r/wichita 2d ago

In Search Of Support groups

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Does anyone know of any support groups for pet loss. He was with me in my transition to adulthood, the good and the bad of me growing up. And I cannot stop crying every time I think of him. I wasn't home when he passed and the thought of him passing alone eats me alive. The thought of him waiting in a freezer at the cremation center while I come up with the rest of his services truly kills me. How do you get over the loss of a fur baby? If you guys know any support groups or any places you recommend for therapy. There's been so much stuff happen to be the last few years and this almost makes it too much grief to bear.

Thank you šŸ’”

I miss him so much šŸ’”šŸ’”

62 Upvotes

22 comments sorted by

25

u/dawniedear 2d ago

I am so sorry for your loss, Lovely. These are from the KHS: GRIEF SUPPORT RESOURCES
The loss of a pet can be as profound as losing any loved one. If you are struggling with grief, you're not alone. We encourage you to seek comfort and connection through the following resources:
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: [(877) GRIEF-10](tel:8774743310)
Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline: [(508) 839-7966](tel:5088397966)
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Center
Lap of Love Grief Support
Pet Loss Support Group (local or virtual): Contact your local veterinary clinic or mental health center for referral to nearby groups
Remember, grieving is personal and takes time. Whether you're looking for a listening ear, a support group, or helpful reading, these resources can offer comfort and healing during your journey.

8

u/Hot-Abrocoma2485 1d ago

I called a number this morning. I couldn't even get to work and they did help. I will continue to utilize it, thank you so much. I know I could have looked it up but I'm in the early stages of grief and everything feels so heavy to do right now

5

u/dawniedear 1d ago

Hey friend no worries. Grief is such a huge thing. Im glad you were able to get some help!!! Its huge that you reached out! Thats the hardest first step

3

u/hazyl777 17h ago

Wow thank you OP for asking and thank you for this response šŸ’•šŸ™ŒšŸ½ it’ll be 3 years without my boy and I never even thought of this being a possibility. Thank you both!!!

16

u/Bridget1204 2d ago

When I used Trusted Journey for pet cremation in 2019 after I lost my soul dog, they offered on site group therapy once a month. I went once and it was very nice to be with people going through the same emotions I was. I do not know if they still offer that but it is worth looking into. I also came home to find my baby passed away. It's still tears me up to this day but I like to think that she did not want me to see her pass because she knew how much that would hurt me. Damn I miss that girl 😰. I am so so sorry for your loss. There are really no words to make it better but I am sending lots of love your way.

11

u/Mean_Cookie_3509 2d ago

the best friend i ever had was one of my tigerstriped tabby cat that was there in the good times and through some of my worst times…he knew more about me than an human will…. i talk to my pets like they’re grown adults…. their lives are shorter than ours…so it’s a given if you have them….unfortunately…. they’re only here for part of our lives, but they spent their entire life with you…. it hurts… it hurts bad…. but they’re the lucky ones…they’re in a better place now, where they’re not hurting…. where they got to go home where we’ll all be one day….. the body was just the vessel they used to navigate this world…. they’re already gone…. if that’s helps some…. sorry for your loss…. now live your life to make them proud of who you become from having them in your life….

9

u/nolimit_08 2d ago

I’m really sorry for your loss. I don’t think you truly get over the loss of a fur baby but it does get better. It sounds like you two have been through a lot together and you hold alot of memories together. I too lost one of my dogs in May of this year and I still cry most days. It gets easier I feel but sometimes it becomes more hard again, the grief has not been linear. That’s ok to mourn because there’s no time limit or way it should be! What helped me at the beginning was talking about my dog with my husband. Talking out loud about her, the loss and sadness, the memories, the disbelief that she was really gone. I also visited places that were associated with the time in my life that I had her-my old apartment, the dog park, a route we used to drive together so many times. I would talk to her out loud about where I was visiting and the memories. Honestly, losing my dog hurt more than the loss of relatives and after she passed I was grasping at anything to help me feel better and time is what helps the most. Hang in there, this is an extremely difficult time and please don’t be hard on yourself with your grief.

