Animal Loss

Are you . . .

grieving the illness or death

of a dear animal,

struggling with overwhelming

emotions,

finding little support for

your feelings,

concerned or embarrassed by

the intensity of your response?

If any of the above are true for you, know that there is nothing wrong or extraordinary about your emotions; in fact, they are normal, natural and necessary. Oftentimes, our society, health professionals, even families and friends are

ill-prepared to support us in the full expression of our grief. Sadly, this is especially common when the object of our loss is an animal.

Sophie's Gift offers grief counseling and bereavement services to adults and children in need of additional support when experiencing the illness or loss of an animal friend.

After 12 years as a corporate lawyer, Calley Gerber gave up that job to start a practice dedicated to animals and animal law. She addresses cruelty issues, as well as what happens to pets when they are abandoned, involved in divorce custody disputes or left behind after an owner dies.

Kelly Strowd, owner of Fetch! Pet Care, is now living her dream after years of planning for it while working as a detective with the Carrboro, NC Police Department. Her pet care/pet sitting service covers northern Wake County, Raleigh, Cary and Apex. From cats and dogs to ferrets and spiders, you can count on Kelly and her professional team to provide quality care for your pets.

Animal communicator Barb Borkowski is a great help to me and to my little cat, Ginger, who has been struggling with a chronic illness since December, 2009. I have the utmost respect for Barb's abilities and am humbled by her gifts. She is deeply connected spiritually, which shows in her work

Of inestimable help to me during Sophie's illness was animal communicator Tera Thomas. It is with enthusiasm and gratitude that I recommend Tera to anyone needing to navigate the often turbulent waters of an animal friend's illness. Tera founded and runs Hummingbird Farm near Pittsboro, NC, "a 49-acre learning center and inspirational sanctuary where animals, humans, and the earth work in partnership. ...dedicated to deepening the understanding, respect, communication, and relationship between all living beings and the natural world around us."

Debbie McGillivray is another wonderful animal communicator that has been of great help to me, both during the time of Sophie's illness and after her death. Not all animal communicators work with the animal after its passing if they have not also worked with it while it was alive. Debbie's ability to do this helps set her apart in the growing realm of animal communication.

Located in Raleigh, NC, Faithful Friends is a compassionate company offering cremation services, as well as memorials, urns and other products to comfort and companion you after the loss of your animal. They are on call 24 hours a day.

AniMall is a locally-run, independent non-profit organization in Research Triangle Park. Owners Dan and Talena offer local rescue groups & shelters a place to showcase their adoptable animals inside a public mall to increase adoption chances.

I'm appreciative of holistic practitioner Susan King. She's been helpful both to Ginger and to me. In her practice, Companion Chi, Susan's healing sessions are tailored to meet the needs of your animal companions. Services include Massage, Reiki, Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Quantum Healing. Flower Essences are also used when needed.