Pet Loss and Bereavement Counseling

The animal/human bond is precious beyond measure. Our beloved pets warm their way into our hearts and become integral parts of our lives; yet when they become sick and/or die, we oftentimes are not given permission by those close to us nor by society to mourn their loss. We may be told they can be easily replaced and to get over it.

Yet the loss of a companion animal may be one of the most devastating experiences of your life. It is not uncommon for this loss to surpass the pain involved in losing a human being. I offer individual grief counseling and therapy and a pet loss support group through the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV).The group meets the 1st Saturday of each month from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at the HSBV (2323 55th St., Boulder, 80301) on the second floor in the administration offices. There is no charge for the group.

In Counseling I Will Support You By:

• creating a nonjudgmental place where you can express your deepest feelings.
• helping you cope with and work through the difficult and, at times, intense feelings of shock, anger, guilt, sadness, and depression that often come when beloved pets become ill and/or die.
• helping you understand and come to terms with the anguish and guilt you may be feeling around anticipating having or having had your pet euthanized. Although euthanasia is a supreme act of love and kindness that ends your pet's suffering, it may be the most heart wrenching decision you will ever make.
• working with you around any issues of unresolved grief from your past that may surface when your pet dies.
• helping guide you through to the other side of your loss, where you will once again be able to think of your companion and the special relationship you shared with contentment and joy.
• discussing with you the timing of and what to expect when getting another pet.

Personally, I have had many beloved pets die in very different ways. The experience of losing each one of them broke my heart and I bring my own experience of working through grief coupled with professional training to help you if your pet is sick, dying, or has died. My experience in doing this work shows that you may need only two sessions to feel substantially better. Longer-term work is also available depending on individual needs.