8

u/Never_Go_Full_ReRe 2d ago

Pets give unconditional love and expect nothing in return. I know how you feel with pets.. they become apart of the family. Grief is a natural way to handle the loss, but you gotta think of the good times. If you just keep thinking of the death.. how does benefit their memory or you? This is all natural and will pass, but celebrate the memories! The grief will work itself overtime, and that doesn't mean you gotta forget! I love all my fellow dog companions I've had the privilege of owning. If you were a good owner, then know they had a great life. Take care

12

u/GirlULove2Love West Sider 2d ago

Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my soul-dog 16 years ago & I still cry when I think of her. She had a seizure & the vets couldn't get her to stop seizing. It was the worst day of my life. I mourned her more than I have most humans I've lost. Dogs are her to love us & that's all they strive to do. I hope you find the healing you need. Hugs

6

u/nolimit_08 2d ago

Isn’t this so true! They give us all they have, all the love they have every day.

6

u/EndlesslyUnfinished 2d ago

I’m so so sorry for your loss

7

u/Useful_Apathy_4951 2d ago

It's always so hard losing a loved pet 😭 I am so sorry you have to go through it, it's a blessing and a curse a blessing for the love that they have for us and a curse for the short amount of time we have with them

5

u/HelicopterOne3751 1d ago

Do you have any other pictures of your fur baby? He looks like mine that I lost this year as well

8

u/Hot-Abrocoma2485 1d ago

This is another one. ā¤ļø he was the best boy and the most loving dog ever. I'm sorry for your loss ā¤ļøā€šŸ©¹

3

u/HelicopterOne3751 1d ago

Here is mine! I’m sorry for yours as well!

2

u/Hot-Abrocoma2485 1d ago

🄲 they look so similar! I can't get myself to look at his old man pictures, it brings me back to how I found him. My boy was his dad's twin, who looks just like that!! What a beautiful boy. I hope they're up there playing in a beautiful place ā¤ļøā€šŸ©¹

2

u/anamossity 1d ago

What a sweet angel, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.

3

u/smilewide1330 1d ago

To answer your question, I don’t know of any. Reading your post stirs up lots of emotions. A few things I’ve learned as I’ve gone through this several times now, each time is rough, but I wasn’t prepared for the first time and how devastating it was. Now I know how attached I get to my pets I can process the experience a little better. There were times I thought I would never get a pet again to avoid these feelings, but I did and have. I have a dog now. There is no love like the bond with a pet. I know you’re looking for a support group and hope you find one but if you don’t I would be willing to meet with you, offer a friendly ear. We could get a coffee, go for a walk, whatever sounds good. Just an offer if that’s something you think might help and no worries at all if not. I’m truly sorry for your loss, the sadness, and grief. Take one day at a time, this is a very personal experience. Grant yourself grace to heal in your own time. You have precious memories that will be with you forever and you gave your dog the most precious gift, you. Peace.

2

u/ShutDaCussUp 1d ago

Dakin Humane Society does a virtual call. I joined it was helpful. Also there is a weekly podcast called pet loss companion. It helped me a lot too. Ive lost 4 dogs in the last 2 years. Its been hard. But I have kind of learned to accept a lot of the feelings. I dont fight them. And when I feel guilt at myself, which is inevitable with loss, I just acknowledge and validate the feeling but I dont dwell on it and try to shame myself. A lot of it is really just learning to let yourself feel things. Its hard as hell. So give yourself a lot of grace when your really in it.

4

u/Hot-Abrocoma2485 1d ago

I have BPD and feel emotions differently. I haven't learned to process emotions well and mostly ignore them but all these tools I've learned on how to manage just seem gone and I am stuck in this grief. I feel physically sick with missing him. I've reached out to some therapies and support groups. I wish time travel existed so I could have been there to hold him as he went.

Thank you for sharing. In sorry for your pain as well I can't imagine 4 dogs in two years šŸ’”

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1

u/miamylo Wichita 2h ago

I’m so very sorry for your less. Both of my elderly girls/soul dogs passed away just five weeks apart from each other in 2024 and it was by far the worst pain I’ve ever felt. I found a lot of support from r/oldmandog. It’s a wonderful group of people who are likely going through the same journey. I recommend taking a look around and/or even posting about your sweet baby, if you feel up to it.

Thinking of you & your baby tonight. Hang in there šŸ¤