About
Science just recently caught up to what animal lovers and pet owners have known all along: animals are sentient beings. They feel, emote, are aware, and build friendships and relationships in a very similar way to humans. We share the same hormonal reactions as they do and are actually biologically closer to our animal friends than many people previously thought.
Pets give us cause to exercise, offer an antidote to loneliness, give us a loving companion to care for and lessen our worry and anxiety. Is it any wonder that when we lose them we can become crippled by grief? Grief is one of the most difficult emotions to deal with and the loss of an animal is no less severe than other types of grief. Only someone who has lost an animal can actually understand how the loss feels for another. For some people losing their animal friend can be particularly severe. Thankfully, the serious grief associated with animal loss and its effect on our psyche is becoming increasingly recognized by society. |
Working with one of our counselors to overcome grief is the beginning of the journey to truly experience life transitions. The Paws at Peace counseling approach is not about "getting over" or "forgetting" but providing companionship and guidance on the journey of transforming your pain.
We are here every step of the way to listen and acknowledge your loss, but also to celebrate the life of your pet. Our journey together will lead from active grief to creating a treasured and lasting memory and finding strengths for new beginnings. |
Why I became a pet bereavement counselor - by Travis Masch
During my many years working with and caring for pets I often witnessed the grief caused by their passing from old age or illness. I always wished that I could have somehow done more for my clients during this painful and sad time in their lives. After my own dog Zach passed in 2012 I experienced first hand how strong and overwhelming grief can be. It was a tuning point in my life and I decided to become a pet bereavement therapist.
Based on my experience as a mindfulness teacher in the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, I already knew the difference between sympathy and empathy and had the necessary tools of listening and witnessing to be a companion for a person in grief. During mindfulness retreats I had observed that a calm, safe, and caring environment encourages an opening that allows to revisit pains and losses of the past, whether the death of the parent, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a pet. I learned that being there for somebody means to be an empathetic, patient, and active listener and to let the grieving process unfold at its own pace without rushing or hurrying it along.
My focus and approach is foremost to gain my client's trust by establishing a safe and caring atmosphere allowing them to fully open up and let go into their pain. Together we look at both the “formal” stages of grief as well as the physical and emotional symptoms that a pet owner is experiencing during her/his loss. From there I will gently guide them forward towards recovery and new beginnings.
Based on my experience as a mindfulness teacher in the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, I already knew the difference between sympathy and empathy and had the necessary tools of listening and witnessing to be a companion for a person in grief. During mindfulness retreats I had observed that a calm, safe, and caring environment encourages an opening that allows to revisit pains and losses of the past, whether the death of the parent, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a pet. I learned that being there for somebody means to be an empathetic, patient, and active listener and to let the grieving process unfold at its own pace without rushing or hurrying it along.
My focus and approach is foremost to gain my client's trust by establishing a safe and caring atmosphere allowing them to fully open up and let go into their pain. Together we look at both the “formal” stages of grief as well as the physical and emotional symptoms that a pet owner is experiencing during her/his loss. From there I will gently guide them forward towards recovery and new beginnings.