Grieving pet parents share what it’s like to
find support after pet loss
- real stories from our community -You’re not the only one feeling this way. We promise.
Take your time to read these stories shared by members of our community who found comfort, connection and understanding through our support sessions.
Faith lost River, her Aussiedoodle, in August 2025
“Before I joined the group, I was hopelessly lost, in despair, absolutely miserable. While I'm still grieving, I can look forward to our group meetings where I feel free to be completely me, even if I still am lost, in despair, and miserable. The group understands me. We share our sorrows. There's no doubt that being in the group has helped me feel ok about myself and trust that I will feel a little better every day.“
“I couldn’t have made it through these past few weeks without all the caring people in the group!!”
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“Sonia's devotion to those who are suffering from pet loss is boundless. I've never found a more welcoming atmosphere than in this group. Please join us and be amazed at the love and compassion you will experience!
The group has helped me understand that I can be sad about losing my pet, but ok about other parts of my life. We learn to be grateful for the unconditional love we received from our precious pets, and we cope with the loss as best we can.
The group has helped me to express my grief. I hear how others have learned to cope and adjust. I use their tools to help me deal with my loss. Knowing I have a "place" to go where my tears are not judged, where the ways I grieve are accepted as OK, where I can speak of my pet with others who totally understand, takes a huge weight off my shoulders.
I don't have to pretend to be all right in front of these compassionate people. I can grieve openly, and that gives me great comfort. I'm not crazy. I'm someone who lost their soul mate and is suffering.”
“I don't have to pretend to be all right in front of these compassionate people.”- FAITH, ON RIVER
Fiona lost Lucy, her Norwegian Forest cat, in January 2025
“Words cannot express my gratitude for this wonderful group and I’m truly grateful I found it. It's so supportive, helpful, kind and compassionate. Sharing with and listening to like-minded people who really understand is so helpful. It’s helping me navigate this difficult time, and it means more than you'll ever know.
When I lost my cat, Lucy, I was heartbroken. I searched the internet for support, but I couldn't find anything appropriate until I found this Pet Loss Support Group. Thank God I did. ”
“The group is helping me navigate this difficult time, and it means more than you'll ever know.”
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“It has really helped me through the last 7 weeks. I needed to be in the company of people who understood. I needed empathy and compassion and kindness, and I get all that. It's a beautiful, safe, supportive space to share how you're feeling and what's happening for you at whatever stage of your pet grief you're at.
We're all grieving together and support each other with the utmost respect and compassion. Sonia is just an incredible human being who holds the space for us beautifully and supports us all in such a unique way.
If you're hesitating about joining us, please don't. We would love to hear all about your pet. You are not alone. We are all on this journey together.”
“It's a beautiful, safe, supportive space to share how you're feeling.” - FIONA, ON LUCY
Stefanie lost Bryndis, her Oriental Shorthair cat, in December 2024
“This group has enabled me to deal with my grief. Pet grief is so disenfranchised and lots of people simply do not understand it.”
“Before joining this lovely group, I felt utterly broken and thought I was never going to cope; now I feel empowered to mend those pieces.
I struggled when I lost Bryndis and realised there was nothing out there to share the grief with until I came upon this group. I just wanted to talk to people who 'get it'. This group has enabled me to deal with my grief; pet grief is so disenfranchised and lots of people simply do not understand it.”
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“I found it comforting to be in an accepting environment where my grief was 'ok'. I find conversations around guilt very helpful and just the constant reminder to be kind to yourself is so valuable! It's such a lovely group. It's a space to share your grief, memories, laugh and cry together.
If you need support and are thinking of joining the group, I'd say, go for it! Please join us! This is such a diverse group of people united by grief, and the tolerance and acceptance are outstanding.”
“This group has been a lifeline the past 2 years.”- STEFANIE, ON BRYNDIS
“The group is excellent. Reach out, as you will be welcomed with open arms. You will be heard, understood, and cared about.”
Teenie lost Holly, her English Springer Spaniel support dog, in August 2025
The group is excellent. Reach out, as you will be welcomed with open arms. You will be heard, understood, and cared about. Everyone is in the same boat, everyone understands, and we can help each other cope.
