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Group helps those mourning a pet

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By ERIC HORCHY

The Suncoast News

Published: October 23, 2009

TRINITY - For many pet owners, the loss of a beloved animal can match the sorrow felt with the passing of a human family member or friend.
Bereavement support groups dealing with the death of a beloved human can be found in large numbers, but the same does not necessarily stand true for pets.

But because of Gulfside Regional Hospice and Trinity Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, West Pasco residents have that opportunity.

"This group formulated because it was identified in the community that people had called the hospice looking for one," said Gulfside Regional's Peggy Hess, who has been running the Pet Loss Support Group for two years.

Small gatherings of those mourning beloved pets meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every other Thursday at the funeral home, 12609 Memorial Drive, off State Road 54.

Nothing is required to participate, but people will bring mementos of their pets to share with the group, Hess said.

"It helps," said Maryann Myszkowiak, who joined the support group in June, after losing Bo, her cocker spaniel.

"A pet is something that you've cherished, so this is a place where basically you can talk about it," she said.

The group will convene for the full 90 minutes, no matter how many people show up, Hess added.

"We've had a fairly steady attendance," Myszkowiak said, noting the natural progression of people coming and going as they cope with their losses.

Some have met with the group prior to a pet's death to help prepare for the moment when it comes. Regardless of the reason or type of pet, everyone is welcome, Hess said.

On a related note, she mentioned that groups are permitted to remember and memorialize their departed pets during Gulfside Regional Hospice's annual Hike for Hospice 5K walk. It will be held this year on Nov. 8 in Wesley Chapel. Walkers will be able to put up photos on the memory wall that will stand during the event.

For information on the Pet Loss Support Group, call (727) 845-5707.

Eric Horchy can be reached at (727) 815-1071 or ehorchy@ suncoastnews.com.

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