I met Judy Helm Wright a few years ago and when I learned that her company was all about the animal human bond, I knew we were simpatico. Among other professions, she’s a pet grief coach. Judy is delightful and so real and I think you’ll enjoy learning about how she found her way to her business and what she’s doing now to connect with all types and ages of people.

DRS: How did you get started in your pet business?

JHW: Two years ago I did a spreadsheet of all my books (23) in order to see which ones were selling. I was surprised to see that “I Lost My Best Friend Today—Dealing With The Loss of a Beloved Pet” outsold my parenting books by 3 or 4 to 1.  Big eye opener that people would pay more for books about pets than parenting.

DRS: I bet that had some influence as to where to take your business. How does you business
help both people and pets?

JHW: We started a Veteran Owned business called Animal-Human- Connection and since I was already a grief coach, and a dog lover for years, it was a natural progression to be a Pet Grief Coach.

DRS: And you are so loving, Judy. The grief associated with pet loss is so deep. I’m so grateful that people can turn to you if need be. Do you have any experience with animal rescue or adoption?

JHW: Only in our dog Taffy who was a farm dog and killed the chickens and we rescued her from
being put down.  All of our animals have been given to us.

DRS: You always have great stories, Judy. Do you have a favorite pet story?

JHW: Yes! Our son Andy when he was two years old was outside in our fenced yard in his diaper and cowboy boots, which was pretty good since he usually preferred just to go naked in his cowboy boots. I was in the house on the phone and when I went out to check on him, both he and our cocker spaniel Taffy were missing even though all of the gates were locked.  I started screaming his name and running around the neighborhood when a woman about a block away said: “are you looking for a naked little boy and a dog? You need to know that the dog kept him from going on the busy four lane street.”  We ran down there and hugged him and the dog.  He was hiding behind a car tire looking sheepish and said “I go to school too.” He had tried to follow his sisters to the school a couple of blocks away.

The woman said that Taffy had just herded him back to the safe side and when Andy got mad, Taffy pulled on the diaper and it came off! We all celebrated Taffy for her heroics and Andy for his cute little butt.

DRS: Well that one is definitely a classic! Glad it turned out the way it did, and Go Taffy! Do you have any professional tips you can offer?

JHW:

– Do not be ashamed or hurried out of your grief over the loss of your pet.
– If you are feeling like you cannot cope with the grief, please call a Grief Coach for help.
– Grief is normal, natural and necessary.

DRS: Thank you for those tips, Judy. Grief is real and there’s no set amount of time that is should or
will last. What’s up next for your business?

JHW: It breaks my heart to finally admit that young people (25-45) don’t read and so I am doing more and more online classes.  Some are free, some are for a fee, some include one on one time with me. Please visit www.ArtichokePress.com and look under e-courses tab.  More are added all the time.

DRS: Sounds awesome. What else would you want people to know about you or your business?

JHW: People have often said “You can’t be an expert in so many fields.”  But, I really am. My gift is to study, observe and research topics and then share them with others in a clear and open way.  I am a wise, intuitive woman and am guided in my writings and speakings.  I come from a place of non-judgment and complete acceptance, so people can find me a soft place to land in life.  Feel free to call me today or schedule a free 30 minute session with me to see if we resonate.  My number is 406.549.9813 and my main website is www.ArtichokePress.com and the blog  is www.Facebook.com/AuntieArtichoke.

DRS: Thanks Judy! I know how delightful you are and I hope that anyone needing or even curious about your services will contact you. Thank you also for your contribution to What to Expect When Adopting a Dog. I am so grateful.