I felt desperate and wondered how I could even survive without Holly by my side. I'm alone and utterly devastated and need help to cope without Holly. She wasn't just a dog, she was everything to me after a really hard life with very little support. I feel now I must take it one hour at a time, one day at a time, and reach out to the group for help and understanding.”
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“Sonia does a fantastic job with the group. We are very blessed to have her help and understanding. She is sensitive, intelligent, kind, supportive, welcoming, understanding, and lovely. She made me feel very safe, heard, and cared about. She also emails and remembers everyone's story, their pets' names, and asks how we are. I see it all, and as someone desperately alone with no one here to help me, this help is invaluable.
David is sensitive and kind and always has a phrase, a smile, or a story, words of wisdom to help."
“As someone desperately alone with no one here to help me, this help is invaluable.”- TEENIE, ON HOLLY
Jane lost Pippa, her Labradoodle, in July 2022
“I found the Pet Loss Support Group online, and it's a gem!! It’s been a traumatic 3 years, so without finding this group, I’m not sure how I would have started putting one foot in front of the other.”
“I found the Pet Loss Support Group online, and it's a gem!!! I just love it!! It's a very comfortable, supportive, and lovely, friendly group.
It’s been a traumatic 3 years, so without finding this group, I’m not sure how I would have started putting one foot in front of the other. I've been spiralling in distress the last three years, but now, finally I'm taking steps after ALL these years to get some form of support. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be doing that without this group.”
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“When we got Pippa I wasn’t in a very good mental health place and although she was never trained as a therapy dog she most definitely stepped into this role wholeheartedly and with gusto. I struggle with anxiety and social anxiety and getting out of the house can be incredibly difficult, but going out with this beauty helped so much. When I lost Pippa, my ability to get out was very limited as my husband worked.
When I lost my beautiful 14-year-old Labradoodle, Pippa, the pain, emptiness, loneliness, and lack of understanding from people were overwhelming. I’ve not been the same person since that day Pippa went to sleep. I was broken and didn’t know which way to turn and who to turn to for support.
The group is giving me the space to finally start the healing process in a caring and supportive environment, which I have been missing out on since I first lost Pippa. It's a much-needed group in my healing journey because the people here 'get it'. It really helps to listen to others experiences and realise others loved they’re pets as much as I love my Pippa, and that I'm not alone in my pet loss grief.
If you're struggling with a recent pet loss, or like me, for a longer time, the care and support given is the same. I was a little nervous when joining the group and was sure I wouldn’t speak. However, I was so grateful to be given an outlet and opportunity to speak about my grief over Pippa. We're made to feel comfortable and supported, not rushed. I look forward to the weekly groups and even if I feel like not speaking, just listening is also a nice thing to do.
Whether you lost a pet recently, or a long time ago, like me, we're all treated the same, with compassion and understanding. Don’t suffer with your grief alone. Join us, it’s your grief, but we can share it with you.”
“It's a much-needed group in my healing journey because the people here get it."- JANE, ON PIPPA
Nesli lost Minik, her Terrier in April 2025
“After Minik's death, I'm having too many regrets, but the group made me feel less guilty.”
“It is so sad that some people around you don’t understand how painful it can be to lose your pet who is like a family member, because for some people, it's just a pet. I was feeling alone, but in this group, everyone has the same pain, so you can support each other, and your sadness means a lot to them.
After Minik's death, I'm having too many regrets, but the group made me feel less guilty.”
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“Now, I'm feeling much better as everyone is glad to hear your journey, and I can talk freely about my pet.
If you're having the same loss, do not hesitate to join this group because everyone listens to your journey without judging. Also, it makes you feel better to talk about your beloved pet."
“If you're having the same loss, do not hesitate to join this group."- NESLI, ON MINIK
“The group states that it’s not therapy, but it has been like therapy for me. I would tell anyone thinking of joining to do it. They’ll be safe, understood, and a lot less lonely in their feelings.”
