Give space for transformation…
… and you can find compassion in the garden of the night sky
I am prepared to journey by your side. Whether you mourn the departure of a cherished one including a beloved animal, the changes of life’s journey, the burdens of societal injustices, or the deep sorrow of ecological decline, I’m here to offer compassion and empathy.
“When you’re in a dark place,
you sometimes tend to think you’ve been buried
Perhaps you’ve been planted.
Bloom”
Anonymous
Services Offered
Loss and Grief Support
Finding someone who is understanding and empathetic can be challenging for people who are grieving or anticipating the loss of a beloved individual. Whether you are anticipating a loss or grieving a beloved animal, or human, or you’re experiencing eco-grief, I am available to provide support throughout your grieving process, offering compassionate listening and assisting you with arranging a meaningful memorial or sacred farewell.
Animal End-of-Life Support
I am here to assist you in caring for and making decisions for your animal companion during their final stages of life. Having experienced the loss of multiple cherished animal companions, I empathize with the pain it brings. This is precisely why I pursued a career as an Animal Chaplain, aiming to offer a supportive hand throughout the entire process, be it a natural passing or euthanasia. I aim to provide support, lend an ear, and create a safe environment for you.
Support for Professionals Working with Animals
I assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal trainers, shelter employees, rescue workers, and animal welfare professionals in rediscovering a fulfilling purpose in their work. I offer guidance for those dealing with compassion fatigue.
Support for Activists
We’ll discuss your interests and align your advocacy interests with those you want to support, whether finned, furry, scaled, feathered, two-legged, four-legged, etc (always free of charge!) I offer guidance for those experiencing compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout.
Is there something else you’re considering that isn’t mentioned here?
Please reach out – I may be able to support you.
Honoring Our Beloved Ones
While we are generally familiar with rituals and traditions surrounding the loss of a human individual, we tend to lack a similar set of traditions when it comes to animal loss or about eco-grief. However, this situation is rapidly evolving as an increasing number of individuals acknowledge the profound bond between humans, animals, and our beautiful planet.
I am here to assist you in exploring choices for commemorating someone you cherish. I can guide you in individualized rituals that honor someone beloved.
“Alaina offers a gentle and comforting path to those navigating heartbreak. She helps humans navigate grief, from the loss of animal companions to conundrums about free-living wildlife in our local habitats and animals suffering in human-created systems. Alaina combines deep listening with nonjudgmental communication. In addition, she can guide you through creative activities, based on your unique needs and preferences, designed to help you transform broken heartedness into courageous healing.”
Rev. Sarah A. Bowen, program director, Animal Chaplaincy Training at Compassion Consortium
Who is Animal Chaplaincy for?
- Rescue organizations
- Veterinary clinics
- Those experiencing animal or loss of a human individual
- Individuals with a fear of death
- Liberations and activists
- Individuals experiencing eco-grief
- Workers, professionals, and volunteers in animal welfare groups
- Staff and animals at animal sanctuaries, animal shelters, and more
“Alaina Sigler is an Animal Chaplain of the highest order. Not only has she received excellent training through the Compassion Consortium, but she proceeded that training with a loving life dedicated to interspecies connections, volunteering at animal sanctuaries and permaculture projects, and demonstrating in many unique ways how to live in harmony and reverence for all life. During a Seven Days of Rest international online program, I was privileged to enjoy her excellent presentation of the planting of a tree, not only with reverence for the tree, but also for all the tiny beings who live in the soil where the tree was being planted. Alaina brings her deep connection to Infinite Wisdom and Sacredness to her work.”
Judy MCoy Carman, author of Homo Ahimsa:
Who We Really Are And How We’re Going to Save The World
How to work with me
1
Schedule a session
2
We develop a plan together centering your strengths and needs
3
Transform emotions into peace and gratitude
“Every seed has a different way of blooming. It simply depends on how it reaches out to the light.”
― Réka Kaponay
Learn More About Animal Chaplaincy
What is an Animal Chaplain?
As an Animal Chaplain, I provide comfort and guidance to individuals and animals alike through various stages of life. I offer compassionate companionship tailored to unique situations such as end-of-life care, mourning and recovery after loss, strengthening human-animal connections, and advocacy for the earth and all sentient beings. Acknowledging the inherent dignity and interconnectedness of all living creatures underlies every aspect of my practice.
I understand how overwhelming coping with the imminent passing of a cherished family member or grappling with post-loss despair. Allow me to accompany you during these trying times, offering solace and direction as we navigate a transformative journey together.
