The loss of a pet can be one of the most devastating experiences that an individual or family has to face. For many, this is a loss not only of a pet, but of a best friend. The nationally recognized and donor-funded Pet Loss Support Program at DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital offers four free support groups monthly, complimentary memorial art therapy workshops the second Sunday of every month, and an annual Service of Remembrance event to the community. One of the most effective ways to cope with grief after losing a pet is by creating a memorial in their honor," says DoveLewis Pet Loss Support and Art Therapy Program Director, Enid Traisman. "Research has shown that creativity and healing stem from the same area of the brain and that art therapy can have measurable physiological benefits." Traisman, who is a certified grief counselor and holds her masters in social work, started the Pet Loss Support program at DoveLewis in 1986. Inspired by her experiences helping grieving parents cope with the loss of a child, Traisman founded the Pet Loss Support Program in hopes of offering resources to families experiencing similar grief over the loss of a beloved pet. When it began, the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support program was unique and one of the first of its kind in the United States. Every year, the program provides support and grief counseling for thousands of people in the community. More about DoveLewis DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Ore., is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. DoveLewis provides donor-funded programs to the community, including one of the United States' largest volunteer-based animal blood banks, a nationally recognized pet loss support program, 24-hour stabilizing care for lost, stray and wild animals and financial assistance for qualifying low-income families and abused animals. Celebrating 40 years of service to the community, DoveLewis has treated over 500,000 animals - That is experience you can trust! For more information, please visit DoveLewis.org.

• published: 06 Sep 2013
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