3Ws – Reagan Pasternak

I owe Reagan a huge apology. I’ve been sitting on her 3Ws interview for awhile. At first because as the owner of an older dog, I couldn’t bear to think about dog loss. And then because losing Stella was so painful, I put it off a little longer. But I think Reagan has put her experience and empathy to great use in creating a journal that honors the great friendships we have with our pets and the grief we’re left to process when they’re gone. Thank you so much, Reagan, for your patience, and for sharing your kindness and insight with the world. ~Allie

What do you create?

I have been a performer since I can remember. When I get to bring a character to life I’m in my happiest place. When I’m expressing that interpretation, whether it be on film or on stage, I feel that I’m communicating and connecting in the way I was meant to. More recently I created a book! An interactive guide about mourning our pets that have passed. It is part memoir, part journal and part keepsake — It was also born from my need to connect with people.

Why do you create?

I am pulled to constantly create with such an intense force that I find my body shuts down when I’m not accessing that creativity. It sounds dramatic but it’s actually 100% true. I create because I have to. It’s just who I am.