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When Hollywood development executive Beth Bigler stepped away from pitch decks and red carpets, few foresaw her path would lead to grief counseling—especially not for pet loss. But after losing her beloved cat, Arnie, Bigler discovered a profound calling: to help others navigate the heartbreak of losing an animal companion.
🐾 A Bond That Changed Everything
Bigler and Arnie shared over a decade of daily routines and unwavering companionship. When Arnie was diagnosed with cancer at just 11, the world shifted. As she grappled with the emotional storm, she sought out anticipatory grief counseling—and found it transformative. It didn’t just ease her pain—it became her mission.
Then, in a fateful moment at a veterinary clinic, her purpose snapped into focus. While waiting with Arnie, Bigler comforted a stranger whose cat was being euthanized. That day, she realized her life’s next chapter wouldn’t start with scripts or storyboards—it would begin at someone’s side during their darkest hour .
🌼 Turning Personal Loss into Lifework
A few months later, when Arnie fell ill again and passed, Bigler decided enough time had already been lost. She dove into certification programs, launched Honoring Our Animals, and embraced her new role as a grief counselor—online, private, and deeply empathetic.
From one-on-one sessions to virtual grief groups, she now supports 30–60 clients per week, and has helped over 1,000 individuals, couples, and families through their grief journey. She’s also author of Honoring Our Animals and trains new practitioners—growing her impact beyond her own practice.
🌱 Growth, Fulfillment, and Financial Freedom
Unlike Hollywood, where emails define your paycheck, Bigler now controls her schedule, her clientele, and her earning potential. She sees financial growth as directly tied to her choices—not someone else’s calendar.
Although pet-loss counseling is a niche field, demand is rising. More people are recognizing that losing a pet can be as painful as losing a family member. Bigler takes pride in helping reshape that cultural conversation.
💡 Embracing Transformation Through Grief
Bigler argues grief isn’t something to “get over”—it’s something to grow through. Losing a pet is transformative, and returning to your old self isn’t realistic or healthy. Instead, she encourages clients to embrace change and discover purpose in their sorrow.
Her message isn’t just for grieving owners—it’s also for anyone feeling stuck or called to change. “Your grief can be the catalyst,” she says, offering a permission slip to pivot careers or make meaningful life changes.
Beth Bigler’s shift from the glitz of Hollywood to the quiet compassion of pet-loss counseling is a testament to purpose-driven transformation. By converting her own grief into a lifeline for others—offering solace, validation, and community—she’s not just changing careers; she’s reshaping how society honors the bond between humans and their pets.
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