Welcome all animal companion lovers!

The number-one reason people give for pet ownership is companionship. Companion animals represent many things to us. They are our best friends, our partners, our siblings, our children. Companion animals often are our main source of social support. They offer us unconditional love and expect very little in return.

When the bond is broken, we experience a vast range and depth of emotions. These emotions are normal and can include, but are not limited to, anger, regret, despair, pain, relief, guilt, shame and loneliness. It is okay to express your emotions. Cry, scream, talk it out. Bottling up your emotions because “no one will understand” can lead to increased stress and perhaps complicate your grieving process. Remember and reflect on all the good times you had with your pet in addition to grieving the loss of your companion animal.

When an individual has little or no support to deal with the loss of a pet, the grief and mourning experienced can be overwhelming and isolating. One of the struggles associated with pet loss is the difficulty in finding a support network (personal and professional) that is ready and willing to help you cope with your loss. This group is designed to help us understand the process of our animal passing and be surrounded by other people who are going through the same painful loss.

My name is TinaMarie Heckman and I am a Certified Intuitive Animal Communicator. I will soon be starting an Animal Companion Bereavement group in our area. I know the tremendous emotions associated with the loss of an animal companion both, through my own losses and helping clients through their losses.
As an Animal Communicator I have communicated with animals who are preparing to pass as well as those who have passed.