We know that the hardship of losing a beloved pet can be very difficult to overcome. Our veterinary team can offer pet owners in the North Boulder area support and guidance during this difficult time.
Grief Counseling
The death of a pet can be just as painful as the loss of a family member or friend. It is important to give yourself the time and space to grieve and to experience your emotions.
We would be more than honored to help you in your grief over the loss of your beloved pet. Our compassionate team can help with resources to help you after the loss of a companion animal.
We offer a wide range of counseling services, from coaching you to appropriately and assertively self-advocate during your grieving process to walking you through healthy memorialization strategies to offer your peace of mind and properly pay respects to your beloved pet.
Self-Care
We will help you take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Even though it can be difficult, it is important o give yourself time to mourn the loss of your beloved companion. your instinct may be to suppress your grief and keep up appearances, but your friends and family will understand (and your to-do list can wait) as you take 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 well-loved toy? A collar or favorite spot they liked to curl up in? Make sure to reflect on these details and take the time to create a memorial for them.
Communicating with Children
We will help you talk to your kids about grief and loss.
While it may seem kind to lie to your child about your pet's death, it can be helpful to consider it an opportunity to teach your child 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 feel (intentionally or not) and suggest you should "just get a new pet".
We will help you acquire the tools to have conversations about your loss with the people in your life. These will include ways to politely, but firmly, assert your right to process your loss in your own way.