Humane society launches pet loss support group
– Woods Humane Society and Hospice of San Luis Obispo County announced a collaboration to support grieving pet owners through a new monthly program called Paws to Remember, a free, in-person support group for people who have lost or are preparing to say goodbye to a pet.
The first session will take place on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Community Room at Woods Humane Society and is open to the public.
Organizers said the idea for the support group developed from the organizations’ annual pet remembrance ceremony, which they also co-host at Woods Humane Society.
“This pet loss support group was intentionally created for those who need a safe and compassionate space to grieve the pets they have loved and lost,” said Shannon McOuat, executive director of Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. “We believe that pets are family too, and it is our honor to collaborate with Woods Humane Society in offering this support to the community.”
Woods Humane Society Community Engagement Manager Robin Coleman said the collaboration addresses a need in the county and has been in development for several years.
“Co-hosting this service with our friends at Hospice of SLO County will provide a much-needed, confidential, and caring space for our animal-loving community to connect, remember, and heal. Woods plays a part in so many pets’ lives in this community. We are proud and honored to now be here for their people after they pass.”
The Paws to Remember meetings will be held monthly at Woods Humane Society. Future dates and additional information are available at woodshumanesociety.org/resources/pet-loss.
Woods Humane Society Community Room is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit woodshumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.
