Welcome to Pets & People - the support network for grieving pet owners...
Loving animals is an important part of being human
Losing an animal friend can feel as devastating as losing a human loved one...
Share the loss of your pet with a therapist who will understand and support you...
Our 24 / 7 Pet Loss Support Line
Australia: 1300 431 450 NZ: 0800 114 421
PLEASE NOTE: This is a toll free number, but once connected with professional, the counselling rates will vary according to the service provider.
Understanding grief & loss
Reactions to grief can be manifested many different ways - some of which might be...
- feelings - of anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, guilt
- thoughts - such as confusion, preoccupation and disbelief
- physical reactions - like sleep disturbances, empty sensation in stomach, breathlessness or tightness in the chest
- behaviour - such as crying, sighing, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, social withdrawal
These are only some of the ways that grief is manifested and everyone's experience will be unique to them and their loss.
Unfortunately, the grief associated with the loss of a pet is often the most misunderstood. Family and friends often mean well, but can sometimes dismiss your pain and distress...
You are not alone...
Pets and People was founded by Dr Michael O’Donoghue and Penny Carroll to provide a supportive process to help people through the grief experienced with the loss of a companion animal.
Counselling can help...
Not all counsellors specialise in grief and even less deal with the grief associated with Pet Loss. But help is at hand.
Our aim at Pets and People is to help connect pet owners with qualified and experienced pet loss counsellors who are ready and willing to support people in this difficult time. We have compiled a list of resources, both paid and complimentary, to help you work through your grief.
Recommended Pet Loss & Grief articles
Dr Michael O’Donoghue establishes Australia’s first Pet Loss Support hotline on 1300 431 450
Grieving animal lovers can now call a national hotline that has been set up to connect people with qualified and experienced counsellor who can help them cope with their loss. At the time of launch there were 10 service counsellors based across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – with the service continuing to expand and […]
Pet Loss & Grief Support Program Offered by Animal Spirit Network
Animal Spirit Healing and Education Network is proud to welcome Teresa Wagner, instructor for ASN’s new Animal Loss & Grief Support Program. Instructor, Teresa Wagner – May 25, 2010 – Chicago, IL – Animal Spirit Healing and Education Network is proud to welcome Teresa Wagner, instructor for ASN’s new Animal Loss & Grief Support Program. […]
New Bios-Urn Hits Australia
Bios-Urn has finally reached Australian shores, landing in Queensland late September 2016 and then introduced to Western Australia early November 2016 by Bryce Roberts called ‘Tree of Memories; Life after Life’. By using Bios-Urn you are now able to grow a tree from your loved ones ashes, creating a living memorial. This allows you […]
Book – Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates
Do all dogs and cats really go to heaven? Yes, they do! The death of your beloved pet can be one of the most heartbreaking losses you’ll ever endure. But recovery isn’t only about closure. You also want to know where your best friend has gone. After the intense, unexpected grief he experienced following the […]
Public Mourning of Deceased Pets Gains Acceptance
Posted: Saturday, March 29, 2014 7:00 am Associated Press | FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Because Julie Mack’s golden retriever was her best friend, roommate, playmate and travel partner, the euthanized passing of the nearly 12-year-old Clancy was excruciatingly painful. As Clancy’s head rested in her lap, Mack said a tearful goodbye in the privacy of […]
Things I Wish I Had Known When My Dog Died
Originally published: Pet City – By JEN A. MILLER MARCH 23, 2017 Credit – Heidi Younger On Jan. 4, 11 years and 26 days after I walked out of an animal shelter in New Jersey with a little white and brown dog attached to the end of a brand-new leash, she died. On this day, an undiagnosed tumor […]
Pet loss Books
Book Review: Kate, The Ghost Dog: Coping With The Death Of A Pet – by Wayne Wilson My review originally posted on Feathered Quill Reviews Aleta is a bright, free-spirited, young girl who lives with her parents and younger brother. She has two great friends she loves spending her time with, and even has aspirations […]
Weekend Sunrise (Channel 7) sheds lights on pet loss and grief with Dr Michael O’Donogohue
Those grieving often suffer in silence because the lack of understanding in the outside world means sympathy is hard to come by. Pet owners are often told, “it’s just an animal” or “you can always get another one” – comments which can understandably be hard to hear.
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