Hello, Biscuit & Bertie family! This week, I am eager to present the first of a two-part series called Founder to Founder. Grab your favorite warm beverage and pull up a comfortable chair as we sit down with Dr. Karen Whala, co-founder of CodaPet. CodaPet is the second largest in-home euthanasia service for pet parents who are facing end-of-life decisions for their furry family members. CodaPet is committed to providing exceptional service and support after the death of a pet. We have similar values and commitments, so I was eager to get to know Dr. Whala. Please enjoy a glimpse into our conversation.
Annie: Hi, Dr. Whala! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story, and a bit about CodaPet with me today. How did you decide to pursue veterinary medicine as a career path?
Dr. Whala: Like so many other young girls and boys who dream of becoming veterinarians, I got into this field simply because I’ve always loved animals. Growing up, I was surrounded by them—at one point, I think I had nearly 50 pets! Everything from reptiles and little pocket pets to a goat, a sheep, and horses. Being around them just made me happy, and I knew early on that caring for animals was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Annie: I noticed in your CodaPet bio that you suddenly lost a beloved pet, Skeeter. I’m so sorry for your loss. A sudden loss led me to start Biscuit & Bertie. One morning, my cat Bertie was seemingly perfectly healthy and four hours later, he was gone. Unfortunately, because it happened so quickly, I had to rush him to an emergency veterinary clinic, where he was euthanized. I wish it could have been done at home, though. What do you see as the biggest difference between at-home euthanasia and euthanasia in a clinical setting?
Dr. Whala: I’m so sorry for your loss—especially so suddenly. I know exactly how heartbreaking that feels. My own dog, Skeeter, passed away in the same way, and I too wish he could have had the chance to be at home, surrounded by love, when his time came.
That’s really what inspired me to dedicate myself to this work. The difference between at home euthanasia versus in a clinic is profound. In the clinic, even with the most caring staff, it can feel rushed, sterile, and stressful for both pets and their families. Pets often pick up on their owners’ anxiety and the unfamiliar smells and sounds can make them uneasy.
At home, everything changes. They’re in their favorite spot, curled up on their bed or in their person’s lap, surrounded by the people who love them most. It’s quiet, familiar, and peaceful. I truly believe that when I help a pet pass at home, I’m carrying out what they would want—what all of us would want when it’s our time—to be comfortable, safe, and loved, and to simply drift off to sleep.
Annie: The death of a pet is difficult, and immense grief follows, regardless of how a pet dies. In my personal experience, the sudden loss of a pet can feel earth-shattering because it seemingly comes out of the blue. I remember when Bertie died, I felt so guilty that I was working in my studio, instead of playing with him, or snuggling with him, in his final hours. Of course, I had no way of knowing the end of his life was near but I still felt so much guilt. Do you have any words of wisdom to share with Biscuit & Bertie readers that might help them better understand the complex waves of emotions that follow the death of a pet?
Dr. Whala: The wave of emotion after losing a pet can vary greatly from person to person and often depends on several factors surrounding the euthanasia experience itself. Things like whether there was anticipatory grief, any lingering feelings of guilt about the pet’s illness or decline, how “ready” the pet seemed at the time, and how the euthanasia process unfolded can all shape how we process the loss.
It’s so important afterward to have a strong support system—friends, family, or even professional grief resources—to help you navigate those emotions. Everyone grieves differently, and there’s no “right” way to do it. The death of a pet is deeply painful, no matter how it happens.
In my own experience, I’ve found that sudden losses can feel especially earth-shattering because they catch us off guard. We often replay the “what ifs” and wish we had done more in those final moments. But it’s important to remember—you loved them, you gave them a wonderful life, and they felt that love every day. Guilt is a common part of grief, but it doesn’t define the beautiful bond you shared.
Annie: Pet loss grief is a very unique type of grief and it is often described as a form of disenfranchised grief. Many people report feeling completely alone, misunderstood, or minimized after the death of a pet. In 2020, Bertie died in February. In November of that same year, my grandma died. When my grandma died, no one asked me if I was going to get a new grandma. I mean, that’s absurd, right?! But when Bertie died, within weeks, well-meaning friends were asking me if I was going to get another cat, as if a new cat could become my old Bertie. My experiences with loss in 2020 are what led me to intentionally create a grief support tool for pet parents. When you’re in the dense fog of grief and loss, your prefrontal cortex isn’t “online” and it’s impossible to generate ideas for coping with and processing intense emotions. I knew I wanted to create something that helped people feel understood, gently supported, and offered unlimited permission to grieve for as long as needed. As a member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, what do you see firsthand, as the most unique challenge facing pet parents who are grieving the death of a furry family member?
