Pet owners facing the difficult period of end-of-life care for their animal companions now have a new resource that combines professional expertise with personal experience. Angela Human's book, Furry Mortals: The Oliver Project, addresses what she describes as the "agonizing 'limbo'" that millions of pet owners experience each year—a time marked by difficult medical decisions, anticipatory grief, and the approaching final goodbye.
Human brings a unique perspective to the subject as both a veteran of the deathcare industry and a pet parent who experienced the loss of her own beloved pet, Oliver. Despite her professional background navigating the intersection of technology and memorialization in human deathcare, she found the emotional and practical hurdles of pet loss overwhelming when faced with Oliver's decline. "In the funeral industry, we talk about preparation and legacy every day," says Human. "But when it was my own pet—my Oliver—I realized there was a silent struggle pet owners face."
The book moves beyond traditional manuals by weaving together expert palliative advice with poignant stories from other pet parents who have navigated similar losses. These narratives provide what Human describes as "a raw, honest look at the diverse ways people navigate loss," ensuring readers never feel alone in their decisions. "Loss is universal, but the path through it is deeply personal," Human explains. "By sharing these stories alongside practical guidance, I wanted to create a space where pet parents feel seen, heard, and supported by a tribe of people who truly 'get it.'"
Key elements of the book include strategies for managing anticipatory grief during a pet's health decline, a framework for making end-of-life decisions, community stories that offer perspective on the human-animal bond, and practical ways to honor a pet's life through meaningful action. The book has already resonated with pet owners seeking what Human describes as "a grounded, sincere voice in a space that is often either too clinical or overly sentimental."
Furry Mortals: The Oliver Project and its companion guide, The Furry Mortals Compass, are available through multiple channels including www.FurryMortals.com and major online retailers. The book represents what Human calls "a much-needed bridge between the professional world of end-of-life logistics and the raw, personal heart of a pet parent," addressing a significant gap in resources for those navigating one of the most challenging aspects of pet ownership.
