Navigating Illness, Loss & the Human-Animal Bond
Peer Support Group
This virtual peer support group offers a compassionate space for individuals who are caring for a pet with a serious illness, facing end-of-life decisions, or grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Participants are invited to connect with others who understand the unique bond we share with our pets and the complex emotions that can accompany illness, caregiving, anticipatory grief, euthanasia decisions, and loss.
Each session is facilitated by a Veterinary Social Worker and provides an opportunity to share experiences, explore coping strategies, offer and receive support, and honor the relationships that continue to shape our lives. Participation is always voluntary, whether you prefer to share openly or simply listen, you are welcome.
Who can attend? Current clients of participating EVG Network hospitals, including Friendship Hospital for Animals.
What to expect:
- A supportive and respectful virtual environment
- Connection with others experiencing similar challenges
- Guided discussion and reflection
- Practical coping tools and resources
- Space to honor and remember the animals who have impacted our lives
Upcoming Sessions:
Monday, 7/6 @ noon. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/-4dp2mp5TLOQy7VDAui-FQ
Thur, 7/16 @ 5pm. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/wEo616NGTy-IXDz6wY1n8g
Monday, 7/20 @ noon. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/lYxVqHajQLiTcxpKqR1Fkw
Monday, 8/3 @ noon. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/eZNM5bsnRr6fbYbFwq3gvg
Thur, 8/13 @ 5pm. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/B_nAPbW6RgKsMfH4QaQQ8Q
Monday, 8/17 @ noon. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/zVhSksICTi6Haa5pjM4oJA
Thur, 8/27 @ 5pm. https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Nb8MPd_VQG6pNDCI9U1kQw
Please note: This group is designed to provide peer emotional support and community connection; it is not a substitute for mental health treatment or therapy. Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis should contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.
Pet-Loss Resources
We offer our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We can only imagine how difficult this moment is for you and your family. There is no right way to grieve the loss of your animal since your bond and relationship were unique. We hope you may always cherish your fond memories together and find ways to continue to honor your bond in your own time. Many find it helpful to seek additional support for the loss and the following resources are available as a place to begin for strategies to cope and ways to remember and honor their life. If you have concerns that your or your loved one’s grieving is significantly impairing functioning, please seek guidance from medical providers or call 911.
This packet includes the following pet-loss resources:
- 5 Tips for Coping with Pet Loss
- Do Pets Grieve? A DVM Perspective
- Talking to Your Children about Pet Loss
- Memorialization to Honor Your Bond
- Community Connections for Grief
- Pet-Loss Websites, Hotlines and Books
Pet Meadow Cremation Services
Friendship partners with Pet Meadow for cremation services. Pet Meadow picks up from our facility on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Clients may contact Pet Meadow directly at 609.586.9660 or orders@petmeadow.com to pick an urn and memento. Ashes will be delivered directly to your home, unless otherwise specified.
Pet-Loss Memorialization
Pet loss is real loss. Be gentle with yourself and allow intentional time to release emotions. Finding ways to memorialize and honor your pet provides your family important closure and dignifies the meaning they held in your family. Some find it helpful to hold a ceremony or funeral service aligned with their cultural beliefs. Others prefer to write an obituary for their pet, create a photo album, or plant a memorial tree. Personalize your pet’s memorial to reflect their unique personality and preferences, your cultural beliefs, and the role they played in your family. Here are a few suggestions to consider for honoring your pet and getting the conversation started with your family.
Inspiration for Honoring Your Pet’s Life
- Hold a funeral or memorial service
- Write a eulogy, obituary or biography for your pet
- Anniversary celebrations (donate in their honor, go to pet’s favorite parks)
- Create a family album or slideshow (pictures, memories, and quotes)
- Hold a music-based ceremony (bell ringing)
- Plant flowers, herbs, or tree
- Decorate and place a rock in your garden or around your home
- Hang a flag
- Make a toy for a shelter pet (write a message on squeaker before stuffing or on frisbee)
- Incorporate pet’s tags or meaningful items into accessories (keychains, jewelry, car decor)
- Family Campfire (share stories and toss sprig of rosemary into fire in remembrance)
- Place votive light in your home and decorate glass/vase
- Rock painting and rock garden
- Decorate a pot or vase with their collar or other belongings
- Get a tattoo
- Incorporate cremains, pawprints, or noseprints into jewelry and/or decor
- Make holiday ornaments with pet’s picture
- Create a memory or shadow box of pet’s collar/leash/bowl/toys
- Donate to an animal shelter or animal-welfare cause (time or money)
- Journal about the loss
- Write letters or cards to pet (to and from pet)
- Make a windchime with pet’s picture
- Make a headstone
- Decorate a birdhouse
- Frame a picture
- Donate pet’s belongings to accepting animal organizations
Getting the Conversation Started with your Family
- Share your favorite memory with your pet.
- What will you always remember about your pet?
- Where were some of your pet’s favorite places?
- What were some of your pet’s favorite toys?
- What were some of your pet’s favorite treats?
- What were some of your pet’s favorite activities?
- How did your pet like to show their love?
- Share your favorite picture of your pet.
