Coping With Pet Loss
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital understands that the loss of a pet is a deeply painful and emotional experience. Our staff members are also pet owners who have celebrated the human-animal bond and mourned the passing of many cherished animal friends. We are here to provide understanding of the emotions that accompany the loss of a beloved companion animal. Following the death of your pet, you may experience feelings of grief such as denial, anger, depression and guilt. The effects are often felt emotionally, physically and spiritually. This is part of the normal grief process.

Some pet owners are fortunate to have friends and family who understand these emotions. Others may not have the support they need. Well-meaning friends and family who do not understand the sense of loss that you're experiencing may inadvertently minimize your feelings, leaving you to feel even more alone. Hiding your grief does not help it go away. Talking and sharing your thoughts with others who have lost an animal companion can be comforting and therapeutic.

Remembering the joyful times and special memories of your pet is an integral part of the grieving process. You and your pet shared a precious bond. Your grief is genuine and you'll require love, patience, and compassion as you heal. During this most vulnerable of times, please offer yourself the same loving kindness that you bestowed so generously upon your pet.

In addition to pet loss support, we provide assistance to pet owners experiencing anticipatory grief. This is a feeling of grief that occurs prior to the actual death of a pet. It may be experienced by those caring for a senior pet or a chronically ill or terminally ill pet. Learning how to cope with an expected loss may occasionally require emotional assistance and support. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Jackie Dale-Reynolds is on-staff at RBVH Linwood and is a certified bereavement counselor through the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement. Feel free to contact her at 609-926-5300 for more information.

Resources
Books For AdultsBooks For Children
The Loss of a PetDog Heaven
Wallace Sife, Ph.D.Cat Heaven
Cynthia Rylant

Grieving the Death of a PetThe Fall of Freddie the Leaf
Betty J. Carmack, RN, Ed.D.Leo Buscaglia, Ph.D.

Journey Through Pet Loss
(audiocassette)
Deborah Antinori, MA, RDT, LPC

Online
Association for Pet Loss &
BereavementRainbow Bridge
www.aplb.orgwww.rainbowbridge.com

Pet Loss Support PageHouse Rabbit Society
www.pet-loss.netwww.rabbit.org

Eden PublicationsWings of Compassion
www.creatures.comwww.lafeberwingsofcompassion.com

APLB Certified Counselors are available throughout the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Healthcare Network


197 Hance Avenue1425 East Marlton Pike
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Carol DohertyJamie Johnson
Alissa Gilmartin856-429-4394
732-747-3636


210 Route 206 South535 Maple Avenue
Hillsborough, NJ 08844Linwood, NJ 08221
Pat McGaviskJackie Dale-Reynolds
908-359-3161609-926-5300

Should you wish to participate in a pet loss support group, meetings are held at our Tinton Falls location. The Pet Loss Support Group is led by a licensed social worker and certified pet loss bereavement counselor.

Kim White, MSW, is certified in Thanatology (grief and bereavement) and is a member of the Association for Death, Education and Counseling and the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. She may be reached by emailing her at kimwhite216@verizon.net

Carol Doherty is a certified bereavement counselor through the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement. She has also worked as a veterinary technician for 12 years.

Our Pet Loss Support Group provides a safe, nurturing environment for pet owners to meet, learn and support one another. This group is open to all interested participants and is free of charge. Children are also welcome.

2010 Bereavement Meeting Schedule