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Hello. My name is Dar Shawver.
In the photo I am giving my Beloved Animal Companion, Fargo, one of a THOUSAND (maybe one of a million) kisses. He was less than a year old at the time.
Sixteen years later we said our final goodbye, and though he lived a wonderful, love-filled life, 16 years of loving him and spoiling him was not nearly long enough.
I became an animal chaplain after losing him. His passing opened something in me that I couldn't turn away from - a depth of grief that was also a depth of love. In the quiet of his absence, I realized how few spaces truly honor the sacredness of the human-animal bond and how important it is to be witnessed in our sorrow.
Fargo was more than an animal companion - he was a teacher, a loving presence, a steady heart, and my best friend. He will forever be a part of my being. Walking through that loss with intention and tenderness is what called me to this path. Now, I offer that same care to others, knowing how much it matters to have someone hold space when the world feels changed forever.
What is an
Animal Chaplain?
Animal Chaplaincy is an emerging field for those of us who are called to care for the human-animal bond and all of the joys and sorrows that spring forth from those relationships. Animal Chaplaincy is Interspecies/Interfaith/Interspiritual, which means I offer support to ALL people regardless of their background, their faith or spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof), and regardless of the species of animal involved in the human-animal bond. Love knows no bounds!
Often, I provide emotional support for those experiencing difficulty as they navigate the wild terrain of animal grief and loss, but I also companion people through other struggles such as anticipatory grief or illness, or with making difficult decisions regarding the animals they share their lives with. This is done by providing a safe, supportive environment for sharing about experiences and emotions others may not understand, and by gently guiding you toward inner strengths and resources that facilitate healing and meaning-making. If you think a ritual or ceremony would be of value, I can provide assistance in that arena, as well.
may these free offerings soothe your heart in some small way.
1 hr
Sliding Scale