Grief resources to support you when the time comes
Facing the loss of your pet or equine friend is always a sad and difficult time for many. For each of us, our experience of grief is unique, as is the relationship you had with your pet. Many members of our team are trained in pet bereavement and therefore will understand what you may be feeling when you contact us.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that you can also rely on your family, friends and other organisations to support you during this time.
Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS)
• A confidential, free pet loss service by trained volunteers available via phone, email or web chat every day from 8:30am to 8:30pm.
• Their mission is to “reach as many people as possible with compassion and understanding so that no one goes through the pain of losing a pet alone.”
Cat’s Protection Paws to Listen Support Service
- Trained volunteer listeners are available to provide practical and emotional support via a confidential phone line, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
The Ralph Site Pet Loss Support
- A wonderful not-for-profit website that provides a multitude of resources and Facebook groups, join an online community with others who are also experiencing pet bereavement.
- The site is dedicated to all the much-loved animals who have touched our hearts.
Books
If you would prefer to do some reading, we can recommend the following books to support you whilst coping with the loss of a pet:
- “Absent Friend: Coping with the loss of a treasured pet” by Laura and Martyn Lee.
- “Goodbye, Dear Friend” by Virginia Ironside.
- “Only Gone from Your Sight: Jack McAfghan’s Little Guide to Pet Loss and Grief.” By Kate McGahan.
To help support your child during this difficult time, we recommend the following books for children:
- “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Erik Blegvad.
- “Saying Goodbye to Lulu” by Corinne Demas, illustrated by Ard Hoyt.
- “The Invisible Leash” by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.