Caroline lost Dizzee, her cat, in January 2026
“I credit this group with the majority of the healing I've done, and I think I'd still be really depressed if I hadn't been a part of it. It's been crucial in helping the journey to healing my grief, and I’m so glad I found it. I wanted understanding, a safe place to talk about Dizzee and to see how other people were also dealing with their loss.
I've gained so much from being amongst people who feel the same. It's really helped me to deal with my grief, and I'm accepting things a lot better now. I still miss Dizzee a lot, but I'm remembering him in positive ways, and I feel I'm doing really well now.
This group has given me somewhere I can talk about Dizzee, where I feel people understand my grief and aren't bored with how I'm feeling. I can be somewhere where people are not trying to fix things or cheer me up, they just listen .”
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“The group states that it’s not therapy, but it has been like therapy for me. I would tell anyone thinking of joining to do it. They’ll be safe, understood, and a lot less lonely in their feelings. They can be open and honest without being met with any judgment or criticism. When family and friends have run out of things to say, or you feel they're getting bored with hearing about your grief, the Pet Loss Support Group will listen with compassion, empathy, and care.
I like to hear about people's experiences and their own grief, as it makes me feel I’m not alone. Whenever someone has agreed with you or picked up on something you've said, it makes you feel a bit more normal and understood.
I felt quite alone with my grief. Dizzee was special to me, and I know that I was the only one feeling as heartbroken as I was about him. I felt like no one really understood, and I was very depressed. Now I’m feeling a bit more positive and actively doing positive things to honour Dizzee and keep his memory alive.”
“I credit this group with the majority of the healing I've done.”- CAROLINE, ON DIZZEE
“Give this group a try.”
Hear David’s Story
David lost his Greyhound, Jen, in September 2012. Even though he had lost other pets before, the grief he felt from losing Jen was unlike anything he had experienced.
In 2024, David started searching for support groups specifically for people who’ve lost a companion animal. That’s when he found the Pet Loss Support Group. David has been regularly attending weekly sessions since July 2024, and it's made a huge difference.
David lost Jen, his greyhound, in September 2012
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“This group is a community of people who are prepared to listen and share. The members have helped me carry on with the healing process. There is the opportunity to share my story with people who are on a similar journey - a group of people who can provide a sympathetic and empathetic ear. I've found healing not just in being in a safe space to share and express my grief, but in being able to hear other people's stories as well. The kindness and companionship of people who ‘get it’ is invaluable.
Seeing that the depth of grief others were feeling was similar to my own made me feel less alone and gave me permission to own it. Talking with others and having them offer support and advice has made me feel much better emotionally.
I know that it can feel like a big step to join a group. It is. The prospect of displaying your grief and maybe breaking down in front of strangers is daunting. Please bear in mind there is no judgement here, only compassion for the grief you're feeling. We have all been through similar experiences.”
“There's no judgement here, only compassion for the grief you're feeling."- DAVID, ON JEN
“Being a part of this group has really helped me by hearing that we are not alone in this journey.”
Charlotte lost Belle, her Yorkshire Terrier, in November 2025
“I decided to join the group because I needed a space where people genuinely understand how profound and overwhelming pet loss can be. I wanted to speak with others who’ve felt that same depth of love and grief, and I needed to know I wasn’t alone in what I was feeling. I also needed help understanding grief itself, because I had never experienced anything like this before.
The group has helped me feel proud to speak about Belle so openly and to honour the impact she had on my life. She will always be the love of my life, and it brings me comfort to share that with others who understand.
There have been moments in this group that made me feel, deep in my heart, that I was truly meant to be here.
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“It feels as if Belle gently guided me to this space, especially because mine and Sonia's stories are so similar. Yorkshire Terriers, 13 years old, both sadly passed away due to cancer. Belle and Tilly led me into this safe and loving community, one that my partner and I can share as we grieve someone who meant the world to us.
The kindness and compassion I’ve found here have brought so much comfort. And then seeing member, Nicole, so bravely put her Christmas decorations up, and seeing Belle on the top of her Christmas tree, truly felt like a sign that we are meant to be here. In my heart, I believe we were meant to find this group.
I am still very emotional about the loss of my beautiful Belle, but I always leave the group feeling uplifted. I feel proud that I can talk about my girl, and I love hearing the beautiful stories that everyone shares. The love we have for our pets is so powerful, and I feel truly honoured to be part of this.
