First Tuesday – Pet Loss Support Group at 7:00PM

Our pet loss support group plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the grief and emotional challenges that come with losing a beloved pet. Our Pet Loss Support Group provides:

1. Emotional Validation

Losing a pet can be deeply emotional, and some people may feel misunderstood or isolated in their grief. A pet loss support group provides a safe space where individuals can openly express their emotions and be validated by others who understand the depth of the bond they shared with their pet.

2. Shared Understanding

Participants in a support group share a common experience of pet loss. This shared understanding fosters empathy and connection, allowing individuals to feel less alone in their grief. It can be comforting to hear others’ stories and realize that feelings of sadness, guilt, or even relief are normal and valid.

3. Coping Strategies

Support groups often offer coping mechanisms and advice from others who have gone through similar experiences. Learning how others have navigated the grieving process can provide valuable tools to help manage difficult emotions and find ways to honor the memory of the pet.

4. Mental Health Support

The loss of a pet can sometimes trigger or exacerbate underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. A support group can provide emotional support and guidance, helping individuals process their feelings in a healthy way and find strategies for managing their mental well-being during the grieving process.

5. Community and Connection

Grieving pet owners can sometimes feel isolated, especially if they do not have people in their personal circle who fully understand the depth of their loss. A support group offers a sense of community and connection, helping participants feel supported and cared for during a challenging time.

6. Ritual and Closure

A support group can help individuals explore ways to create rituals or ceremonies to say goodbye to their pet, offering a sense of closure. This can be especially important for those who may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye in person or who are struggling with unresolved feelings.

7. Long-Term Healing

The grief from losing a pet can last longer than expected. Support groups often provide ongoing support, which can be crucial for individuals who are still processing their loss after weeks or months. This long-term support helps ensure that individuals don’t feel they have to “move on” too quickly and can heal at their own pace.

In essence, pet loss support groups offer a compassionate environment where individuals can heal, share, and learn from others in a non-judgmental space, making the difficult process of grieving more manageable. Since starting our Pet Loss Group in 2011, we have helped hundreds of pet owners learn to cope with their grief. If you are having challenges adjusting to the loss of your pet, we invite you to participate in our complimentary Pet Loss Support Group, led by Heather Kotler.

A licensed Clinical Social Worker, Heather has over 14 years of counseling experience and specializes in grief, personal trauma, anxiety, and family therapy. She treats individuals, couples, and families in her private practice in downtown Decatur. Heather currently has an 8-year-old dog named Olive and a crested gecko lizard.

Please join us by RSVPing below. You will then receive a confirmation email with further instructions to join the virtual Pet Loss Support Group meeting. Please check your Junk and/or Spam folder for email communication from us.