10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS
Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion, or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that friend. Following are some tips on coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed.
PET HOSPICE SERVICES
What is veterinary hospice?
Veterinary Hospice is a family-centered, medically supervised, and team-oriented service dedicated to maintaining comfort and quality of life for the terminally ill or geriatric pet until natural death occurs or the family elects euthanasia.
Modeled originally from human hospice, this specific type of veterinary care is focused on the comfort of your pet, not at finding a cure for his or her disease. It is important to note that veterinary hospice does not include any diagnostic or blood-work services. Their goal is to focus on comfort and maintaining the human animal bond.
STAGES OF GRIEF
Stages of grief can be complex. This chart may help you as well as your client understand the emotions they are experiencing.
GRIEF COUNSELORS
Beth Bigler at Honoring Our Animals
Beth is a Certified Grief Counselor and Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist by the American Academy of Grief Counseling. She is also a proud member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
Her goal is to counsel you through the process of either anticipatory grief or pet loss in general. Understanding and learning how to cope with grief can lead you to a better understanding of what you are experiencing emotionally and allow you to be able to come to acceptance. Our companions are always in our hearts, and that will never change. She is available for customized 1:1 counseling and support no matter where you are located.
PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUPS
ONLINE
Grief Retreats
A grief retreat for vet professionals to gain coping strategies and self-care ideas, and leave feeling lighter, brighter, and more hopeful for the future.
https://griefretreats.ca/retreats/
Support Center of Lap of Love
Veterinary Care Coordinators across the United States are offering guidance and support for one of the hardest phone calls that we, as pet parents, may ever make.
You are not alone - we are here for you every day of the week to coordinate and assist you every step of the way.
(855) 933-5683
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support (families)
The Pet loss Support Page-Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss (families)
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (families and veterinary teams)
End of Life Care I ASPCA
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care
Pet Loss Hotline: (877) GRIEF-10
Best Friends-resources across the United States
https://bestfriends.org/resources/pet-loss-and-grief-resources
Colorado State
Argus Hosts a Friends of Friends Pet Loss Support Group
See the group meeting schedule here.
Facilitator: Leigh Ann Gerk, MA, LPC
(970) 412-6212
A support group for pet parents with “special needs” pet.
New York Animal Medical Center
New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas
https://www.amcny.org/petlosssupportgroup
Veterinary Wisdom for Pet Parents
http://www.veterinarywisdom.com/pet-parent-products
Support for Pet Parents
Support for Veterinary Professionals
Two Hearts Pet Loss Center