The Collar Still Jingles in My Mind: Understanding Phantom Sounds in Pet Loss Grief

Hearing your deceased dog's collar jingle, breathing, or bark after they've died is more common than you think. For months after Charlie died, I kept hearing his collar's metallic sound—that familiar jingle that meant he was near. I thought I was losing my mind. Phantom sounds in pet loss grief are actually a normal neurological response to losing your dog. Your brain doesn't just miss your dog emotionally—it misses them sensorially. If you're experiencing auditory hallucinations, phantom breathing sounds, or hearing your dog's presence when they're gone, you're not going crazy. You're grieving with your whole nervous system. Learn why these sensory experiences happen and how to navigate them with compassion.