I also support animal care professionals who find themselves struggling with the emotional challenges often encountered in work dedicated to helping animals. Please know that I recognize the emotional burdens involved in such selfless vocations. If you need someone to listen or offer encouragement as you strive to alleviate suffering in nonhuman lives, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Do I need a particular faith/religion/spiritual path to work with you?
You do not have to be a part of any faith tradition to consult with me; your identity may be religious or spiritual, atheist or agnostic. When we work together, our discussions will honor the wisdom tradition or spiritual path that you hold… or honor that you do not hold to a particular path or tradition. If we decide to work with rituals together or plan a memorial service, they will again incorporate your beliefs or traditions in whatever way you prefer.
Who do you help?
I am here for you through all the joys and sorrows that sharing our world with animals brings. A few of my specialties include:
- helping caregivers navigate and ease grief following the loss of a beloved family member
- Supporting animal care professionals such as veterinarians, vet technicians, and those working in sanctuaries, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. I provide support to help reconnect with meaning in their beautiful work to save others and overcome compassion fatigue, empathic distress, and burnout challenges.
Phone calls or video conferencing are available to anyone. In-person offerings are available up to 50 miles from zip code 80011.
How does this work?
Care seekers can choose between phone consultations, virtual visits via Google Meet, or face-to-face encounters when engaging in animal chaplaincy services. Each session entails opportunities for heartfelt discussions centered on personal stories and uncovering or affirming underlying significance. We adapt our approach according to your distinct circumstances, incorporating strategies such as goal setting, contemplative practices, ceremonies, elements of meditation (mindfulness), rituals, blessings, or any other way that tailors to your beliefs and routines. Our primary objective remains to ensure an individualized and sensitive experience that honors your autonomy and values. Be sure to explore the “Offerings” page to learn more about the different options for each area.
“Night time
You’ll find her there
Blooming
Like a night rose”
― Melody Lee
Love from Care Seekers
“Alaina is one of the most dedicated and compassionate people I know. When it comes to understanding and defending non-human animals, I don’t know anyone who works harder. I would recommend Alaina without reservation.”
David Croisant, Denver, Colorado
“I had a wonderful call with Alaina! She supported me in processing the grief I have felt about the animals I’ve accidentally hurt. In her listening and in her responses, she gave me empathy, and affirmation, and helped me see how I was not alone. She also offered self-compassion resources. And she invited me to reflect on the resources I already had and to celebrate those. It all worked well for how I was feeling and what I needed.
The conversation inspired me to greet my guilt and my grief with greater acceptance from now on, as I continue to make amends for the past and campaign for a better future. I’ve been practicing this acceptance in the days since we spoke. It’s going well! I feel more wholehearted like I can finally forgive myself. I wanted to write this positive review to encourage others to take advantage of the support Alaina provides. She truly has a gift for this work!”
Phoenix Huber, Denver, Colorado
“I’ve carried this grief for far too long after falsely being accused of animal cruelty. I failed my animals because the legal system truly does not take an animal’s feelings into consideration. I trusted Alaina because I’ve known her for years and shared her enthusiasm for bringing animals’ oppression to light. I needed someone who wouldn’t judge and would listen. Sometimes that’s all you need to get the strength to continue the fight. Thank you, Alaina, for being there for me.”
Ellen K., Denver, Colorado
“I am so glad that I met Alaina and decided to work with her. Her services were exactly what I needed. I received more than I could have imagined from her offerings. I learned practical steps I can take in my real life. We also drew from my own insights and experiences. It felt like a natural partnership. If you work with Alaina, you will feel heard in a deep and genuine way. She deeply respects the bonds we create with our animals. Talking with someone who already understands this bond was such a relief and deeply impactful even with just a few sessions. I recommend her 100%.”
Christine Serva, Colorado
“Alaina is a wonderful animal chaplain, very compassionate and thoughtful. I highly recommend her!”
Dave Simon
“I appreciate Alaina’s openness, warmth, and ability to empathize. In our conversation, she reflected back to me what needed to be heard and offered gentle guidance when asked. Her insights helped me find my own path forward in a difficult situation.”
Molly Flanagan
“A heartfelt thank you to Alaina Sigler, an Animal Chaplain from The Night Sky Garden for her compassion and generous guidance when our beloved residents pass. Alaina has been kindly facilitating the Celebration of Life ceremonies at the sanctuary, while also providing the staff with grief counseling services. We cannot thank you enough for all of your love, light, and compassion.”
Kelly Nix, Managing Director, Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, Erie, Colorado
“Alaina has a gentle approach to supporting those who are grieving. She has a variety of tools to offer our community and has been a light during difficult times.”
Jen Balsiger, Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary, Erie, Colorado
thenightskygarden.org 