For someone like me, who doesn’t always find it easy to express emotion, this group has been a safe and comforting place. It is filled with kind and understanding people who truly know how painful the loss of a beloved pet can be. I promise you will not regret your decision to join. You will find peace, understanding, and a space where you can express how deeply you love your pet.
This group is already truly wonderful, and I am so grateful to Sonia. Without you and Tilly, none of this would exist.”
“This group has been a safe place. I promise you'll not regret your decision to join.”- CHARLOTTE, ON BELLE
Edward lost Phoebe, his British Shorthair cat, in December 2024
“This group has been exceptionally friendly and supportive. It's definitely good to know that there are very loving and caring people out there who are willing to reach out to others to run a group like this.
I lost my beloved cat of 17 years. She was the first pet I could call my own, and it's the first time I've ever had to make the decision to let a pet go. In the last several years, I have lost other people in my life, and bereavement support has been beneficial for this.”
“It's definitely good to know that there are very loving and caring people out there.”
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“The loss of Phoebe was very significant for me, so I needed some support for my grief. I wanted to share the experience I had with Phoebe both in her life and also after her passing, and also hear the experiences of others.”
“In this group, you'll absolutely be heard and given a space to say how you feel.”- EDWARD, ON PHOEBE
Louise lost Nala, her beloved dog, in January 2025
“I attended the group regularly, and it really helped to share my story, hear others' stories, and listen to what others were going through.”
“In the beginning, I was completely lost and struggling with the loss. I attended the group regularly, and it really helped to share my story, hear others' stories, and listen to what others were going through. I’m so grateful to the group as in the couple of months after losing Nala it was definitely the lowest point I have ever been in my life.“
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“With my story, there's been a tremendous amount of guilt. I've understood from the group that guilt can be a big part of loss. The group members are very insightful and supportive, and can help you to look at situations in a different way. They are also good at pinpointing what may be the helpful 'next steps' to help you with whatever you're feeling.
It's a very vulnerable but safe environment, which Sonia helps to promote, so I felt comfortable being open, and so did the other members. I think the group was reassuring to know that what you're feeling is perfectly normal.
I'm feeling stronger now and have a clearer mind with the help of the group. Although the grief still comes in waves and I'm still very much in the thick of it, the group has helped to give me a 'tool kit' that I didn't have before and helped me to know I'm not 'abnormal' for feeling the way I do.
You should definitely join this supportive and friendly group. Everyone in the group has been through the loss of a beloved pet, and so can help, empathise and resonate with you.”
“I’m so grateful to the group as I was definitely at the lowest point I've ever been." - LOUISE, ON NALA
Irma lost Teddy, her Shih-Poo, in March 2025
“The group has helped me cope with the loss of Teddy by listening to me speak about him. I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my healing journey without it. I feel like it’s a safe place to let my feelings out. I can cry, smile, and sympathise with others as well. I don’t have to push away my feelings or act like he was “just a dog”. He was my whole world and talking about him helps keep his memory alive. People in the outside world just don’t understand the depths of what his loss meant to me and how much it has affected me.
Before joining the group, I felt extremely lonely. I was withdrawing from others because I felt like no one understood my pain.”
“In this group, I don’t have to push away my feelings or act like he was just a dog”.
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“ I would finish my workday and then sit in my car and just cry my heart out. I felt extremely guilty and sad. I still feel really sad, but having a place like this that helps me process my feelings really helps. Even though my time with Teddy was cut extremely short, I’m so grateful for the time I did get with him.
I would tell anyone to highly consider joining a group like this because you’re never pressured to talk about what happened, but if you do, it can bring comfort. Hearing other people’s stories is a testament to how deep our bonds are with our pets and how that love never dies, it just transforms.”
"I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my healing journey without this group."- IRMA, ON TEDDY
Dave lost Prince, his Crossbreed, in November 2021
“Being a part of this group has really helped me by hearing that we are not alone in this journey.”
“Being a part of this group has really helped me by hearing that we are not alone in this journey and being among like-minded pet parents.
