Pet Bereavement

Hello my name is Ann Marie and I am a qualified Pet Bereavement and Support Counsellor. I am sorry you are here but please know that you are not alone. If you would like to share your experience of loss I am hear for you, to listen and to support you.

“ There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings and walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given. ” – Suzanne Clothier. 

The grief that comes with loosing a beloved companion animal can be so emotional and feel very overwhelming. We can feel very isolated as society misunderstands the depth of our pain and we are expected to return to the responsibilities of life almost immediately. Our reality is that we have just lost our constant companion, our loyal friend, our daily routine and witness to our lives. We lost our source of unconditional love that is so hard to find anywhere else, we have lost our best friend. 

Grief for our beloved animals comes in many forms; the passing of our friend, a missing or stolen animal or the feelings of quilt over making difficult choices we sometimes must. Grieving an animal is not only painful because of the loss itself, but often runs deeper because the intense loneliness makes it seem never ending. We often have none of the traditions or sympathetic supporters when we loose our animals. This loss can be physically heartbreaking and emotionally crippling. Please do not be alone, seeking help and support is a positive step in the grieving process. Know that what you are feeling is normal and completely understandable and that I am here for you. 

“ Grief is tidal. In time, it can recede and leave us with feelings of peace and advancement, only for it to wash back in with all its crushing hopelessness and sorrow. Back and forth it goes, but with each retreating drift of despair, we are left a little stronger, more resilient, more essential and better at our new life. ” – Nick Cave.

Research shows that when we receive support before a loss, we tend to cope better after. Part of my counselling service is to also provide Senior, Ageing and End of Life support. Anticipatory grief, caregiver burden or worry about when is the ” right time ” can be exhausting and so stressful. I also combine my behaviour knowledge and training specific to behavioural euthanasia, with my counselling skills and offer support to guardians who may be faced with difficult decisions such as re-homing or euthanasia. Please note that my services never replace your veterinary advice, Vets are the only ones qualified and legally able to diagnose and treat your animal. I work to support you as part of your animals support team. Research by Dr. Mary Gardner found that 50% of our seniors are not seeing their vets in the last year of life. Please keep up with your animals health checks to ensure they are comfortable and pain free as possible, your vet is the most important professional in your animals life. 

I am very proud to be the Bereavement Support for Resting Pets Crematorium, Waterford City and the Bereavement Support for Peaceful Paws Crematorium, Co. Clare. I am also honoured to have been invited onto radio stations to speak of the importance and need for understanding, surrounding the loss of our animals. I have loved and lost many companions over the years, each one took a piece of me with them. I completely understand the heartbreak and loneliness that follows.

If you would like to speak to a Pet Bereavement and Support Counsellor please do contact me on;  089 604 3088.

 Email: Petbereavementireland@gmail.com

  Please know that you are not alone.