What we’re about
First and foremost, big hug, hang in there, and take care of yourself regarding having to endure one of the hardest life experiences, saying goodbye to your loving companion and dear friend. For your reference, scroll down to the "Resources" list for info on immediate & continued help. (If you'd like to add to this list, please message the site with your info.)
I started this group in 2011 to first see if there's enough interest before formalizing an actual face-to-face or virtual peer-supported group, where each participant will have equal time to express their loss & recovery and then the group can further discuss & give advice. So, by joining this group, participants are not held liable for the support & advice given to each other. And, if a participant needs additional support or professional services, then to the best of the group's abilities & knowledge such resources will be suggested.
So, for the time being, this group only communicates through e-mail, which, unfortunately, as the founder/manager of this group I've been horrible with responding to emails, because of life in general over the years, I honestly didn't expect anyone would contact this group, and I figured the resource list would be the ultimate guide for this group.
Going forward, I will be contacting current members to discuss the future of this group, including: members being able to communicate with each other; scheduling virtual meetings, lectures, book clubs, etc.; possible social media presence; and updating & expanding the resource list. In addition, please message this site if you'd like to post your memories & photos.
Below is my story, which prompted forming this group.
Since 2003, my husband and I have been living & working on a small farm east of Salem, which is where I became a cat lady to 4 cats that found us. In 2011, three much-loved cats of ours had to be put to sleep because of fatal illnesses, two due to senior-aged complications from renal failure and diabetes. The third cat had been misdiagnosed, and by the time the correct diagnosis was made, which was vestibular disease associated with cryptococcosis, it was too late for treatment.
I knew these extremely heart-rending decisions were the right ones to make, but it didn't make the loss of these amazing beings any easier on my psyche and in my heart. Soon after, I heard about the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Group, which meets virtually now & previously at its main Portland, Oregon location. Read this link about the founder & former leader of this program (https://www.dovelewis.org/pet-owners/pet-loss-support/program-founder).
It was so helpful for me being among others who immediately understood my grief and listened to my experience, and, like all support groups, it helped me with my grief to listen & talk to others. I looked closer to home for a similar group, but there weren't any. (Willamette Valley Humane Society in Salem, Oregon used to have a group.)
Between this and other support groups, hopefully anyone dealing with such profound loss will find help, support, a friendly ear, and, in turn, help others with their grief. Below are some resources that helped and continue to help me.
Again, thanks for reaching out during such a difficult time. Take care of you, Jill Hearst
RESOURCES:
1. Dove Lewis Pet Loss Support
This site has lots of info & resources.
https://www.dovelewis.org/pet-owners/pet-loss-support
2. Dove Lewis Annual Virtual Service of Remembrance
Scheduled for Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 1:00-2:00pm. Register at this link.
https://www.dovelewis.org/community/events/service-remembrance
3. Buying "My Pet Remembrance Journal" by Enid Traisman M.S.W.
Not sure of the availability at this site. So, call first.
a. https://www.petloss.com/journal.htm
Or, find a copy online or order through your local bookstore.
b. https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/pet-remembrance-journal/author/enid-traisman/
4. Washington State University Pet Memorial Program
https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/pet-loss-hotline/grieving-process
5. Clearinghouse website The Pet Loss Support Page
https://www.pet-loss.net/surviving.shtml
6. A book for coping with pet loss from Lighthearted Press in Portland, Oregon.
http://www.lightheartedpress.com/book-overview/forever-paws/
7. Dignified Pet Services (3 locations in Oregon)
How you choose to say goodbye is personal, emotional, and there's no one way to do it. When I decided to participate in the crematory process, this place allowed clients that access and wonderful support by their staff.
https://dignifiedpetservices.com/44/FAQ.html
8. Glass Cremation Jewelry, Art, Urns
a. InFusion Glass by Joele Williams (Sams Valley, Oregon)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/InFusionGlass?ref=simple-shop-header-
name&listing_id=181707182&page=1#items
https://www.ashesinfusedglass.com/pages/about-us
b. Kelly Howard Glass (Lincoln City, Oregon)
https://www.kellyhowardglass.com/store/c5/ash-memorial-series