Clodagh McKenna and Dogs Trust Shed Light on the Unspoken Grief of Losing a Dog

Today, Dogs Trust Ireland is launching ‘The Big Paws’, a campaign aimed at highlighting the often-unspoken grief that comes with losing a dog. Earlier research by the charity revealed that more than half of dog owners felt their grief was similar to, or worse than, losing a family member, while two in five were surprised by how deeply the loss affected them.* 

Moreover, according to Ireland’s Dog Census 2024, over half (52%) of dog lovers have, as adults, owned a dog that had sadly passed away, with many citing that they felt it was too soon to welcome another dog into their lives following the loss. This highlights the widespread and deeply felt heartache of pet bereavement. One such dog owner who has felt the painful loss of a beloved dog, Nollie, is Irish chef and author Clodagh McKenna. Clodagh has helped Dogs Trust launch the campaign by recording a special podcast episode in which she speaks about the joy of dog ownership, as well as the grief experienced when a dog passes on. 

Discussing her experience, Clodagh McKenna said: "I have had dogs all my life. No matter what country I've lived in, where I've been, I've brought them with me. I've always had a dog by my side, so they feel like an intricate part of me. Anybody who has a dog knows that that they enrich one's life more than you could ever imagine.  

Nollie was one of the big loves of my life. She never left my side. Losing her was so gut wrenching, and I think very few people understood that loss. To anyone who is currently experiencing the painful loss of their beloved dog, I'd like to remind them that the weight of that grief will get lighter in time. While you might always feel sad that they're not there, I hope that you will once again find comfort in another dog who needs you, and that will help to fill the space left in your heart."

As part of the campaign, Dogs Trust is encouraging dog lovers across the country to take part in ‘The Big Paws’ Remembrance Walk on January 31st to celebrate the lives of their dogs that have passed. The walk will give dog owners past and present an opportunity to honour and celebrate the incredible bond they had with their dog, while also helping to raise vital funds to support the lifesaving work of Dogs Trust. Whether you choose to walk on the official event day or any time in the year, The Big Paws is a powerful opportunity to ‘paws’ and reflect.   

Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “At Dogs Trust, we understand that saying goodbye is one of the hardest things a dog owner will ever have to do. 

We wanted to create a special way for dog owners to celebrate the lives of their beloved furry family members, so we’re encouraging them to walk their late dog's favourite route in memory of them and consider raising funds for Dogs Trust in the process. Every step taken will honour the memory of the dog you loved - and help another find the love they deserve.” 

‘The Big Paws’ Remembrance Walk is just one part of a wider campaign by Dogs Trust to support dog owners throughout their grief journey. They have created a range of expert grief resources, including articles from psychologists and grief specialists, to offer support.  

Visit their website dogstrust.ie/NotJustADog to access the materials, including the podcast recorded by Clodagh McKenna.