I joined the group because I wanted to be part of a group where I could listen to others and be around people who could relate to what had happened.
Honestly, every session I have attended has been beneficial.”
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“Sharing photos of our beloved pets is always very special.
For anyone thinking of joining the group, try to be brave. The group really has lovely members and is a safe space.”
“Honestly, every session I have attended has been beneficial.”- DAVE, ON PRINCE
“When I first joined the group, I was completely devastated and felt inconsolable.”
Diane lost Boopie, her Chihuahua mix, in July 2025
“I joined the Pet Loss Support Group because I needed people to talk to who understood what I was going through. When I first joined, I was completely devastated and felt inconsolable. The group has been so kind and understanding. I still feel the loss of my boy, Boopie, so it’s been good for me to have this group to talk to.
I was a dog trainer at an animal shelter when I met Boopie. He arrived with 62 other chihuahuas from California, all facing euthanasia. Terrified and defensive, Boopie was wary of everyone.”
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“After six months in the behavior department, he began following me everywhere, and I felt like he chose me. I took a chance on him. I felt like he picked me because he was always under my feet at work and we became inseparable. Boopie was my soul dog, always by my side through countless adventures. His love was unmatched, and he truly was the best thing that ever happened to me! Nothing in this world shown me as much love as him.
The group is a safe space and helps me let things out and speak about Boopie. If you don’t want to talk at first, it’s ok. There's no pressure. We all understand the waves of this kind of grief.
Everyone in the group is very compassionate, truly cares, and can relate to what you’re going through. We all have similar emotions with this kind of loss, and everyone has been so empathetic and so nice. There are some very wonderful people here, and I attend as much as I can and am grateful that I have found this group.”
“The group is a safe space and helps me let things out and speak about Boopie.”- DIANE, ON BOOPIE
“I was grieving Poppy so much and finding things very difficult. She had been my soulmate dog for over fifteen and a half years, and the bond we had was incredible. She'd come into my life at a difficult time. She was my silver lining, who chased all the clouds away. I'd visited her from a week old; everything in my life was better with Poppy in it. A couple of months after she died, I was still utterly adrift without her. I knew I needed to find a way to navigate life going forward.
I joined the group because I wanted to feel like I wasn't alone. Not everybody understands just how difficult pet loss can be, and it can feel as though the world has moved on and forgotten. ”
“I'm navigating things better now and feeling less alone in my grief. The group is a bright spot in my week and I'm so happy I found it.”
Sarah lost Poppy, her Parson Russell Spaniel Cross, in October 2025
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“I wanted to be still able to say Poppy's name, to talk about her, to be with others who understood exactly how difficult it was and how hard it felt.
There are so many thoughts I had previously that I assumed were just me, but so many of my feelings and experiences losing Poppy have been talked about by others in the group. It has been wonderful to listen to someone else and think, "Yes, I feel like that too".
Just being able to talk about Poppy, to share photos, and to share how I am feeling, and to hear all that from others has really helped. The sense of solidarity has been incredibly helpful. It's been amazing to see how much is actually quite normal when going through such a profound loss, and that I am not alone.
I still find life without Poppy hard. I know I will miss her for the rest of my life, but I'm navigating things better now and feeling less alone in my grief. The group is a bright spot in my week, and I'm so happy I found it.
Everyone is so kind and understanding. It's a place where people will know exactly what you felt for your beloved animal because they feel it too. It's a really welcoming and pressure-free space. Sonia is so kind and compassionate, and that vibe runs through the whole group.”
“The sense of solidarity has been incredibly helpful.”- SARAH, ON POPPY
Lucia lost Tobia, her Ragamuffin cat, in November 2024
“Finding the Pet Loss Support Group was a lifesaver.”
Hear Lucia’s Story
Lucia lost her cat, Tobia, in November 2024. She feels that society tends to think of pet loss as something that's not important.
“I joined because I thought it would be helpful for me to share my emotions and experience with people who have gone through the loss of a pet and a similar experience.
The group also helped me not to dwell on memories of the past that weren't so nice.
