Join the Monthly SPCA Pet Loss Support Group
WELCOME!
The SPCA pet loss support group provides a safe space for people to share their stories about their pets. Attendance is free and open to the public. The group is facilitated by Pet Chaplain founder Dr. Rob Gierka, who launched the group in 2006.
Meeting Time
The third Sunday of each month
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
What to expect
Participants in the group share stories about their pets and provide support to each other. You can remain silent and simply listen if you would like. Feel free to bring photos of your pet to share as well as favorite poems and reflections. The discussion is usually unstructured and flows from the stories and photos that are shared.
Sharing Guidelines
- Confidentiality is required. What is said in the group stays in the group.
- Respect others and listen without judgment. Everyone grieves in their own way, and everyone’s loss is different, so it is important to respect others’ feelings and thoughts. Use “I” statements when sharing your own story.
- Recognize that thoughts and feelings are not right or wrong. Avoid telling someone else how they should or should not feel.
- Do not give unsolicited advice. If someone asks specifically for advice on how to deal with a challenge, then you can share from your own experience of what worked or did not work for you.
- Avoid “cross talk” (e.g., side conversations) or steering the conversation into unrelated topics.
- Sharing time should be shared. When sharing your story, be cognizant of others’ need to share.
Zoom link
Click the following link to join the Zoom meeting via smartphone, tablet, or computer.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/634714732
When you enter the meeting, you will be asked to confirm your name and email address. Your information is not used for any other purpose than entry to the Zoom meeting. Once you have registered, you will not need to register again to attend future meetings.
After entering, wait for the host to start the meeting.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the group or have technical difficulties joining the Zoom call, contact facilitator Dr. Rob Gierka at rob@petchaplain.com.
Telephone (audio-only) attendance
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,634714732# US (New York)
+13017158592,,634714732# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcxDh5QFvE
Meeting ID: 634 714 732
NOTE: The SPCA Pet Loss Support Group is not intended to replace professional counseling services or physician recommendations.
