HOW TO CARRY WHAT CAN’T BE FIXED…
While everyone will experience grief & loss at some point in their lives, it doesn't mean we should minimize its impact or just hope the feelings will diminish over time. Experiencing the death of someone who held an important role in your life can be devastating. Whether you lived with the person and they were integral in your daily life or if it was a strained relationship, but they were still "mom"... Whether you anticipated the death due to illness, it was completely unexpected, or if the person had an influence in their own death... Whether you're a child, adolescent, young adult, middle aged, or older... Grief is powerful.
You may be experiencing:
Uncertainty about your future
A changed outlook on the world
Lack of energy or loss of interest
Anger or rage
Extreme sadness or depression
Numbness
Spiritual strengthening or questioning
Loss of other relationships/Isolation
Physical illness or pain
Inability to concentrate or focus
Increased worries or anxiety
Experimenting with substances to numb the pain
Pretending you're "fine" and that this death has not impacted you
Many people think grief is just a feeling, however we know that in addition to affecting us emotionally, it impacts us mentally, physically, behaviorally, and spiritually.
Pet Loss
The human-animal bond can be so special and unique. After all, our pets often provide us with daily companionship, emotional support, and physical/social engagement. Sometimes the loss or death of a beloved pet can impact us more greatly than other grief experiences; you are not alone and not wrong for your reactions.
Having experienced many pet deaths (dog, cat, bunny, horse, etc.) since I was a child, and having previously volunteered at the Argus Institute at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, I feel skilled and adept at supporting you through a variety of circumstances:
Evaluating options for you and your pet
Assisting with end-of-life decision-making
Navigating difficult discussions with family members and children
Grief counseling following the planned or unplanned death of a pet
IT’S OKAY THAT YOU’RE NOT OKAY.
I am here to support you in your unique experience as you find healing in this new world without that important person or pet.
