Pet Grief / Loss Counseling Services
Our pets enrich our lives. They offer us unconditional love and support. They help us get out and exercise, stand by us through difficult times, and provide us with companionship. We think of our pets as family members, and it is hard to imagine life without our dear pets. When we lose our pets and this bond is broken, we can experience a wide variety of emotions.
Caring, compassionate support designed to assist you, your staff, and clients through pet loss and related pet transitions
We may feel anger, guilt, despair and loneliness. These emotions are normal and it is important to have the opportunity to express these in a safe environment.
After experiencing the loss of family pets, and most recently the loss of my dog/special "buddy" Wishbone, I have found a growing need for support services for those dealing with pet grief and loss. I have a keen sense of the animal-human bond, and how people can be affected when this very special bond is broken.
With this in mind, I have decided to offer support services for others dealing with pet grief and loss. It is my desire to help others understand their grief, cope with their loss, and begin to heal. I hope that by offering pet support programs to this community, I can offer pet owners and people who work in veterinary care compassionate support and practical suggestions to cope with pet loss and transitions.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting your through your loss and move to healing.
Wishbone: 1996 – 2012
You are not alone…
As a mental health counselor and animal lover, I can provide a safe environment for you to explore your feelings. I offer a variety of informative and interactive support programs, as well as individual counseling, to help assist you through the difficult loss of your loved pet. Other topics of interest regarding pet loss and transitions from pet loss can be explored, allowing programs to be tailor made to meet your needs.
I offer Pet Grief and Loss Support Groups or Individual Counseling For:
- Individuals
- Families
- Elders
- Veterinary Staff Members
Pet Loss Support Group
In this group, we work together to understand the human-animal bond and the impact on your life, explore the nature of grief, and provide you with an opportunity to share your story, honor your pet's memory, and nurture yourself.
Groups form on an ongoing basis with 2-5 people. They are held on Mondays 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. If there is sufficient demand, groups can be held in the afternoon as well.
These groups are now done on a secure online platform. No in-person groups are available at this time.
Individual Counseling is also available with Anne Marie. She is also available to speak on pet grief and loss for your group or organization.
Call Anne Marie at 585-615-5492 for more information or to register.
- Facilitator:
- Anne Marie Farage-Smith, LMHC
- Cost:
- $175 (4 Weeks)
Advance Registration & Payment Required.