| Red Bank Veterinary
Hospital understands that the loss of a pet is
a deeply painful and emotional experience. The
death of a beloved companion animal
may leave you feeling a variety of emotions, such
as sadness, loneliness,
anger or guilt. While some pet owners are fortunate
to have friends and family
who understand these emotions, others may not
have the emotional support
they need.
Our Pet Loss Support Group has been designed
to provide a safe, nurturing environment that
allows pet owners who have lost their cherished
pets to
meet, learn and support one another. This group
is open to everyone and is free
of charge.
| Meeting
Dates: |
Second
and fourth Wednesdays of each month
(Some exceptions apply. Please call to confirm
dates
in advance.) |
|
| Time: |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
|
| RSVP: |
Client Relations
Department at (732) 747-3636 |
COPING
WITH THE LOSS OF YOUR PET
After a loss, you may experience feelings
of grief such as denial, anger, depression or
guilt The effects are often felt emotionally,
physically, and spiritually. This is all part
of the normal grief process.
Well-meaning friends and family sometimes do
not understand the loss that a pet owner feels
after losing a pet.Sometimes, they can inadvertently
minimize feelings of loss, leaving you to feel
even more alone.
Hiding your feelings of grief does not help them
go away. Instead, talking about these feelings
with other pet owners who have experienced
the loss of their beloved pets can be
therapeutic.
Remembering the good times and special memories
of your pet is an important part of the grieving
process.
You and your companion animal have shared a precious
bond. Your grief is genuine and you deserve to
feel supported and cared about.
During this most vulnerable of times, you need
to treat yourself with the same loving kindness
that you bestowed upon your pet.
SITUATIONS
WHERE THE SUPPORT OF A GROUP MAY BE BENEFICIAL:
| •
Death of a pet |
| •
Euthanasia |
| •
Run-a-way or lost pet |
| •
Family members living with an elderly or chronically
ill pet |
| •
Loss of a pet through divorce |
| •
Explaining pet loss to a child |
The Pet Loss Support Group will be led by Licensed
Social Worker, Kim White, MSW. She is certified
in Thanatology (grief and bereavement) and is
a member of the Association for Death, Education,
and Counseling and the Association for Pet Loss
and Bereavement. In addition to working with children,
she is active as a volunteer for several rescue
and animal welfare organizations, serves as a
foster home for animals awaiting adoption, and
is part of a pet therapy team. Above all, she
is the proud owner of two dogs, three cats and
a horse. Kim may be reached by e-mailing her at:
kimwhite216@comcast.net.
READING
LIST
| Adults |
Coping
With the Loss of a Pet
Written by: Christina M. Lemieux |
The
Loss of a Pet
Written by: Wallace Sife |
Loving and Losing
a Pet
Written by: Michael Stern, Ph.D. and Susan
Cropper, DVM |
| Children |
Lifetimes
Written by: Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen |
The
Fall of Freddie the Leaf
Written by: Leo Buscaglia |
|
