Grief Support

The loss of your pet hurts. No matter if it’s from a sudden injury, chronic disease, if they are actually lost, or if rehoming was necessary. Every grief situation is unique and powerful. Our society doesn’t always support feeling all these emotions so it can be difficult to address them. Your pet was not “just a dog” or “just a cat” or “just a gecko, chicken, fish, etc.” While we are not specialists in human care, we do feel it is incredibly valuable and necessary to address what our pets mean to us and the toll it takes when they are gone. Please know you are not alone. Your grief is real and will be with you as you move forward with life. We have composed a list of different options to help you at this time, or any time you need it. If you have your own mental health specialist, let them know what you are going through so they can help. Also, try to remember to alert teachers and other important caretakers for your children that your family is working through this grief.

Animal Pet Loss and Bereavement Group

A wealth of information on coping with grief, a pet loss chat room, video support groups, understanding anticipatory grief, recommended books for kids and adults.

Pet Loss Support Hotlines

• Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline – 508-839-7966
• Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Support Line – 630-325-1600
• Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline – 607-218-7457

Suicide Hotline

Call or text 988

Jo-Ellen Watson, PhD, LicSW (Treasure Valley local)

https://grayintogold.com/griefrecoverymethod

joellen@grayintogold.com

• Grief Recovery Method Specialist offering individual and group guidance
• Helping Children with Loss - training courses for parents to help their kids with any type of loss

Lap of Love

Pet Loss Support Group and Pet Loss Journey Course