When your companion animal dies, it’s natural to feel grief and sadness, even depression. Our support group is designed to help anyone grieving the death, loss or terminal illness of a beloved companion animal (need not be a MSRPAC adopted animal.) Led by Jeanne E. Kataoka, RScP, OAC, who is an ordained Animal Chaplain, credentialed Animal Bereavement Facilitator through the Passmore Animal Chaplain Program of the Emerson Theological Institute.
Memorial services are held quarterly.
Next Memorial Service Date:
- March 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm via Zoom Password: LOVE
Participants are able to reflect and appreciate how companion animals have enriched their lives, and to help heal the very real pain that accompanies a beloved animal’s transition. Should you wish, you may send photos of your pet to . Candles are encouraged for participation in the service.
Children may benefit from completing the workbook I Miss My Pet.
OTHER SERVICES*
Bereavement Support: suggested offering $65 (up to 90 minutes)
Euthanasia Accompaniment: suggested offering of at least $50
Welcoming/Blessing a new pet at your home: suggested offering $195
*MSRPAC receives a portion of your fee
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WEB SITES
• https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pet-loss.aspx
• https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coping-death-your-pet
READING MATERIAL
- Grieving the Death of a Pet
By Dr. Betty Carmack, R.N., Ed.D., Augsburg Publishers 2003 - Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children
By Herbert A. Nieburg and Arlene Fischer, Harper & Row, 1982 - When Your Pet Dies: How To Cope With Your Feelings
By James E. Quackenbush and D. Graveline, Simon and Schuster, 1985 - Living Through Personal Crisis
By Ann Kaiser Stearns, Ballantine, 1984 - Coping With Sorrow On The Loss of Your Pet
By Moira Anderson, M.Ed, Alpine Blue Ribbon Books, 1996 - The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss
By Russell Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James, Taylor Trade Publishing, 2014
BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
- You're Still With Me
By Lisa M. Algee, E.F. Tongson, 2018 - Helping Children to Cope with Separation & Loss
By Claudia Jewitt, Harvard Common, 1992 - Snowflake in My Hand
By Samantha Mooney, Delacorte, 1983 - The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
By Judith Viorst, Atheneum, 1975 - When A Pet Dies
By Fred Rogers, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1988