Grief Resources

Losing a beloved pet is an emotional and deeply personal experience. At Nebraska Pet Hospice, we support families not only through end-of-life care, but also through the grief that follows. Seeking support can be an important part of healing. The following resources – coping strategies, grief counselors, books, and websites—are here to offer comfort, guidance, and connection.

Local Grief Resources

Nebraska Humane Society	Offers a monthly in- person pet loss support group. Meets first Tuesday each month 6:30 – 7:30pm, NHS Friends Forever Room	Nebraska Humane Society Calendar of Events
A Friendly Ear & Insightful Therapy – Jodi L. Gentleman, LCSW, LIMHP, LISW	Provides counseling services including support for pet loss grief. Located in Omaha, telehealth appointments are available.	A Friendly Ear & Insightful Therapy website
The Collective for Hope	Located in Omaha, offers a monthly online pet loss group for adults. Meets via Zoom first Friday each month, 3:00 – 4:30pm.	– Online Pet Loss Group Intake Form – The Collective for Hope website
Mourning Hope Grief Center	Primarily focused on human loss, they offer resources on pet loss grief. Located in Lincoln.	Mourning Hope website

Helping Pets Cope with Loss

Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center	Provides information and resources about the grieving companion animal	Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center
Argus Institute at Colorado State University	Provides information and resources about the grieving companion animal	Argus Institute at Colorado State University Website
Dr. Dawnetta Woodruff – blog post on Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips Blog	Provides information and resources about the grieving companion animal	Dr. Dawnetta Woodruff – blog post on Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips Blog
VCA Hospitals – Do Dogs Mourn?	Provides information and resources about the grieving companion animal	VCA Hospitals – Do Dogs Mourn Website
Book: How Animals Grieve	Barbara J. King	ISBN: 978‑0226155203 Book: How Animals Grieve – Amazon Link

Coping with Anticipatory Grief and Pet Loss Grief

Understanding Your Grief

Anticipatory Grief happens when you know your pet’s time is limited and you begin to mourn the changes and the impending loss.
Pet Loss Grief follows the death of your beloved companion and may include sadness, guilt, loneliness, anger, or even relief. All of these are valid.

Coping Strategies

1. Give Yourself Permission to Grieve
Grief is a natural response to loss. You may feel waves of emotion—sometimes unexpectedly. Let yourself feel without judgment.

2. Stay Present with Your Pet
During anticipatory grief, focus on quality time. Create gentle, joyful experiences together, even if that means just sitting close, sharing treats, or a favorite routine.

3. Capture Memories
Take photos, make paw prints, save fur clippings, or write down favorite stories and quirks. These tokens often bring comfort later.

4. Express Your Feelings
Write in a journal. Talk to someone you trust. Speak out loud to your pet. It’s okay to cry or say what you’re thinking.

5. Include the Whole Family
Children and surviving pets grieve too. Let them be part of memorial rituals and encourage open conversations about emotions.

6. Seek Connection
Grief can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Join a pet loss support group, connect with others online, or talk with a therapist who understands pet loss.

7. Take Care of Your Body
Eat nourishing foods, hydrate, move gently, and try to rest. Your body carries your grief too.

8. Create Meaningful Rituals
Hold a private or shared memorial. Light a candle. Plant a flower or tree. These acts can offer comfort and a sense of closure.

9. Let Go of Guilt
If you’re facing a decision about euthanasia, know that choosing peace and comfort for your pet is an act of love, not failure.

10. Ask for Help When You Need It
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to support you.

Online & Telephone Resources

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)	A nonprofit offering free chat rooms, support groups, and a wealth of resources.	APLB website
The Pet Loss Support Page	Resources for grief and pet loss, including listing virtual pet loss support groups.	Pet Loss Support Page website
Pet Loss Community	Provides free resources, group support and one-on-one assistance.	Pet Loss Community website
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline	Support hotline staffed by veterinary students trained to listen and support grieving pet owners.	Cornell University website 607-218-7457
Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center	Provides resources and support including a list of hotlines, online support groups and suggested readings.	OSU VMC website
Argus Institute at Colorado State University	Offers resources, including individual counseling and community grief support groups.	CSU Argus Institute website
Best Friends Animal Society	Offers resources, including support groups, hotlines, books, and videos.	Best Friends website
Losing Lulu	A grief support community for behavioral euthanasia.	Losing Lulu website
Pet Parent Grief Line	24/7 Grief Counseling, Free to Pet Parents	844-472-9588