Pet Loss Grief Support in Hampton Roads

All grief is important

The loss of a pet can have a huge impact on one's life. Pets are a part of our families and we have very special bonds with them.

When a pet passes away, it can be hard for others to understand our grief. This can cause our grief to become complicated and take much longer to work through. Grief support, offered to our families through Caring Pathways, gives you someone outside of your immediate circle to help you process what happened and what you are feeling.

"My job is to support you however you need it, as long as you need it." Mandi Browning, Grief Support Specialist, Caring Pathways

Grief is something we all go through

Everyone has to deal with death and grief. Although our society has made some improvements on being more open about death, I feel like the death of a pet is still a disenfranchised grief. Most people in our society barely talk about the death of a human, let alone a pet.

I believe that there is great need for grief support in this arena. When I joined Caring Pathways, we built this program from scratch. What started as phone calls has grown to include a grief support group, a Facebook group, and memorials.

Support that fits what you need

Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice offers the following grief support services through Caring Pathways, before or after your pet has passed.

To get started, contact our office at 720-287-2553 and our team will have our Grief Support Specialist get back to you within 48 hours.

What does a phone call look like?

When you schedule a call with Mandi, that time is yours: a space to express whatever feelings you are going through.

Her job is to hold space for whatever you need, and to make sure you are completely comfortable with her and can trust her with your grief.

"We're going to have a conversation, and we're going to talk like old friends." Mandi Browning, Grief Support Specialist

When can I request grief support?

You do not need to wait until you have said goodbye to your pet to reach out for support.

We understand the grief process begins the moment you find out that your pet has a terminal diagnosis. Our Grief Support Specialist can help you work through the anticipatory grief you may be experiencing at facing the death of your pet.

You can call us during any time of your pet's journey for information about our services. These services may include planning a ceremony, having someone help walk you through body care choices (burial vs. cremation), or simply having someone to talk to.