What is Pet Loss Counseling

Grief is grief, yes- but each grief is unique. The loss of a beloved pet can strike at the very core of our being due to the nature of the bond.
If you are mourning the loss of a beloved pet through death or other means you may be overwhelmed with difficult emotions right now. In many ways, our hearts really don’t know the difference between the love for an animal and the love for a human. And because of the unique unconditional love experienced in the human-animal bond, we may find ourselves surprised at the depth and intensity of our grief feelings.
Why is it so hard?
Our pets are members of our families, and as such, distinct roles and attachments are created, no differently than with human family members and often much closer.  Our bond with our pets has a purity not found in our human relationships. Our pets don't judge us nor do they hold grudges against us. They pursue us and want to be with us and give us a sense of purpose as they innocently depend on us to provide for their needs. 

The void left in our hearts and homes when they are gone is real and takes time to adjust to on many levels.  

​It is important, however painful, to allow yourself to experience over time, the full range of emotions that accompany the loss of your dear pet for as long as it takes you to work through your loss. Pet loss support is a safe and caring place for you to do this healing grief work, individually or in the Beyond Words Grief Group which is held on demand.

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Pet Loss Individual and Group Therapy

The nature of the bond or attachment we form wipets differs per person b
​Our feelings of grief can be further intensified by the circumstances surrounding our pet’s death, as well as the insensitivity of well meaning others who may not understand that bond. The pet loss experience and grieving is further complicated as the bereft pet owner often experiences isolation, self-doubt and confusion about their emotional reaction. Your grief is not a sign of weakness but rather the excruciating pain that accompanies the loss of someone very near and dear to you.  It is my sincere desire to help you through this very difficult time.

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A Storm Called Grief: 
a roadmap for pet loss grief 
by Sue Mocniak, Msw, LISW,

This hand-out  is a navigation guide through the general process of grief symptoms applied specifically to the loss of a pet. The guide is designed as a starting place for validation of your loss and education regarding pet loss grief, as well as, a facilitation of the grief process and what you may be experiencing now and in the future as you cope with your loss. 

It is shared out of my own personal experience of pet loss and developed after research yielded no grief model specific to pets. It is interwoven with a variety of concepts from human models of grief that have been adapted to address the unique needs of grieving pet owners. It is dedicated to the life and memory of Bosco & Moochie. My dear sweet Jody girl passed away on July 11, 2022. I am grateful for the 15 years we spent together. What a goofy, funny, affectionate and sweet girl. Rest In Peace my dear one.

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Jody

Moochie & Bosco

Pet loss support counseling seeks to validate and normalize the unique significance and profound meaning our pets bring to our lives and to help you process your grief in a safe and understanding environment. 

We come to realize, we don’t grieve just their absence – we grieve all the spaces they filled in our lives. We don’t get over it but through it –
We are changed by it.

Restore Counseling offers individual counseling and group counseling for pet loss grief. Please feel free to contact Sue Mocniak for information about scheduling. I am here to help. 
Call: 614-354-6962 or email at:
mailto:[email protected]
If your friend or loved one is grieving the loss of a pet and you don't know how to help them, here are some tips to show you care:

• Send a sympathy card
• Send flowers, a plant, or memento
• Take light food or beverage to them
• Tell them you are sorry for their loss
• Sit with them - let them cry- tears are healing.
• Be Patient & Non-judgmental - notice your own discomfort with trying to "change or fix things" Let that go and just be there.
• Donate in memory of the pet to a cause you think they would appreciate
• Call or text to let them know you are thinking of them- they will appreciate it.
• Listen without trying to fix
• Don't lecture or preach
• Please don't say the following comments as they diminish the loss:

"Are you going to get another one?"  "Well, he's in a better place now." 
 "It's just a dog, cat..." "You can come pet my dog, cat..." "Are you still not over that?" "God needed another angel." "He / she was old and ready to die anyway." "You are overreacting." "You need to be strong."