I would tell anyone unsure about joining to just come along and try it because you'll find a group of people who are really keen to listen, help, and value your experience and your loss. You might also find some friends at the end of it.”
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“The group has helped me come to terms with Bear's passing and given me comfort and support when I was at my absolute lowest point.
In the early stages of my grief, it was very reassuring to know that this group was there for me. Also, knowing that there were people who understood what I was going through was a massive help. Feeling I had a space to express my feelings without being judged was also extremely important.
Now I feel much better than I thought I ever would or could after Bear passed. You'll be very glad you joined. Just hearing other people's stories and knowing you're not alone is so very helpful.”
“I would advise anyone thinking of joining the group to take the brave step and join."- LUCIA, ON TOBIA
“I just needed something to focus on to get me through the week. Knowing that I’m not alone makes me feel like I can be ok.”
Molly lost Coco, her Jack Chi, in October 2025
“I decided to join the group because I was struggling to speak to anyone about my experience of pet loss. I didn’t feel supported or seen, and felt my pain wasn’t recognised by most people in my life. I just needed something to focus on to get me through the week.
Speaking and listening with people in this support group who are going through pet loss has been really helpful.”
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“It hasn’t made the pain any less, but knowing that I’m not alone makes me feel like I can be ok. The way Sonia lets us just talk is also really helpful, because nothing is too small.
Being part of the WhatsApp group is really helpful too. Just knowing that sometimes some of us are feeling the same at a random time of day makes me feel a sense of togetherness.
At the beginning of my pet loss journey, I felt alone. Now I feel less alone. I recommend trying a session. You don’t even have to talk, you can just listen. Once you feel like trying, you might find sharing helps.”
“I recommend trying a session. You don’t even have to talk, you can just listen.”- MOLLY, ON COCO
Ben lost Benny, his Jack Russell, in January 2026
“This support group was a vital step for me while being totally lost. I was struggling with unimaginable grief that felt impossible to process on my own.”
“This support group was a vital step for me while being totally lost. I was struggling with unimaginable grief that felt impossible to process on my own. This group gave me the space to express, which put me on the path to integration.
What moved me the most was the genuine care from the founder, Sonia. Even when I thought I was doing 'okay' and putting on a brave face, she reached out specifically to check in on me. That level of intuition and compassion is rare. I’m so grateful for this group and the help it has given.”
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“Pet loss is a really lonely experience and I so needed the Zoom session and to see others who were going through the same thing and have a good old cry. I don’t remember the last time I cried.
Grief has destroyed many a soul who couldn’t summon the strength to face it head-on, which, paradoxically, is the only way through it.”
“Pet loss is a really lonely experience and I so needed the Zoom session.”- BEN, ON BENNY
Melisa lost Pelino, her Siamese cat, in November 2018
“The group really helped me release some of the pain I had inside and feel understood.”
“I was going through a very rough time, and the group really helped me release some of the pain I had inside and feel understood.
I recommend joining the group. It was helpful and a warm space that felt safe to talk about what our pets and their loss meant to us. ”
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“Just give it a try, you don't need to talk right away if you don't feel like it, you can just listen and share your own story if and when you feel like it. Sonia is very caring and respectful.”
“The group is a safe space that felt safe to talk."- MELISA, ON PELINO
“The group makes such a big difference. I thank them for being there when a lost soul needed them the most.”
Liz lost Brownie, her Miniature Pinscher, in April 2024
“I was very down, but Sonia was there to help pull me back up, and for that, I am very grateful. She was there right when I needed her most. Not once but twice. It’s always nice to hear encouragement when you are down and still mourning over your loved ones.
The work Sonia and the group do for grieving pet owners is truly special, and it makes such a big difference. I thank them for being there when a lost soul needed them the most.”
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“If you're thinking about joining the group but feel unsure or hesitant, I’d encourage you to take the leap. This group offers a supportive community where you can connect with others who share similar experiences and interests in pet care. Whether you’re looking for advice, guidance, or simply to be part of a network of like-minded individuals, you'll find a wealth of knowledge and understanding here.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. The group is welcoming, and there’s no better time than now to get involved and start learning from others and sharing your insights.”
