Pet Loss Support Group
Pet Loss Support Group
Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that friend. When you need help and support to cope with the loss of a beloved friend, turn to Pet Rest. Our Pet Loss Support Group meets the second Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. Come to our office to find a comfortable space to gather with folks who are experiencing similar grief.
You Are Invited!
2nd Monday of each month at 7 PM
132 Red Bank Road
Goose Creek, South Carolina 29445
RSVP (843) 797-5735
brian.calhoun@PetRestCarolina.com
"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." -Helen Keller
As you go through this difficult time, here are some things to consider.
Grief is different for everyone. Your process and timing may be different from others. That is okay. Friends and family may encourage you to move on before you are ready. Remember you are allowed to move at the pace comfortable for you. Take the time you need to be sad and feel the loss. However, if your grief continues to prevent you from doing regular daily tasks, like sleeping, eating, going to school or work for more than a few days or a week, it might be time to reach out to a professional mental health counselor to get support.
Some activities you can do to help you process grief include letting go of the "what ifs" - what if I'd done more or done something differently, would my companion still be here. Most likely you did absolutely everything you could to support your pet and it was just their time. Another activity is to find ways to honor them - plant a tree in their favorite spot in the yard, put together a photo collage of their best pictures, or generously donate their favorite bed and toys to other animals in need.
Letting go of a furry loved one can be harder than letting go of human friends and family; pets provide us with unconditional love and are generally hard to have an argument with unlike people. Ultimately, you will move through the grief and into the ability to remember them fondly and with laughter and smiles.
Give yourself the grace to grieve how you need to and move forward when you're ready.
Recommended Books
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"I Will Miss Wolfie: A Children's Picture Book To Help Kids Cope With, And Grieve, The Loss Of A Pet" by Ben King
This book tells a story of a young boy that loses his pet dog. It does not specify how his pet has passed. The purpose of this book is to help young children cope with, and grieve, the loss of a pet. This book helps with grief by letting kids write and/or draw their memories in the actual book. Grieving the death of a pet can be hard for anyone; especially for toddlers.
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"Goodbye, Friend" by Gary KowlaskiList Item 1
Kowalski's book is full of sound, compassionate advice to get through the loss of a pet. Included are ideas for rituals and ceremonies, spiritual guidance readings for solace. Kowalski includes advice on how to take care of yourself after the death of a pet and the importance of honesty when talking with children about this event.
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"Grieving the Death of a Pet" by Betty CarmackList Item 2
Written by a nurse and professional pet-loss counselor, this book draws from her experience of counseling people who have lost a beloved pet, as well as the loss of her own furry friends. Carmack offers pet-loss support to counter “a world that reminds us repeatedly that grief for an animal doesn’t count as much as grief for a person.” The book is poignant and sometimes heartrending, filled with personal stories of love and loss.
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"Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide" by Julia Harris Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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"Three Cats, Two Dogs: One Journey Through Multiple Pet Loss" by David CongaltonList Item 4
The author talks about how he transformed his anguish over the loss of several pets into a commitment to abused and abandoned animals. This down-to-earth book offers solace and practical suggestions for coping with grief. Anyone who has an animal companion will find this story inspirational and hopeful.
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"Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" by Gary Kurz
The death of your beloved pet can be one of the most heartbreaking losses you'll ever endure. But recovery isn't only about closure. You also want to know where your best friend has gone.
After the intense, unexpected grief he experienced following the loss of his own companions, animal lover and biblical scholar Gary Kurz set out to prove that there are indeed pets in Paradise. After devoting countless hours of research, he now shares his inspiring insights to bring you a richer understanding of animals and their souls. You'll finally find answers to common questions about animals and the afterlife--and you'll also get a 30-day devotional to help you work through your grief.
The death of your beloved pet can be one of the most heartbreaking losses you'll ever endure. But recovery isn't only about closure. You also want to know where your best friend has gone.
If you've ever loved and lost a pet, or if you know someone who has shared a special bond with a furry face and a cold, wet nose, you'll welcome this amazing book's reassurance that love and loyalty are truly eternal, and that someday, you and your pets will be together again.
