PALM BEACH, FL. – It was announced today that Black Paw Memorial Pin and Pet Loss Community have launched a collaboration to create a larger emotional halo around pet grief.
Each inspired by the desire to create a change in the way pet grief was recognized (or lack thereof) in our society. Black Paw Memorial Pin and Pet Loss Community were developed with the understanding that pet loss is like no other type of loss and that many times, the loss of a pet is much more personal with much less community or public involvement in comparison to a human loss. With those insights, each recognized that were was a gap in the marketplace for products and services that address the emotional needs of people that are either having to make extraordinarily hard decisions about the life of their pet or are mourning their loss.
Black Paw Memorial Pin was created and designed to be worn by anyone who has lost their beloved, faithful pet - as a way to honor their memory and to let everyone know that they are in mourning and perhaps could use a little extra kindness in their time of sorrow.
“When you have lost your beloved, faithful pet the overwhelming grief is hard enough, you are just not yourself,” states Hilarie S. Viener, Founder, Black Paw Memorial Pin. “On top of that, you have to walk around with such a heavy heart. This pin is a symbol that lets people know what you are experiencing without having to say a word – and hopefully it will bring comfort at a time of great sadness.”
Pet Loss Community (PLC) was founded by veterinarians Dr. Lisa Lippman and Dr. Monica Tarantino, who identified how isolated and alone pet parents across the country feel after losing a pet. Pet Loss Community offers online grief support for individuals and groups for those experiencing anticipatory and pet loss grief support.
“Pet parents often feel no one understands their grief or that they are not allowed to mourn their beloved pet. We are determined to change that by reducing the stigma around pet loss grief,” states Jessica Bryan, LCSW, Grief Support Specialist with Pet Loss Community. “We offer a safe space for pet parents to authentically express their thoughts and emotions in the company of other pet parents and professionals who truly understand. We're here to provide support in navigating the difficult journey of pet loss and remind pet parents that they are not alone."
When developing Black Paw Memorial Pin, Ms. Viener initially established several collaborative goals post initial launch. The first was to establish a charitable support partnership with an animal welfare organization, which became a reality in January 2025 with the American Humane Society. The second was to offer grief support services.
“I just see what Pet Loss Community offers as hand in hand with what we provide as a symbol and community,” states Viener. “I did not feel that the Black Paw Memorial community was “complete” without actually offering tangible support, in addition to the outward symbol of the Black Paw Pin. With this collaboration we have created a larger emotional halo around pet grief.
The Black Paw Memorial Pin (www.blackpawmemorialpin.com) and Pet Loss Community (https://www.petlosscommunity.com/) will be included as an offering on each other’s websites.
Black Paw Memorial Pin is proud supporter of American Humane Society.
“The Black Paw Memorial Pin is to be worn as a symbol and we are happy to continue to expand our community to support those in need of comfort and understanding,” states Viener. “Anyone who has lost a pet understands the unconditional love …we are hoping to honor that and provide support to those that need it.”
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To purchase a Black Paw Memorial Pin, visit www.blackpawmemorialpin.com
About the Black Paw Memorial Pin
The Black Paw Memorial Pin is for anyone who has lost their beloved, faithful pet - as a way to honor their memory and to let everyone know that they are in mourning and perhaps could use a little extra kindness in their time of sorrow.
Black Paw Memorial Pin Mission
To operate a kind, caring community for people that have lost their beloved pets and provide support and comfort in their time of sorrow.
Black Paw Memorial Pin, Incorporated is located in West Palm Beach, FL.
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Black Paw Memorial Pin
222 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 800
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561.292.0212
hello@blackpawmemorialpin.com
blackpawmemorialpin.com
“This pin is a symbol that lets people know what you are experiencing after the loss of your beloved pet - without having to say a word – and hopefully it will bring comfort at a time of great sadness”
— Hilarie Viener, Founder, Black Paw Memorial Pin