DOG LOVE & DOG LOSS

rief can take many forms, and one alum is addressing the nuances of grief and death to help others in some of life’s most challenging moments.

Camille Claibourne, APRN, PhD (Human and Organizational Systems, ‘02), recently released her fourth book, Dog Love & Dog Loss. This book centers on a branch of thanatology the study of death and dying that she previously hadn’t explored.

After assisting with a grief workshop and losing her beloved golden retriever, she decided to channel her grief into the book. In Dog Love & Dog Loss, Dr. Claibourne expresses her lifelong love of dogs and what it means to lose a pet that has become part of the family. It delves into understanding and support for grieving pet owners and specifically outlines funeral services for a pet and the rainbow bridge, as well as other resources and narratives.

“Shortly after my dog died, someone mentioned to me, ‘Well, it is only a dog,’ and I teared up,” Dr. Claibourne recounted. “It shook me up. Others were truly compassionate. I began to study disenfranchised grief, which led me to help individuals who may need ‘space’ and support to grieve a pet or other death that sometimes goes unrecognized.”

This work is in tandem with her 40 years as a registered nurse, as well as her other publications and dissertation.

“My goal has always been to bring hope to despair and to bring love and compassion to the sorrowful no matter what,” said Dr. Claibourne. “I want to care for others during their time of need and try to connect people and groups to other people and groups in order to make this world a more healing place.”

Her other books include Purses and Shoes for Sale: The Joys and Challenges of Caring for Elderly Parents (2016); Dying in

GGod’s Hands (2007); and Pathways to Hope (1996). Her dissertation was titled, “Thanatologic Realization and Life Integration: A Study of the Dying Experience and How People Prepare for Death.” Dr. Claibourne credits Fielding with helping her work come to fruition.

“Fielding opened my heart and mind to connect my studies and advanced nursing practice,” she said. “I was drawn to be a scholar-practitioner. I love the inquiry part of life and wanted to stay grounded with real-life experiences. The Fielding community is the mountaintop of my journey and has kept me climbing the hills and valleys of life. I am forever grateful.”