Grief Support
Pets are for many of us, important members of our families, so when they are no longer with us, the loss is deeply felt.
Understanding and working through this grief helps and supports the healing process. At Patch & Purr, we offer a free Pet Loss Support group for our clients. Our support groups are led by qualified grief and loss experts with years of experience helping people work through the loss of their beloved pet.
The Sydney Pet Loss Support Group is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
The Illawarra Pet Loss Support Group is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Sydney Pet Loss Support Group
Vicky Nonas, Prof. Counsellor, M.A.C.A.
Vicky is a nationally qualified counsellor specialising in grief counselling/pet loss support. Following the death of her beloved dog, Boof after 18 years of companionship, Vicky's world fell apart, leading to her decision to help support other people who have lost a beloved pet. "Pets are our loyal, faithful companions. They are members of our family, providing unconditional love and support, so when they are no longer by our side it is deeply felt". Vicky's understanding of grief is on many levels having suffered the loss of two brothers and a close friend. Vicky feels blessed to be able to support others through their grief whether it is for the loss of a two or four-legged companion.
Next Session: Tuesday 12th November
Commences: 6:30PM till 8:00PM sharp
Location: 712-746 Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill
Castlebrook Memorial Park
South Coast Pet Loss Support Group
Karen Jaques, Prof. Counsellor, M.A.C.A.
Karen has a diploma in Counselling, majoring in Grief & Loss and is one of only two Counsellors in Australia that is certified in Pet Loss and Bereavement with the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement. For Karen the loss of her 18 year old cattle dog, Lucy, put her on the path to helping others understand and make sense of what they were thinking and feeling when they lost a beloved pet. "Struggling through the emotions felt when we lose someone close to us, whether a beloved pet, family member or close friend can lead to a disconnection with others while we struggle to understand the emotions we are going through". Karens’ philosophy is that when you gain an understanding of what emotions you are feeling then you are able to move forward and find peace.
Next Session: Tuesday 19th November
Commences: 6:30PM till 8:00PM sharp
Location: 280 Kanahooka Rd, Kanahooka
Lakeside Memorial Park
To provide the best care and support for those who have lost a pet, groups are adults-only with limited places available. Please register below if you would like to attend an upcoming Pet Loss Support group.
Terms & Conditions
1. The free Pet Loss Support groups are available to Patch & Purr and Eternal Pets clients over 18 years of age only.
2. Sessions that fall on a public holiday will not run.
3. Maximum of 3 free pet loss support group sessions per person.
4. Sessions require a minimum of 3 attendees to run.
5. Sydney sessions held at Castlebrook Memorial Park have a maximum capacity of 12 attendees.
6. Illawarra sessions held at Lakeside Memorial Park have a maximum capacity of 8 attendees.
7. Sessions commence at 6:30PM. No late attendees will be admitted. Doors will be locked from 6:35PM to prevent the sessions being disrupted.
8. All sessions are voluntary and Patch & Purr does not accept liability or responsibility for the emotional impact that the session may for on an individual.
9. The opinions of the facilitator are those of her own.
