Grief Counseling
The loss of a beloved pet is a difficult time for the entire family. Grief counseling from the Animal Hospital of Clemmons can help.
Navigating the Loss of a Loved One
Our pets play a crucial role in our lives. They soothe and cheer us up like nothing else during hard times, and act as our constant and devoted companions, sometimes for decades.
The grief that comes with the death of a pet can be just as devastating as that associated with losing a human loved one.
If you have recently experienced the loss of a pet, we encourage you to take advantage of our grief counseling services.
Our grief counseling sessions take place on the third Thursday of every month. We welcome you to join us.
How Our Mindful Pet Loss Support Group Can Help
We would be honored to support you in your grief over the loss of your beloved pet. Our grief counseling services can help you process your loss, and provides tools for a healthy mourning process. We provide support and guidance in the following areas:
Self-Care
We will help you take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Although it can be difficult to face, it's important to give yourself time to mourn. You may want to suppress the grief and keep up appearances, but your to-do list can wait and your friends and family will understand if you need some time to heal.
Be kind and gentle to yourself, and remember that sadness is not a weakness, but a part of life. Suppressing your feelings will only increase stress, anxiety and anger in the long run.
Memorialization
We will help you find a way to honor your lost loved one.
Finding a way to honor your departed pet is an important part of the healing process. Memorializing your pet can help bring you closure, and provide a sweet reminder of all the good times.
Did your pet have a beloved toy? A personalized collar or a favorite spot to curl up? Reflect on these details and take the time create a little memorial just for them.
Communicating with Children
We will help you talk to your kids about grief and loss.
While it may seem kindest to lie to your children about the death of your pet, consider it an opportunity to teach them a valuable lesson about mortality and the grieving process.
Pet loss can show your children what your family does when something sad happens, and that grief and loss are normal parts of life. They can and should grieve, but it's also okay to eventually move on and feel happy again.
Requesting Support
We will help you talk to friends and family about your loss.
You may encounter people who are insensitive to your loss because they don't understand it. They may diminish how you are feeling (intentionally or not) and suggest that you should "just get a new pet".
We will help you navigate conversations about your loss with the people in your life, and give you tools to politely but firmly insist on your right to process your loss in your own way.