I started this group to first see if there's enough interest to then formalize an actual face-to-face Meetup Group. Hopefully, over time this group can meet up at a designated location, where each participant will have equal time to express her or his loss to the rest of the group and then the group can further discuss, give advice, etc. So, for now, communication will only be through e-mail. Here's my story, which prompted forming this group.

   In 2011, three much-loved cats of mine had to be put to sleep because of fatal illnesses and advancing age. I knew these extremely heart-rending decisions were the right ones to make, but it didn't make their deaths any easier. Soon after, I heard about the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Group, which meets several times monthly at its main Portland location and is led by a certified grief counselor. So far I’ve only attended one of their meetings; however, it was very helpful for me being among others who immediately understood and listened to my grief, and I felt it helped me with my grief by listening to and helping others. Since it's an hour-plus drive to attend those meetings, I looked closer to home for a similar group, but there weren't any. (Willamette Valley Humane Society used to have a group.)

  I currently envision this group being peer-supported without a professional facilitator, mostly because I don't know of one who would work pro bono. So, by joining this group, participants are not held liable for the support and advice given to other participants. If a participant needs additional support or professional services, then to the best of the group's abilities and knowledge such resources will be suggested.