Grieving Pet Parents: Learn Coping Skills & Feel Support With Our Free Virtual Pet Loss Support Sessions

Modern Memorials recently announced a series of free virtual pet loss support sessions, led by Kimberly Wilson, LICSW, a veterinary social worker and psychotherapist in private practice in DC. We hope you can join us and reserve your spot for our first event on February 15th at 7:30 PM EST. 

I wanted to share the backstory of how we conceived this event and how helpful I know it will be for anyone experiencing the loss of their pet. 

 When my dog Sally died a few years ago in a tragic accident at doggy daycare, I was, to put it mildly, a total mess. Sally was my first dog, my constant companion, my entire life. My grief was intense. I wrote an obituary. Friends came over to "sit shiva." I couldn't go more than 15 minutes without crying. I couldn't even sleep at home because everything reminded me of Sally. Although my friends and family understood the gravity of my loss, I still had a nagging feeling of, "Am I crazy to be so devastated over the loss of my dog?" 

 About a week later, I wearily and tearfully arrived at my vet to attend a pet loss support group they periodically host. Kimberly Wilson, who led the session (and will be leading ours), greeted me warmly, and I met about a dozen other grieving pet parents. Kimberly began by discussing "disenfranchised grief," which confirmed I wasn't alone wondering if my grief was overblown. (It wasn't!) 

I also learned a lot from others as we shared our individual stories. We all cried together, and the room held a collective sense of empathy. It was cathartic and helpful, and I walked away being reminded of why I started Modern Memorials in the first place. In the wake of the worst experience of someone's life, small kindnesses and compassion (even from total strangers) can make you feel a little less alone. 

I hope you'll join us on February 15th at 7:30 PM EST. Just like at my vet's, we'll keep the group small, so reserve your spot while we still have openings. This event is entirely free and open to anyone mourning a pet.