Dr. Whala: I would say there are three main challenges I often see pet parents face when they’re grieving the loss of their beloved companion.
The first is guilt. So many pet parents question their decisions—“Did I do it too soon? Should I have done that extra test? Did I feed the wrong food?” Even small traces of guilt can deeply affect the healing process. It’s important to remember that every decision was made out of love and with the information you had at the time.
The second challenge is the void left behind. For many people, their pet is woven into every part of their daily routine. When that presence is suddenly gone, every quiet moment, every empty space can trigger that ache of loss. That absence can make the grief feel fresh over and over again.
The third is a lack of understanding or support. Pet loss grief is, what you mentioned correctly as “disenfranchised grief”—a kind of grief that isn’t always recognized or validated by society. When someone loses a pet, they may hear, “Are you going to get another one?”—something no one would ever say about the loss of a family member. That kind of comment, though well-intentioned, can make people feel isolated or misunderstood at a time when they need compassion most.
That’s why having a support system—friends, family, or professional grief resources—is so important. It not only helps relieve the emotional weight of making end-of-life decisions but also provides a sense of understanding and connection through an incredibly painful time.
Annie: Choosing a way to memorialize and honor a pet is a sacred part of the healing process and grieving journey. For me, I find meaning in planting a tree or special plant in my garden, to honor a beloved pet. I am an avid gardener, so it brings me great joy to look out my window, seeing my “DesBert” lilac tree in full bloom. I planted that tree with my dog, Desi, and cat, Bertie’s ashes amended into the soil. It’s now huge, healthy, and oddly blooms twice a year most years. Somehow, it makes me feel closer to Desi and Bertie, like they are still here with me, in my garden. Can you share about a way that you have honored or memorialized one of your pets and why you felt it was important to do so?
Dr. Whala: How a pet parent chooses to memorialize their pet is such a deeply personal decision. When I lost my “heart dog,” I didn’t feel the need to have keepsakes or even an urn—that was what felt right for me at the time. I still have photos of him in my bedroom, and even years later, they bring me comfort and happy memories.
I always want pet parents to know that whether they choose to have their pet’s ashes returned, create keepsakes, or do nothing tangible at all, it does not reflect the depth of their love. Love isn’t measured by how much someone spends on memorials—it’s measured by the bond they shared in life. For some, it might be planting a tree, as you shared, or painting a rock; for others, it might be choosing a beautiful urn or jewelry piece. These choices are as unique as each relationship, and all are equally meaningful.
Annie: One of the bravest things we can ever do as animal lovers, is to choose to love again, despite the tremendous pain of past loss(es). Can you share a little bit about one of your own pets, and how your choice to open your heart to that pet has enriched your life?
Dr. Whala: Each pet truly brings a distinct essence to our lives, reflecting their unique personalities and quirks. I fondly remember my dog, who had an unusual love for carrots. He would devour them with the same enthusiasm as if they were filet mignon, and it always made me smile. He also had a bizarre affection for cat treats, particularly “almond roca,” which I found pretty gross! Yet, those little quirks are memories I cherish deeply.
Since losing him, I haven’t gotten another dog. I love dogs and look forward to welcoming a new companion into my life when I know I’ll have the time and ability to devote to him or her properly. I’ve realized that each pet is unique, and while it’s tempting to seek a replacement for the one we’ve lost, it’s essential to appreciate the individuality of a new furry friend.
When the time is right, I know that the next dog will bring their own delightful mannerisms and surprises, just as my previous pup did. Opening my heart again will be a brave step, but I believe that love for a new companion will come in its own special way, creating new memories that I can cherish.
Annie: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today and thank you for the many ways you help pet parents when they need support most!
Dr. Whala: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences. Also, a heartfelt thank you for the many ways you support pet parents when they need it most. Your efforts make a significant difference in our community.
To learn more about CodaPet, please visit: CodaPet.com.
