Pet Bereavement Counselors:
Ontario
| Canada | |
|---|---|
| Ontario | |
There are literally hundreds of people who are now counseling in pet bereavement, and it is not possible for the APLB to register them all. Some hesitate to be listed in any directory, others are first discovering the benefits of this wonderful service, and many more are still unknown to us. We welcome all new applicants to contact us directly by mail or online at aplb@aplb.org. This listing is arranged according to geographical location. We are pleased that every counselor registered below is a member of the APLB.
Hamilton
Suzan Fawcett, Ph.D. (Abd)
Bond St. N.
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 3W2
Phone: (905) 529-6994 or (905) 818-5756
Email: suzanjane@gmail.com or dove@finaljourney.ca
Website: www.finaljourney.ca
In the spring of 2006, I established a service called Final Journey. This service helps prepare for honouring the loss of our pets. My focus is creation of a ceremony to celebrate the their companionship and love. I have completed the pet bereavement internship with Dr. Sife through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. This experience has reinforced my belief in the need to understand that the loss of animal companions is as devastating as the loss of human companions — and sometimes even worse.
As a lifelong animal guardian I have experienced the loss of many companion animals over the years. I know that pain of this loss is not dulled with repetition. However, with time, talking and tears our bereavement becomes a part of the history we share with each of our wonderful companions. In my role as the Director of Final Journey, I have learned that compassion and care help in the transition from sorrow to acceptance. An important thing to remember is that we will never forget the loyalty and love of our pets, or the time we shared together.
Ottawa
Ian Henderson
Bereavement Support & Education-Ottawa
4 Nobleton Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 6A6
Phone: (613) 858-3113
Email: ian@griefsupportottawa.ca
I am a graduate of The Death & Grief Studies Certification Program from The Center For Loss & Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado. I have also recently completed The APLB Certification Program in Pet Loss. I have been a grief educator for the last 5 years. Our company offers grief support groups in and around the Ottawa area. In addition to groups, we offer one-to-one grief counselling sessions. I am also a member of the after-care program with Tubman Funeral Homes in Ottawa, offering workshops in grief education and pet loss.
I believe it is critical that pet loss be acknowledged as a major area of grief and bereavement. While it is not possible to compare any grief with another, losing a pet is a significant loss to any responsible pet owner. These grievers must have access to the necessary counselling to guide them through their journey of loss. There needs to be a safe environment available where grievers can tell their stories without being judged.