Christian Pet Loss Support Group

Losing a pet brings a grief that many people don’t understand, yet your sense of loss is real and can be profound. Because of this, St. John’s Reformed Church sponsors a support group for those grieving the loss of a pet. The program entails six different sessions, and participants may join at any time. The group is open to the public and offered free of charge*.

The sessions (typically held the first Monday of the month, 6:45 p.m.) cover:

  • Discovering healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Identifying different feelings on your grief journey, and giving yourself permission to grieve.
  • Honoring your time with your pet as a gift from God.
  • Building up resilience and identifying those in your life who can help.
  • Working through guilt and other feelings of "stuck."
  • Learning to rejoin the world of the living with God's help.

*Pls. RSVP to: office@stjohnsss.org when you plan to attend.

Check the calendar for current dates

From recent attendees:

“I’m so thankful I found this group. Losing my soul dog was the deepest pain I’ve ever experienced, and while I know I’ll always miss him, this group helped me learn healthier ways to carry that grief. Dr. Becky’s kindness, the welcoming space she created, the Scripture she shared, the thoughtful discussion questions and the support of others who truly understood reminded me that I wasn’t alone and helped me move forward in my healing journey one step at a time.”

" After rushing my cat to a pet emergency after cancer started affecting her heart and lungs, the vet who examined her helped me decide it was time, even though I knew that in my heart. All I could do was question if her chances of beating the cancer would have been better if I had noticed symptoms of the cancer's recurrence sooner. Thankfully, I read about Dr. Becky’s support group the week after and went to the meeting. The meetings definitely helped me deal with the grief I had and helped me realize I had done everything I could for Gabby. I know these meeting helped me to heal."

Sessions are led by Dr. Becky Frank, DVM, associate veterinarian with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. Dr. Frank is also certified in Thanatology (death, loss, grief, and bereavement).

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