Pet Loss/Bereavement Support Group
XXXXX XXXXX
SERP 547
University of Arizona
27 March 2013
XXXXX XXXXX, Ph. D.
Pet Loss/Bereavement Support Group
Losing a pet can be a difficult time for pet owners. The numbers of pets in the United States alone are well over the statistics provided by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org): about 78.2 million dogs and about 86.4 million cats are owned in the United States, which does not include fish, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, snakes, lizards, birds and assorted livestock. When families experience the death or loss of a beloved pet, the grieving process is similar to the death of a human family member with the mourning viewed as unacceptable in the workplace, school or in the public eye. The stress felt during this time can affect normal functioning in the lives of pet owners and should be afforded an outlet to process these feelings.
Pet Loss and Bereavement Support Groups will be a safe format to express emotions with other grieving people who are undergoing the same experience. The groups will be compromised of both new grieving members and members who have experienced the loss who can provide emotional support and guidance to new members. The group members will be provided with information on the Kubler-Ross grieving stages and will be able to identify and express feelings and emotions to assist them through this difficult time.
Group Goals
The Group plans to accomplish the following goals: identify stages of grieving; increase coping skills to deal with the loss of a pet; validate feelings associated with the experience; share experiences; create a safe environment to convey emotions and thoughts associated with the loss of a beloved pet; and provide support during the grieving process.
Screening
Advertising and word of mouth will be the main outreach contact for potential members. Signs and posters advertising Pet Loss Support Group will be...