Lonny, Jingle Bear, and the Season of Magic
My friend, Deb shared this story of holiday magic with me and I was so touched as I often am by the amazing stories of love and loss and hope that I have the honor to hear from people. I asked Deb to share her wonderful story in this blog. In her own words;
Our Golden Retreiver, Lonny, left us on October 19, 2006. Like all parents suffering a loss, we were at turns devasted and hopeful - devastated that we had to continue without Lonny, and hopeful that he would still make his presence known somehow and send us a message. Thanks to Enid and the Pet Loss Support groups at... Read More >
Please, Share Your Story
Did you know that sharing your story with others may help with your grieving and healing process? It’s true, I have had the honor of witnessing this phenomenon first hand over the years as the founder of DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program. Storytelling is considered one of the oldest healing arts; it has been used for centuries as a beneficial way for grieving people to cope with loss.
Experiencing the loss of a very close companion animal can disrupt your world and cause you to re-evaluate your priorities and think about mortality. When a significant life event like this... Read More >
Myths I Have Heard
Myth: People who experience intense grief over the loss or anticipated loss of a pet are crazy, weird, or strange.
Reality: Individuals who say this, or believe this, are judgmental; sadly they have never experienced how amazing it is to bond with another creature. Experiencing powerful feelings of distress over the loss of a loved animal companion is a normal and natural response. People who have strong feelings about the loss of a pet have them because they have experienced a deep emotional bond.
Myth: Pet loss is insignificant when compared to the loss of human life. To mourn the... Read More >
09/10/10 | 12 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 3621 times.
Who attends group? Should I come?
The people who attend group are the folks who have been lucky enough to experience a very special bond with their companion animal. They are grief stricken over the loss or anticipated loss of their beloved pet.
The people who attend group are male and female, young, old and every age in between, of every race and sexual orientation.
The people who attend group have had their pets for 20 years, or less than a year. Their pet has been diagnosed with cancer or has been euthanized to end the suffering of terminal old age. Their pet may have been hit by a car or attacked by a coyote. ... Read More >
09/03/10 | 1 Comment | Post a Comment | Viewed 2738 times.
Benefits of Attending the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Group
Attending the pet loss support group is a very comforting and validating experience. Being surrounded by others who understand the grief over a companion animal on a heart felt level makes one feel less alone and safe. This atmosphere makes sharing one’s story about their pet and their loss possible. By sharing one’s story with others who understand helps diminish some of that grief.
Our pet loss support groups are a free community service; they are “drop-in” and available 4 times every month. Our groups generally run for one hour, however when groups are bigger than 8 -10 people,... Read More >
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