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Pet Loss Support

Supporting Children Through Grief After Losing a Pet

Author: Kristina Kiefer, DVM Children are much more perceptive and aware of death than many people realize. Gone are the days where “Fluffy is going to live at the farm” is the best option at your disposal to manage the loss of a pet. There are books and resources available that provide information about pet […]

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Pet Loss Pet Loss Support

Altars? For Pets?

Can I make an altar for my pet? By Laurie S. When a beloved pet passes away, the feeling of loss and grief are so immense, it is difficult to know how to navigate the grief. We have lost a life that we were responsible for, as well as a companion, friend, family member. There […]

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Guilt Pet Loss

5 Misunderstandings About Grieving Pet Loss

Authors: Dr. Kiefer, Francesca, LSW Grieving the death of a pet can hurt just as much as grieving the loss of a human. Sometimes more. It can be a hard thing for people who don’t have pets to understand, and that can add hurt and misunderstandings to your grief.  You may not have the words […]

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Guilt Pet Loss Pet Loss Support

4 Reframes for Guilt You May Feel About Losing Your Pet: Thoughts from a veterinary social worker

Author: Francesca, LSW One of the most common reasons people want to speak with a veterinary social worker is this feeling of guilt. An emotional state of conflict can exist because they feel they aren’t sure if they made the right choice in end-of-life care, quality-of-life assessment, or decision making around a certain set of […]

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Pet Loss Pet Loss Support

5 Ways Your Pet Loss Grief Is Not Abnormal

Author: Dr. Kiefer Your grief is not abnormal. Yet, we often feel that it is. At least until we start hearing from other people that are grieving. Note that I did not say your grief is normal. To say something is normal subconsciously implies that there are “wrong” ways that people experience grief. Each relationship […]

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Pet Loss Pet Loss Support Research study

CLOSED: Call for Study Participants: Pet Loss Grief Support

*Thank you to all study participants- this study is now full. If you are interested in this study, stay tuned for results! Can Pet Owners Find Relief and Comfort in their Grieving Process with Self-Directed Grief Resource Tools?  Brief summary: In this study each participant will receive a resource tool designed to aid in supporting […]