Archive for the ‘Grief’ Category

Why Talk about Pet Loss?

The Human/Animal bond is powerful and real.

Research tells us that over 62% of our households have companion animals and most of these owners consider these pets family members.  The benefits these family pets bring to our lives have been clinically documented throughout the literature (lower blood pressure and stress levels coupled with more opportunities for socialization etc.,) as has the genuine grief response left in their wakes when they depart us.  (How many of us can honestly say that our partners still greet us at the door literally shaking with joy upon our daily reunions?)   There is something to be said for the presence of unconditional positive regard in our lives and how its departure leaves us emotionally dislocated.

We are so excited to announce that we will be hosting a monthly
Pet Loss Support Group at PWW.

PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
at Paws, Whiskers & Wags

This new support group is offered the first Tuesday of every month beginning
June 7, 2011, from 7:00 P.M. — 8:30 P.M. at our offices in Decatur.

This FREE support group is designed for adult clients of Paws, Whiskers &
Wags and led by a professional social worker, Christy R. Simpson, L.C.S.W.,
whom specializes in Pet Bereavement & Grief Recovery.  Christy has been
providing mental health services for over 16 years and truly understands
that times of loss can provide opportunities for growth.  Come and share
your story or just listen and receive support.  You will find that you are
not alone.

The Rainbow Bridge is a popular poem that has touched countless lives of those who have lost a beloved pet.  It has brought comfort to grieving pet owners struggling to cope with the loss of their best four-legged friends.  Regardless of how many times you read it, the tender and inspiring words will bring tears to your eyes.

The Story

The loss of a pet can be a traumatic event.  Recognizing the grief process and allowing yourself to move through it is critical.  Here are 4 tips for coping with the death of a pet:

Allow yourself time to heal. Exactly how much time is needed depends on the person.

Don’t talk about replacement just yet.

Memorialize your pet. As a way of remembering all of the happiness your pet brought to your life, commemorate your pet in a special way.

Write. Writing memories or stories about your pet can help.  Once the pain heals, you can go back, read and remember the strong memories you had at that difficult time.