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Led by Love: Healing Grief After Animal Loss

Led by Love: Healing Grief After Animal Loss

Rio Retreat Center at the Meadows
April 20, 2026 8:30am - April 24, 2026 4:00pm MT
Promotional graphic for “Led by Love: Healing Grief After Animal Loss,” an equine-assisted emotional trauma workshop held April 20–24, 2026 at the Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona.

5-Day Experiential Workshop | Emotional Trauma

Grief following the loss of a beloved animal is often deeply personal and frequently overlooked. Led by Love: Healing Grief After Animal Loss is a five-day experiential workshop designed to provide a compassionate space for individuals to acknowledge, process, and heal from animal loss.

Led by licensed therapists and integrated with equine-assisted experiences, the workshop combines the trauma-informed Meadows Model, guided reflection, mindfulness practices, and facilitated group work to support participants navigating grief connected to the loss of an animal companion.

Through structured interactions with horses and supportive therapeutic experiences, participants are invited to explore grief in a grounded and non-judgmental environment while reconnecting with themselves and others who understand the depth of the human-animal bond.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for anyone grieving the loss of an animal, including:

  • Individuals mourning the loss of a companion animal
  • Horse owners, riders, trainers, and equine professionals
  • Veterinarians and veterinary staff
  • Animal care professionals and trainers
  • Police K-9 handlers and law enforcement professionals
  • First responders who work alongside animals

Participants may be processing loss related to:

  • Natural passing
  • Euthanasia decisions
  • Rehoming or transfer of animals
  • Missing or lost animals
  • Professional animal-care transitions

Workshop Experience

Participants will engage in:

  • Equine-assisted therapeutic experiences
  • Guided reflection and facilitated group discussions
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Evening wellness activities such as yoga, tai chi, and live music
  • Access to the Brain Center and fitness facilities

Workshop groups run Monday through Friday, approximately 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with additional evening programming available.

Presenters:
Janna Dewey, MA, LPC Director of Equine Programs at The Meadows

Janna Dewey, MA, LPC is a licensed therapist and animal behavior consultant with a unique focus on the human animal bond. Drawing from her background in counseling, animal behavior, and years of hands-on work with animals experiencing fear, anxiety, and aggression, Janna helps individuals explore the deep emotional connections they have with the animals in their lives.

Janna’s work is grounded in the belief that relationships with animals can profoundly shape our emotions, decisions, and sense of identity. She is especially passionate about supporting people who may feel misunderstood or hesitant to talk openly about the impact of these relationships. By integrating clinical therapy with an informed understanding of animal behavior, Janna offers care that honors both human and animal experiences with insight, compassion, and respect.

Learn More and Register Now
Organizers:
Location:
Rio Retreat Center at the Meadows
Cost:
$3,950
Type of Event:
Other