrate, honor, and remember their non-human loved ones. If you’ve ever experienced the loss of a pet or want to better understand the special bond between humans and animals, this episode offers empathy, solace, and a celebration of love that outlasts loss.

Men Cry Too: Dylan's Story of Loving and Losing His Beloved Lia | Sit, Lay, Rest

Welcome back to Sit, Lay, Rest! In today’s episode, hosts Ashley and Liz sit down with Dylan for a deeply personal conversation about navigating the highs and lows of life with a beloved dog. Dylan shares the unforgettable story of Lia, his Siberian husky and constant companion through college, career changes, and cross-country moves. From classic tales of puppy mischief—like Lia’s incredible ability to chew through and get stuck inside a couch—to moments of loyalty and love, we’re treated to anecdotes that capture the essence of their bond. As Lia grew older and faced health challenges, Dylan opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of vet visits, difficult decisions, and preparing for loss. Together, the hosts and Dylan discuss what it means to grieve, especially for men, and the importance of finding community with others who deeply understand the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a pet. If you’ve ever experienced the love of an animal, this episode will strike a chord—bringing together laughter, tears, and heartfelt reflections on how our pets shape our lives long after they’re gone. Settle in for a touching tribute to Lia, and a conversation about healing, remembering, and honoring every paw print left behind.

Ramsey the Bulldog: Grief, Growth & Glitter | Sit, Lay, Rest

In this heartfelt episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, hosts Liz Egler and Ashley Infantino sit down with Sarah to hear the deeply personal story of her English bulldog, Ramsey. Sarah opens up about her unconventional journey into pet parenthood—growing up with family members afraid of dogs, unexpectedly choosing a bulldog puppy, and how Ramsey quickly became a cherished part of her family. Sarah shares the unique ways Ramsey helped her through life’s transitions—from office culture transformation to coping with fertility struggles and ultimately, motherhood. Together, they reflect on the powerful bond between humans and their pets, laughing about bulldog antics, navigating the haze of new pet ownership, and remembering special milestones with Ramsey and Sarah’s daughter, Romilly. But this episode also bravely explores grief and the profound void left when a beloved pet passes. Sarah recounts the shock of Ramsey’s sudden cancer diagnosis, the impossible decisions pet owners face, and the compassionate community—in person and online—that helped her grieve. She also discusses supporting a child through loss and how she’s found new purpose and gratitude after welcoming another bulldog, Renoa, all while honoring Ramsey’s enduring place in their lives. From canine companionship to devastating goodbyes, this is an honest, moving conversation about love, loss, and the glittery persistence of grief. Whether you’re a lifelong dog parent or facing the pain of pet loss, Sarah’s story will resonate deeply, reminding us of the profound impact our furry friends have on our families and our hearts.

Golden Memories, New Beginnings: Deb, Wes, and the Call to Rescue in Dharamsala | Sit, Lay, Rest

In this heartwarming episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, host Elizabeth Polizzo and guest host, CJ Infantino, welcome Deb to share her journey shaped by the dogs she’s loved—and lost. Debra reminisces about her beloved golden retriever, Wesley, recounting their adventures in Boulder, Colorado, and the indelible bond they shared. She speaks candidly about Wesley’s playful quirks—like his obsession with rocks and tennis balls—and the heartbreak of navigating his illness and saying goodbye through home euthanasia. The conversation offers an open, honest look at the pain of pet loss, the strange clarity of the moment a beloved animal's spirit leaves, and how grief can linger in everyday routines. From there, Deb discusses how Wesley’s passing, combined with other life changes, cleared the path for her to leap into a new chapter: founding an animal rescue shelter in Dharamsala, India. She describes her immersion into the local culture, the unique challenges of animal welfare in India, and the surprising lessons learned from the scrappy, resilient Indian street dogs she grew to love—especially Ruby, a spirited rescue who became her companion. Throughout the episode, themes of grief, healing, and connection are woven together. The hosts and Debra explore what it means to grieve deeply, how communities (both canine and human) can help us move forward, and how being open to new possibilities can offer profound meaning after loss. Whether you’re an animal lover, someone who’s experienced loss, or just looking for an inspiring story about following your heart across the world, this episode is a testament to the powerful bonds we share with our pets—and the incredible impact they have on our lives. Find out more: Dharamsala Animal Rescue [http://dharamsalaanimalrescue.org/].