Pet Loss Support Group
People that have experienced the loss of a pet are invited to come and share their stories through writing and reading, every month on the 4th Tuesday 6:30pm-8:30pm. The session is designed to encourage participants to pay tribute to their pets and provide support to each other.
The canine or feline with whom we've had a special relationship and shared our home is often a cherished member of the family. When that companion animal dies, the grief we feel may be difficult to handle. One way to cope is by being with others who are also grieving a similar loss. Another is by writing our stories and then reading them out loud. The session will be led by Jane Baker Segelken, a writer, health advocate, and animal lover who has held writing sessions for those dealing with variety of situations.
Hotlines
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline, 800-946-4646, enter pin number 1407211, then add your own phone number
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline, 607-253-3932, T/Th 6-9 pm ET; messages will be returned
University of California-Davis -- Staffed by University of California-Davis veterinary students, 916-752-4200, weekdays, 6:30-9:30 pm, pacific time
University of Florida, Staffed by University of Florida veterinary students, 904-392-4700 then dial 1 and 4080, weekdays, 7-9 pm, eastern time
Internet Support Groups
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement -- Pet bereavement counselors, virtual condolence cards, counselors at law for pet-related matters, In Memoriam list, bereavement for service dogs, local meetings, and more
Animal Love & Loss Network -- Counselors, local support groups, list of books, memorials, postings for missing pets, chat room
Petloss.com -- The Rainbow Bridge story; Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony; message board, chat room; add pet's name to list for tributes; poetry and music in memory of pets, chat room
Rainbows Bridge Grief Support Center -- One-on-one online grief counseling, memorials, Monday Night Candle Ceremony
Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine -- Grief resources for families with pets
In Memory of Pets -- Submit a tribute, candlelight ceremony, share your pet's family story, photo gallery
Lightning Strike Pet-Loss Support Page -- The name comes from the hope that the page will provide lightning-fast help for the griever
House Rabbit Society's Pet Loss Support and Grief page -- Rabbit specific site
