Are You Coping With the Loss of a Pet?
Amid life's roller coaster of a divorce, a move and a new career goal, Vacaville resident Holly Bell found comfort and stability in her beloved black lab, Mitzi.
But when the sweet, smart pup who soothed her so many times died of a heart attack two years ago, Holly was lost. "It just tore my heart out," she recalled. So she turned to art therapy.
Although she had no formal training, she picked up a pencil and started sketching Mitzi, discovering that drawing helped ease the pain.
Holly's natural talent was quickly spotted by friends and family members, who asked her to create sketches of their beloved pets, and she happily agreed.
Each illustration takes several days to complete, she noted, as she pores over photographs of the pet, and interviews the grieving owner so she can better capture the animal's spirit and personality, particularly in its eyes.
"Doing these drawings helps me and it helps them cope with their loss. I'm happy to do it," she said.
That's why she will be offering her services free of charge to anyone who chooses to participate in a Pet Loss Support meeting sponsored by NorthBay Health Oct. 16. If grieving pet owners bring a photo or two of their pet, Holly promises to create a sketch for them.
The pet loss session will be led by Veterinarian Barbara Hodges, who understands the pain of losing a pet. She lost her 16-year-old terrier, Tweed, earlier this year.
Dr. Hodges practices holistic small animal medicine in the area, and while in veterinary school at UC Davis she completed training and served as a volunteer counselor for the university's national Pet Loss Support Hotline. She has also attended an International Symposium on Veterinary Hospice Care, held at UC Davis.
The Pet Loss Support Hotline was discontinued several years ago due to budget cuts, but the need for support among pet owners is still there, Dr. Hodges notes.
Recognizing that need, NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement Volunteer Coordinator Linda Pribble was inspired to offer this one-time workshop as a pilot, to see if the need is there for pet owners to deal with their grief.
"In our work, we deal with people grieving for the loss of family members all the time. But for some people, the loss of a pet can be just as devastating," said Linda.
Attendees will be offered light refreshments, grief support information and an opportunity to share their stories.
The meeting will begin at 6:30, Oct. 16, at the NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement office, 4520 Business Center Drive in Fairfield. For information, call (707) 646-3517.
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