Heartfelt Healing: Navigating Pet Loss

At Copper’s Integrative Veterinary Care, we understand that the loss of a beloved pet can be deeply challenging. This dedicated resources page offers compassionate support and guidance to help you navigate this difficult time; many of which are free to low-cost, both virtual and in person. Whether you seek advice, emotional comfort, or ways to honor your pet’s memory, we’re here to support you through every step of your healing journey.

This page is filled with resources found with love by Cara Novick in honor of sweet Zoie (pictured above), who gave love to everyone she met.

Reading Materials

• “The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise” by Adrian Raeside
  

  • A beautifully illustrated and touching book that offers comfort through humor and warmth.

• “Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet” by Gary Kowalski
  

  • A thoughtful and spiritual guide filled with rituals, readings, and advice for moving through grief.

• “Dog Heaven” and “Cat Heaven” by Cynthia Rylant
  

  • Gentle, comforting books with child-like illustrations that help all ages cope with the loss of a pet.

• “The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies” by Wallace Sife
  

  • Written by a grief therapist, this book provides psychological insights and practical advice for mourning.

• “For Every Dog an Angel” by Christine Davis
  

  • A heartwarming, poetic tribute to the bond between dogs and their humans, perfect for moments of reflection.

• Reading For Children
  

  • “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst
    

    • A heartfelt story that encourages children to reflect on and celebrate the life of a beloved pet.

  • “I’ll Always Love You” by Hans Wilhelm
    

    • A gentle story about the bond between a boy and his dog, teaching kids about love, loss, and saying goodbye.

  • “Saying Goodbye to Lulu” by Corinne Demas
    

    • A tender and realistic look at the death of a family dog and the grieving process that follows.

  • “When a Pet Dies” by Fred Rogers
    

    • Written by Mister Rogers himself, this compassionate book helps children understand and talk about their feelings.

  • “The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet” by Patrice Karst
    

    • A reassuring story that introduces the idea that love continues even after a pet is gone.

You’re Not Alone: Support Groups and Resources

The resources below include links to webpages with more healing information and information on the support groups offered and when.

• Good Omen Counseling – Pet Loss Support Groups
  

  • When: Third Thursday & Last Tuesday of each month
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
  • Format: Virtual (HIPAA-compliant Google Meet)
  • Contact: Amanda@GoodOmenCounseling.com
  • Support Group Page: Good Omen Counseling Pet Loss Support

• Dakin Humane Society – Pet Loss & Healing Support Group
  

  • When: Second Tuesday of each month
  • Facilitator: Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, Family Therapist & Author
  • Format: Group sharing, grief support, honoring your pet’s memory
  • Support Group Page: Dakin Humane Society Pet Loss Support

• SPCA of Wake County – Pet Loss Support Group
  

  • When: Third Sunday of most months
  • Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Format: In-person group support
  • Support Group Page: SPCA Wake Pet Loss Support Group

• FETCH a Cure – Richmond, VA
  

  • When:
    

    • First Tuesday: Virtual via Zoom
    • Second & Third Tuesdays: In-person at 5711 Staples Mill Road, 3rd Floor

  • Who: Complimentary support for families and children
    Support Group Page: FETCH a Cure Pet Loss Support

• Virginia Beach Pet Loss Support Group
  

  • When: Offered quarterly in 2025
  • Facilitator: Maureen Kelleher, ATR, LPC (Counselor & Art Therapist)
  • Support Group Page: Virginia Beach Group

• Lap of Love – Pet Loss Support Services
  

  • Offers a wide range of free and specialty grief support options:
  • Virtual Support Groups
  • Educational Courses
  • Grief Webinars & Specialty Sessions
  • Support Group Page: Lap of Love Pet Loss Support

• Michigan State University – Pet Loss Support Group
  

  • When: Second & Fourth Thursdays of each month
  • Format: Virtual support groups
  • Note: Provides grief support resources for pet owners.
  • Support Group Page: Michigan State Pet Loss Support Group

• Pet Loss Resource Center
  

  • When: First Saturday of each month
  • Format: Virtual support groups
  • Support Group Page: Pet Loss Resource Center Support Groups

• Insight Counseling – Pet Loss Support
  

  • When: Offered periodically (Check website for dates)
  • Format: Virtual and In-person sessions available
  • Support Group Page: Insight Counseling Pet Loss Support

• Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital – Pet Loss Support
  

  • When: Third Monday of each month
  • Format: Virtual Support Group
  • Contact: Call or email for details
  • Support Group Page: Massachusetts Veterinary Pet Loss Support

• Stack Veterinary Hospital – Pet Loss Support
  

  • When: Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month
  • Format: In-person and virtual support options
  • Support Group Page: Stack Veterinary Pet Loss Support

**Please note, days and times may have changed since our last update of this list, please check with the resource prior to scheduled times to confirm**