Pet Care Giving and Loss Support Group
Sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island
The goal of our group is to provide a forum for adults who share a bond with pets to work through difficult issues like the loss of a pet, caring for an aging pet, facing the probability of euthanasia, and handling children's reactions to the loss of a pet.
Our group counselor, Beth Voso, is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in practice for 19 years in North Kingstown. She has worked with adults, couples, and families and has shared her life with many animals including dogs, cats, and goats.
This group is designed to assist individuals in the following ways:
- To manage guilt: All too often, people must make the final decision for their pets and the questions linger long after the pet is gone.
- To normalize the experience: In our society, grief can be a complicated process. People grieving for a pet may feel alone and isolated because society is not very open or accepting.
- To help with the final decision: Many people attending pet loss support groups haven't even lost their pets yet, but are struggling with the decision about euthanasia. It is helpful to hear how others have handled making the very same decision.
- To cope with the unknown: Some pets don't die, but run off and are lost forever. Wondering what has happened to a pet, if they are alive, or suffering, can be very traumatic for an individual.
- To find and create rituals: Many people want to know what they can do to remember their pet or what their options are in handling their pet's remains.
- To decide when to adopt again: Finally, many people attend support groups because they want to talk about potentially adopting another pet. They ask questions like "When is the right time?" or "Why do I feel guilty about adopting another pet?"
Meeting date: Monthly, second Wednesday of each month
Meeting location: The Meadows Professional Office Park
1130 Ten Rod Road (near intersection of Rt 102 & Rt 4)
North Kingstown, RI
Suite E205
These group sessions are offered free of charge to adults in the Southern RI area.
Please call the ARL/SRI at 792-2233, if you are interested in attending.