Grief Process
The nature and duration of the grief process is unique to everyone. With the loss
of a beloved pet, grief may last from a few days to a few years. Many times, sleep
or appetite disturbances accompany grief, too. Veterinarians and mental health professionals
recognize and agree that there is a legitimate grief response to animal loss. Grief
is normal.
Children who are grieving a pet's death may be unable or unwilling to verbalize their
feelings. Bereaved adults may feel they lost a companion who was more constant and
significant than any human in their daily live.
Too often, however, grief resulting from a pet's death is unrecognized or unsanctioned
by society, and sometimes even by those closest to us. People may encounter those
who innocently hurt them with remarks such as "Just get another..." or "It was just
a dog/cat/horse/bunny...". Owners may even be ridiculed about the amount of time or
money spent on treatment and/or memorialization. Sympathy and support are often unavailable
or not offered to bereaved pet owners yet understanding is helpful in making a healthy
recovery.
Recovery from Grief
Recovery from grief can be made easier through knowledge of the process and sharing
feelings with others who understand. The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has recognized
this need and offers help. The Best Friend Gone Project offers assistance when a pet
has died or when death is anticipated. Support is offered in the form of:
Rainbow Bridge
At St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services Campus (31078 Hwy 36, Lacombe,
LA 70445), Scott's Wish and Mardi Paws donated The Rainbow Bridge "...as a memorial
site dedicated to pets in hopes of giving pet owners a tangible space to remember
and honor their furry friends. We're hoping the special place provides a sense of
closure and allows pet owners to pay tribute to the companionship, love, and joy their
pets brought into their lives." The Rainbow Bridge is open 7 days a week during daylight
hours. Leashed pets are welcome. For more information, please visit:
www.scottswish.org/rainbow-bridge
Our Counselor
Mrs. Kayla Baudoin, MSW, LCSW (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical social worker
trained to deal with issues surrounding anticipated grief, end-of-life decisions,
and grief and loss of a beloved companion. As the Best Friend Gone Project counselor,
Mrs. Baudoin, can be reached at 225-578-9452 or via email at kbaudoin@lsu.edu.
Due to licensure regulations, you must be a resident of Louisiana to utilize these
counseling services.