Animal Hospice and Pet Loss Support Group
Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Partners in Care,
2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, Oregon
A friendly open-ended drop-in group for (1) those whose animal companions are facing a life-limiting illness; (2) those who have experienced the loss of a cherished animal and (3) those who desire to be supportive of others dealing with various stages of loss and change.
This time together is to honor the bond of our animal companions and the meaning this has in our lives; discover possible answers to “what do I do now?” and explore the interconnectedness of grieving and healing together. This community support group is offered at no cost through Synergy Animal Hospice and hosted at Partners in Care.
Please contact Sharen Meyers for more information or to register (not required, but appreciated)
at 541-382-5882.
Pet Support Meetings Flyer
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Animal Hospice and Pet Loss Support Group Guidelines
Purpose: to provide a supportive environment where we can share, explore, and learn from our individual and collective experiences as we journey through various stages of loss and adaption. While support is often of therapeutic value, it should not be confused with or substituted for a therapy group. Our guiding focal point question is, “what one thing would you like to leave with tonight?” to help guide the discussion topics. The intention is that each person will leave the meeting feeling “richer” for the experience.
Confidentiality: what is said in the group will stay with the group; we will not share personal information or matters discussed within the group outside the group---unless there is expressed permission to do so. While we may make a generic reference to something that was discussed, we do so in a manner that protects the identity of those involved. No one will be pressed to share more information than they are comfortable with disclosing.
Support: we provide support by listening and witnessing one another’s journey of grief and growth; sharing our own experiences; and providing feedback if requested. We honor the uniqueness of each person and seek to learn from and with one another while remaining sensitive to each person’s process, similarities, and differences without judgment. We do not try to take another person’s pain away from them, but rather, assist in helping one another cope and grow through the experience of love and loss of an animal companion.
Interaction we may ask questions of each other that help us reflect, explore, clarify, or problem-solve (if so desired). However, each person also has the right to not speak and/or to “pass” on any questions so posed. We refrain from advice giving and attempts at “fixing” unless feedback is specifically requested.
Sharing: All contributions are important to the group and all are encouraged to share their experiences in a manner that allows “equal air time” for all. This may involve keeping input to 3-5 minutes to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share.
Respect: We do not have side conversations so that we can listen to one another. We remain focused on topic and when we drift off, we gently redirect ourselves. We honor our own being as well as each other without criticism or judgment. We will begin and end on time to protect the integrity of our time together.