Grieving Pet Owners Find Unique Support at Baltimore Humane Society

Have you or a friend recently lost a pet?  Or are you coping with a pet who is extremely ill?  The loss of a pet is often as devastating as the loss of a human family member.  Pets are sometimes our closest companions and their passing can leave a huge void for many people.  Nicodemus Memorial Park at Baltimore Humane Society recognized the deep need that many families have for help through the grieving process and is now offering four services to the entire Baltimore community of pet owners.

A free monthly pet bereavement support group is now being offered by a member of the clergy and the Director of the Nicodemus Memorial Park.  It meets this Tuesday, and every first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.  Anyone whose pet has passed away, been lost, sick, or dying is welcome to join the group at any time.  The hope is that members will take comfort in sharing with others going through the same difficult experience.  The group is a safe haven where individuals can freely talk about their pet knowing others are interested in hearing their story.  It is a place of emotional and practical support helping participants cope with their loss. All that’s required to attend is an RSVP.  

Can’t make the pet grief group in person?  You can Skype in!! We are very excited to offer this feature.  The group is reaching out to anyone who has the technological ability to use Skype.  Just RSVP to amazan@bmorehumane.org to make the arrangements. 

An online support group has also been launched on Facebook for those who want to communicate with others in more than just a once a month setting.  It’s called the Nicodemus Memorial Park Bereavement Support Group at http://www.facebook.com/bmorehumanepetloss/   Pet owners are invited to post photos and stories about their lost pets.  There is also a Notes page for discussions and helpful information.  The page works to protect the privacy of its members by allowing posts only to be seen by group members. 

For those people who choose Nicodemus Memorial Park as their pet’s final resting place, immediate non-denominational private counseling is also available with an experienced member of the clergy.  There is no charge for this service unless the bereaved chooses to continue with more sessions.

Memorial services for loved ones are another important part of the grieving process.  So Nicodemus Memorial Park at Baltimore Humane Society has decided to enhance its pet memorial services by including a complimentary option of a musical remembrance.  A professional Cantor and a member of the clergy for over two decades, Ellen Schwab, sings a non-denominational psalm and one other selection of your choice at the memorial.  It’s a spiritual addition to a service held on wooded, ethereal grounds. 

All of these unique, new services are free.  They are part of the mission of Baltimore Humane Society to treat all beings with compassion and to treat the passing of pets with the same respect given to any family member.  The monthly pet bereavement support group meets the first Tuesday evening of each month at 7 p.m. in the office of the Nicodemus Memorial Park at Baltimore Humane Society in Reisterstown.  RSVP is required at 410-833-8848 ext. 219 or amazan@bmorehumane.org

About the Baltimore Humane Society

The Baltimore Humane Society, founded in 1927 by Mrs. Elsie Seeger Barton, is an independent, non-profit, no-kill animal shelter, which offers low-cost veterinary care to the public, and a pet cemetery with grief support services.  We receive no funding from the local or federal governments, or any national animal welfare organizations.  The Baltimore Humane Society is a proud member of BAWA (Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance) along with the MD SPCA, BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter), and Baltimore City Animal Control. For more information about BHS, and how you can contribute, volunteer, adopt, or foster, please visit www.bmorehumane.org or call 410-833-8848, or text the word “PAW” to 80000 to donate $10.