Coping With Pet Loss
First of all, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. Without a doubt, the death of a pet can be one of the hardest things we face. Though their lives are shorter on average than our own, their impact on our lives is no less meaningful than the relationships we hold with other people. If you’re struggling with the loss of a pet, you are not alone and you are not wrong for experiencing the deepest feelings of grief in these circumstances.
Our Pet Director, Jackie Williams, is a Certified Pet Bereavement Specialist, dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the grief of losing a beloved companion. Jackie offers both group support meetings and one-on-one sessions, providing a safe and understanding space to share, heal, and remember. If you’re seeking comfort, connection, or guidance during this difficult time, we invite you to explore Jackie’s bereavement support options below.
Groff Pet Loss Bereavement Options:
Support Group Meetings
Regularly-held meetings, designed to foster a compassionate, welcoming space where adult pet owners can share their stories, find comfort, and begin to heal alongside those with similar experiences. Each gathering includes light refreshments and a hands-on memorial activity to honor the memory of your beloved companion. Meetings are held at the Work Space Auditorium (1521 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky, Ohio) and while attendance is free, cash donations are kindly encouraged to help cover the cost of food, beverages, and supplies.
Check our Upcoming Events page for the next Support Group Meeting.
One-on-One Sessions
For those seeking more personal support, Jackie offers private one-on-one bereavement sessions tailored to your individual needs. These sessions provide a confidential, understanding space to express your feelings, process your grief, and find comfort at your own pace. Please note that Jackie is not a licensed social worker or therapist, but is a Certified Pet Bereavement Specialist with dedicated experience helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges of pet loss.
A session costs $40 and is hosted in Jackie's office at Meadow Green Cemetery & Funeral Home (2602 Bogart Rd, Huron, Ohio). To schedule a session, follow the steps below.
- Follow this link to our Payment Center
- Under "Payment Type," select "Pet Bereavement"
- After receiving the payment, Jackie will reach out to schedule your session.
To help cope with the loss of a pet, consider all of the following recommendations from grief support specialists:
- Don’t be afraid to cry - Tears are a natural expression of your grief. Stifling them does a disservice to your emotional health and to the memory of your pet.
- Write notes to your pet - When you’re feeling your worst, write the words you’d like to say to your pet down in a note. This will help you to process the complex emotions of grieving.
- Take care of yourself - Grief can cause us to lose sleep, eat poorly and miss our exercise routines. Taking care of yourself by maintaining your healthy habits leaves you better prepared to handle the grieving process.
- Be kind to yourself - Take a long bath, read a favorite book or enjoy a long walk through the woods. Being kind to yourself is something positive you can do in memory of your pet.
- Avoid unnecessary changes - Major changes in your life or daily routine will only add to your stress. If possible, save them for a time when you’ve had a chance to heal.
- Reach out to others - Anyone who’s had a pet knows what it feels like to say goodbye. Reaching out to others for support can be a healing way to release some of your pent-up emotions.
- Find resources for others in your life - Children and the elderly in particular may have a more difficult time navigating the grief of pet loss. If necessary, find the resources needed to guide them through this process.
If you feel that your grief over losing your pet is overwhelming your ability to cope with the daily demands of your life, contact our office. We are happy to provide referrals to counselors and other resources that can get you the support you need.
