Pet Grief and Loss
Our pets accompany us as we walk through each day, through the house, and through our life journeys, always by our side and constantly providing us with loving comfort and support. Often, they are also our coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, keeping us calm, distracted, and feeling loved in a busy world that can feel very overwhelming.
The loss of a beloved pet can be devastating and it is a feeling many of us have experienced. Our hearts sink, and there is a heavy weight that forms in our stomachs, an emptiness we carry around with us that no one else seems to notice. Still, despite the profound personal grief, the loss of a pet can be disregarded and misunderstood. This is what some counsellors refer to as ‘disenfranchised grief’. Disenfranchised grief leaves people feeling that they don’t have the right to grieve or worse yet, that there is nothing to grieve over. We are told to ‘get over it’ because, ‘it’s just an animal’. Remember that your grief is always real, is always valid – especially for the furry, scaly or feathery friends that we carry in our hearts every day of our lives.
I understand the overwhelming pain that comes with losing a pet and I am here to support you in your journey. I would love to hear about your beloved pet and the times you spent together, cherishing each others company, as they sat with you, played with you, and were by your side always. I am an animal lover myself who has experienced many losses including my heart pet, beloved 18 ½ year old Cattle/Kelpie Boofey.
I provide counselling for people of all ages, both young and older, who are dealing with expected or unexpected pet loss, or with a pet’s terminal diagnosis. If you or your loved ones are struggling to cope, pet loss counselling can support you through this difficult time.
Rebates are also available to eligible members of Medibank Private or Doctors Health Fund (please refer to your policy for further details).
“The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be.” – Konrad Lorenz