“The group is truly special and it makes such a big difference.”- LIZ, ON BROWNIE
Alice lost Max, her German Shepherd, in March 2025
“This group is amazing! To anyone thinking of joining the group, I would say, definitely do it!”
“This group is amazing! To anyone thinking of joining the group, I would say, definitely do it! Being part of the Pet Loss Support Group has changed my grief process.
I joined the group because I wanted to know I wasn't the only one to lose a pet and feel lost. Before joining the group, I was nervous and heartbroken, but now I feel I am getting better and able to talk about Max happily.
Just talking about my baby boy has really helped, and so has the advice I received from the group.”
“The Pet Loss Support Group has changed my grief process.”- ALICE, ON MAX
Amraj lost Sully, his cat, in September 2025
“After discovering the group, even before the first session, I felt that I’m going to be okay. There are others out there who feel like I do.”
“Before joining the group, I felt a little lost. I wanted to connect with people who understood and appreciated my loss and how I was feeling. I wanted my feelings to be validated and to know that it was okay to feel how I was feeling.
After discovering the group, even before the first session, I felt, “Wow, I’m going to be okay. There are others out there who feel like I do.
Pet loss is a disenfranchised grief, so being able to talk about it and just say what I’m feeling, no matter what, and having people listen and not judge me, is one of the best feelings.”
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“IHearing other people’s stories, especially in regard to how to cope with extended family, was extremely relatable.
If you're thinking about joining, please take the leap. It’s not easy, but come and at least listen, even if you don’t want to talk initially, that’s okay. All feelings and emotions are valid here. This is your safe space.
I love this group and it feels great to be a part of it. I want the group to keep growing so the memory and love of our pets can live on through each other.”
“All feelings and emotions are valid here. This is your safe space.”- AMRAJ, ON SULLY
April lost Cosmo, her bearded dragon, in September 2025
“Before joining the group, I was very sad. Now, I’m feeling better and not so alone anymore.”
“Before joining the group, I was very sad. Now, I’m feeling better and not so alone anymore. The group has helped me bond with others and share the loss of my beloved bearded dragon, Cosmo, and what she meant to me.
I decided to join the Pet Loss Support Group because I wanted to find support and help other pet parents with their grief. When I joined, I really needed support and love.”
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“When I heard another group member mention that they had a special blanket or toy of their pet, it was really helpful and meaningful to me. I have a framed picture of Cosmo, with a print of her feet and her name. It helps me remember her when I look at it.
I would say that with this group, you'll find comfort and solace. Sonia is just a terrific leader and makes you feel very special. She does a terrific job of making people feel comfortable and feel better as they grieve.”
“With this group, you'll find comfort and solace.”- APRIL, ON COSMO
“Finding the Pet Loss Support Group was a lifesaver.”
Hear Rich’s Story
Rich lost his cat, Bear, in August 2024. He says the loss was the hardest thing he’s ever gone through.
“I felt lost and alone, and no one around me truly understood the depth of my grief. From the first meeting, I felt supported by people who truly understood what I was going through.
It’s been incredibly helpful dealing with my emotions, and the group has been a source of comfort, encouragement, and even laughter. I still attend regularly, and it’s been amazing to feel part of a community that truly cares. If you’re struggling, I highly recommend the Pet Loss Support Group, it’s been a lifeline for me."
Rich lost Bear, his Maine Coon cat, in August 2024
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“The group has helped me come to terms with Bear's passing and given me comfort and support when I was at my absolute lowest point.
In the early stages of my grief, it was very reassuring to know that this group was there for me. Also, knowing that there were people who understood what I was going through was a massive help. Feeling I had a space to express my feelings without being judged was also extremely important.
Now I feel much better than I thought I ever would or could after Bear passed. You'll be very glad you joined. Just hearing other people's stories and knowing you're not alone is so very helpful.”
“The group has given me comfort and support when I was at my absolute lowest point.”- RICH, ON BEAR
Nicole lost Buddy, her Cavachon, in October 2025
“Since joining the group, I feel a sense of belonging and support.”
“I joined the group because I was really struggling with the loss of Buddy, as he was with me for 16 years. I was looking for a resource and group where others would feel the same way and understand exactly what I was going through, and others who could understand the tremendous loss that I was feeling.
