Grief Resources

Losing a pet is a difficult time, and the grieving process is real. Everyone grieves in a different way, and no one way is better or worse than another. These are some resources to help provide you with assistance when you need it.

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Local Support Group for Pet Loss

A program offered by “Joy in the Mourning”® Center for Life Losses

If you have experienced the death or disappearance of a pet, or have had to put a pet to sleep, this support group is designed just for you. Our pets become members of our families and are often our best friends. They love us unconditionally, and when they die or disappear, sometimes we are surprised at the depth of sadness and emptiness we feel. This group offers a place where you and others who are grieving the loss of a pet will discover you are not alone in your grief and where you can begin to heal as you share with one another your experiences and memories of your special friend.

When: 3rd Monday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Senior Center at Lexington Leisure Center, 108 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072
Cost: Free of charge, no pre-registration required
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*This group is fully funded by Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital and Lake Murray Animal Hospital as a community service.

Call (803) 413-2199 if you can’t find us or if you can’t get in when you arrive.

For more information about this group, contact Nancy Pilat-Renner, MA, LPC, CAC, NCC at (803) 546-2923.​

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Pet Loss Resources from CAETA

Veterinary clients find it helpful when veterinarians offer them pet loss support resources.  There are a variety of resources on the internet, however many of them are out of date and no longer in service.  CAETA created this list of references that will be reviewed quarterly so veterinarians can always have a trusted source of up-to-date information to offer their clients.

CAETA PET LOSS RESOURCES​

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Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: Free Pet Loss and Grief Support

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National Suicide Hotline 

800-272-8255 24/7         

    Or Text HOME to 741741

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​Recommended Reading by APLB

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 Recommended Books for Adults:

• When Your Pet Dies:  A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan Wolfelt

• Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by Herbert Neiburg and Arlene Fischer

• Goodbye My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet by Mary and Herb Montgomery

• The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife

• Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love by Lorri Greene

• The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russell Friedman

• Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen

• Coping With the Loss of Your Pet by Christine Lemieux

• My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal by Enid Samuel Traisman

• Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief by Coleen Ellis

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Recommended Books for Children:

• When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

• The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst

• Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

• Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

• I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm

• Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids by Alan Wolfeldt

• Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas

• Goodbye Mousie by Robbie Harris

• The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia

• Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special dog by Mary Gardner and Coleen Ellis

• Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special cat by Mary Gardner and Coleen Ellis