Saying Good-Bye is Never Easy
Our culture does not always appreciate how much the loss of a pet can affect us. Many of us feel utterly alone as we struggle through all the decisions that come at the end of our pet's life. You don't have to go through this kind of grief alone! Our Animal Chaplain, and our Certified Companion Animal End-of-Life Doulas, are here to partner with you to help. We work with individals and we have group gatherings if you want to share your pain, and/or your kind words, with others.
You can text us at (971) 207-4324
Sometimes it’s just easier to talk with someone via text.
This is not a hotline number and is NOT monitored 24/7.
If you do text us someone will return your text, usually within 2 - 4 hours but occasionally it may take 24 - 48 hours.
Listening Sessions - FREE
Navigating loss is difficult. One activity that can offer comfort is spending time with others who understand what you are going through. Our community listening sessions are a time for us to gather and share our sadness, our happy memories, and our thoughts about the future. Robynn, our Animal Chaplain, will guide the conversation to ensure everyone feels safe sharing, listening to others share, or sitting in silence for a bit. Though we all grieve in our unique way, being with others can help alleviate the loneliness and confusion that we are experiencing.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Whether your animal companion is in palliative care, or perfectly healthy - you are welcome. Whether your pet died suddenly, or you had to make the painful choice to euthanize for behavior reasons - you are welcome. Whether you are grieving for a dog, a cat, or an “exotic” pet - you are welcome. Whether you lost a family member, or are hurting over the death of a wild critter - YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
Our listening sessions take place at our HQ in Gresham:
406 NE 4th ST
Gresham, OR 97030
6:30pm - 7:30pm every other Thursday
Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15, Dec 29
Please email or text an RSVP so we can plan to use the appropriate room. This is not a public building. The doors will open at 6:25pm and close at 6:35pm. At this time masks are not required but please be prepared for that to change at a moments notice.
AssemblyoftheWanderingShepherd@gmail.com
971-207-4324
Art Activity Sessions - FREE
Art can help us heal. We have a variety of art activities to create memorials in honor of our animal companion.
Please email or text to learn more about the specific activity for the evening.
Please bring a picture of your pet on real photo paper.
Our listening sessions take place at our HQ in Gresham:
406 NE 4th ST
Gresham, OR 97030
6:30pm - 7:30pm every other Thursday
Oct 13, Oct 27, Nov 10, Nov 24, Dec 8, Dec 22
Please email or text an RSVP so we can plan to use the appropriate room. This is not a public building. The doors will open at 6:25pm and close at 6:35pm. At this time masks are not required but please be prepared for that to change at a moments notice.
AssemblyoftheWanderingShepherd@gmail.com
971-207-4324
Love is Love
The amount of love we feel has no relation to the size of our animal friends. Regardless of the species, the loss of a loving friendship can feel devastating. You should grieve however long you need to without anyone diminishing your grief because, “It’s just a [fill in the blank]“ The human-animal bond is amazingly strong and when our pet companion dies, we hurt because we feel a loss of love.
Additional Resources
The Grief Relief Project - MANY resources to help during times of pet loss
Best Friends Pet Loss and Grief Resources
Quality of Life Scale© Calculator (fillable form) by Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia
ASPCA End of Life Care
University of Florida Pet Loss Support
Heartfelt Veterinary Hospital Hospice and Euthanasia Services
At Home Veterinary Services Hospice & Palliative Care Services
VCA Raleigh Hills Animal Hospital Hospice Care
Radiant Heart pet-only funeral home’s Cremation Process
DIY Pet Funeral Guide: How to plan a pet funeral service by Daniel Szczesniak
Family Animal Services of Portland (includes pet cremation services)
West Coast Pet Memorial Services (includes pet cremation services)
Oregon Humane Society - End of Life & Pet Memorial Services (includes animal cemetery)
Forest Pet Cemetery (near Ashland, OR)
Dove Lewis Pet Loss Support
List of Pet Loss and Grief Support Services provided by At Home Veterinary Services
Oregon Veterinary Medical Association Dealing with the Loss of Your Pet (information also available in Spanish)
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Robin Magdahlen, Licensed professional counselor, Grief Support for Pet Loss
Pet loss memorial service by PLPA (This video is a memorial service led by pet loss professionals that anyone who has lost a pet may view and participate in. A pet parent may view this video at any time throughout the year, when a pet passes away or whenever they'd like to remember a beloved pet. We hope you find some peace and solace by viewing the video.)
Contact Us
Please email us if you have any questions concerning grief or end-of-life preparation concerning an animal.
Email us at AssemblyoftheWanderingShepherd@ gmail.com
Call or Text us at
1 (971) 207-4324
Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AssemblyoftheWanderingShepherd
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© 2021 Assembly of the Wandering Shepherd