Grief and Loss Support

Losing a pet is hard, and if you’re struggling, there is real help.

If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please go to your nearest emergency department, or call 9-1-1. You can also try the new BC Bereavement Helpline. It’s open M – F from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

• 1-877-779-2223 (toll-free, outside of the Lower Mainland)
• 604-738-9950 (Lower Mainland)

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also offers 24/7 Canada-wide call, text and chat access to trained crisis counsellors who can help people experiencing suicidal, mental health crisis, and/or emotional distress.

Steps to help move forward with the grieving process…

1. Accept that what you are going through is normal.
2. Allow yourself to feel the way you feel.
3. Embrace the process and accept help and comfort.
4. Create a new ritual/habit.
5. Celebrate your pet. Memorialize them in a way that works best for you.
6. Forgive.

Ways to Assist with Grief:

• Post a Memorial Tribute on our Facebook Page – others that like the page will supply support and understanding as they have been through this same process. Visit the Facebook page.
• Light a Virtual Candle and Pay Tribute at PetLoss.com
• Attend an on-line support group and download resourceful strategies to assist with the healing process at the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement.
• Take a course on the healing process at Grief Healing.
• The Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful poem that has received worldwide recognition for connecting with people that are grieving the loss of their furry friend. You can find opportunities to assist with grief and loss of pets at The Rainbow Bridge.
• Write a Letter/Read a Letter – Place for comfort and healing at Letters to Pushkin.
• Struggling to assist your children in understanding your pet’s loss? Chance’s Spot is a helpful resource.

Hounaïda Bellasfar

Author, Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist

Most people consider their pet a part of the family, so losing your pet can be traumatic! Because we live in a “feel good” society, we are raised with misinformation about how to recover from pet loss. If you’ve tried to feel better, but still feel heartbroken and alone, there is nothing wrong with you. It’s simply a matter of using the wrong tools.

If you have found that your family and friends don’t seem to understand the level of your grief, please know that you are not alone. Without comparing our relationships with our pets to those with people, we know that, because of the unique emotional relationships we have with our pets, their deaths produce a level of pain that is difficult to describe.

I’ve been there. I’ve lost my puppy, BB Prince. And most probably will be there again. After applying the Grief Recovery Method (GRM) I felt lighter, alive again and free from guilt and despair. The Grief Recovery Method is NOT COUNSELLING! It is a six weeks program focused on offering pet owners an effective mechanism for taking action to move through and beyond their grief. GRM helped me remember the good things and make peace with the bad ones.

Website: WelcomeYourDream.com
Book: Trust, Acceptance & Power

Faynixe Chartrand

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Growing up, I was always surrounded by animals; pets were an extension of my family. Needless to say, I intimately understand the heartache of bidding a sad farewell to a beloved pet. This profound connection is why I’ve chosen to specialize my counselling practice in pet loss grief. I am equipped to offer you deep compassion during your grief’s various states, stages or phases.

I believe in cultivating a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship to establish a sense of safety. By actively listening to your grief experience and your relationship with your pet, I seek to fully understand your personal bond and story.

While working with you, my focus is on providing deep empathy and unwavering care. As pet lovers, we often experience depression-like symptoms after losing a beloved pet, a level of sadness that many may not understand. I offer a space where emotional healing and growth can naturally unfold. People often tell me they appreciate my down-to-earth and non-judgmental approach, which is at the heart of my practice.

Each of us is unique, and so is the way we grieve.

Website: HavenHeights.ca