In this heartfelt episode of Sit, Lay, Rest, guest E.B. Bartels—author of "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.

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.

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.