Before joining the group, I felt alone in that I was grieving Buddy so much, but since joining the group, I feel a sense of belonging and support. I know if I need resources or just someone to listen, I can reach out to the group and will be met with kindness and compassion.”
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“The group has helped by giving me the space to grieve and realise that I am not alone in my loss. It's been nice to be able to relate to others and hear personal experiences from everyone.
During my first few sessions, it was really hard for me to even talk and express what had happened, how I was feeling and tell the story of my little old man without hysterically crying. The patience from everyone in the group, with just understanding, as they have all been there, was just very helpful. In speaking with the members of the group and attending so soon after the loss, just hearing from others that I was brave in attending and sharing my story was helpful.
If anyone is unsure about joining the group, I would encourage them to try one session. There is never any pressure to share if you are unable. Feel free to join, listen and take from the session what you need.”
“I thoroughly enjoy having the space to be able to share my story about Buddy.”- NICOLE, ON BUDDY
“After discovering the group, even before the first session, I felt that I’m going to be okay. There are others out there who feel like I do.”
Bethan lost Truffles, her Pug,
in January 2026
“The Pet Loss Support Group is brilliant. It’s a lovely way to meet new people who know what you're going through.
It's a privilege to have met some lovely compassionate people and friends and the online sessions and journalling workshops have been a godsend.
I joined the group because I needed compassion and understanding after losing my 11-year-old pug, Truffles.
Before joining the group, I felt a bit nervous, but I’m glad that I joined.”
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““Before joining the group, I felt a bit nervous, but I’m glad that I joined.
In the group, I feel understood. I feel that listening to others and hearing their stories makes me feel like I’m not alone.
I wasn’t sure how I'd feel before joining the group, but I feel a lot better now.”
“In the group, I feel understood.”- BETHAN, ON TRUFFLES
Rebecca lost Noire, her Domestic Shorthair cat, in April 2026
“This group is an essential lifeline for pet parents going through such a difficult journey.”
“This group is an essential lifeline for pet parents going through such a difficult journey. It's very important to me and I'm so glad I joined. I got the support I needed and met so many people who understood my heartbreak of loss. There's never any pressure in the group and each person's grief is in their own time.
I was distraught the day my little cat died and needed support. I reached out in the Monday evening group chat, which helped so much.
I appreciate everyone in our group for sharing and being so kind and understanding. Being among pet parents who truly understand helps so much. I don't feel silly here sharing about my loss.
If you're thinking of joining the group, I can say that you'll feel understood and supported, however you're feeling.”
“I don't feel silly here sharing about my loss."- REBECCA, ON NOIRE
“I decided to join the Pet Loss Support Group because I didn’t want to drown. I really needed a safe space to air my feelings without judgement.”
Rita lost Lily, her Dachshund, in January 2026
“I decided to join the Pet Loss Support Group because I didn’t want to drown. I wanted support, and I really needed a safe space to air my feelings without judgement or fear of repercussions, with people who understand.
I love this group. It's my only sanctuary when it comes to Lily. It's helped me to cope by simply being able to text in the private WhatsApp group, and some kind soul replies. One time, the group and I were awake at around 1am. We had a sleepover on our phones. It was fun. We just chatted. It was nice.
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“If you’re thinking of joining our community, I’d say be brave. It’s a safe space. There’s no judgement, just a bunch of lovely people in the same place as you.”
“I don't feel silly here sharing about my loss. love this group. I'ts my only sanctuary when it comes to Lily.”- RITA, ON LILY
“I felt I poured a lot out, which was much needed.”
Bev lost Alfie, her Jack Russell, in March 2024
“It was really nice talking to you yesterday. I felt I poured a lot out, which was much needed.
Thank you for attaching the resources. I have already taken a look at one of them, and will continue to, as time goes by. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
"Keep doing what you’re doing."- BEV, ON ALFIE
- if this feels like something you need -Take a gentle first step and join us
If you feel ready, you're warmly welcome to join one of our online support sessions and be with other grieving pet parents who understand.
You don’t have to go through this alone.