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WHAT: The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief Counseling Program, designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal, meets at 1:30 p.m. the third Saturday of every month at the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney. The next meeting, free and open to the public, is on Saturday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m. Additionally, the SPCA of Texas offers monthly meetings at its Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas on the first Saturday of each month.
Diane Pomerance, Ph.D., a SPCA of Texas volunteer and certified Grief Recovery Specialist, along with trained volunteers, administer the program incorporating grief support groups, one-on-one counseling, telephone counseling, volunteer education and training and more in a safe and supportive environment.
Twelve years ago when the program launched, there were very few (if any) resources in the Metroplex that could help someone adjust to the loss of a dearly loved pet. Dr. Pomerance developed this flagship program with the SPCA of Texas in response to that need.
There are countless pet owners who find it extremely difficult to cope with the loss of a pet. This program fulfills the needs of those who need to "work through" their loss with the help of specially trained and compassionate volunteer counselors and others who grieve the loss of their pet.
Services include telephone counseling, one-on-one counseling and group counseling.
WHERE: SPCA of Texas’ Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center
8411 Stacy Road
McKinney, TX 75224
Conference room
FREE, open to the public
WHEN: Saturday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Third Saturday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: www.spca.org or 214-742-SPCA (7722)
Pet Grief Helpline: 214-461-5131 (all messages are returned within 24 hours)
WHY: Pets are members of the family, constant companions, teachers, gentle leaders and special friends. They deserve our utmost respect because that is what they offer us with no strings attached. Dogs and cats teach adults and children alike about the meanings of empathy, compassion, responsibility, unconditional love and self-worth.
While grief is the normal, healthy and natural response to loss, the Pet Grief Counseling program encourages grievers to dispel common myths and misinformation, identify and express their feelings of loss in a safe and supportive environment, and participate in a series of exercises that guide them through the processes of awareness, acceptance, resolution, action, recovery and moving beyond the need for counseling.
The death of a pet can bring with it many of the same intense, painful, profound feelings associated with the loss of a beloved human being.
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