Pet Loss Support Group

Most of us know the enormous sadness of having our beloved pets pass away. The feelings of grief, despair, and loss are sometimes overwhelming. The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society is pleased to offer a monthly support group to help you if you are grieving the loss of a pet. Sessions begin with a half-hour discussion about a stage in the journey of grief, followed by an hour for sharing personal grief experiences. Participants may attend the talk, the support group, or both.

When: Third Tuesday of each month.

Facilitator Jill Goodfriend is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly four decades of clinical experience. She has developed a specialty in offering group and individual counseling and therapy to people who have experienced loss and are dealing with issues of grief. Most recently, as the Disaster Mental Health coordinator for the Alameda County of the Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, Jill has been involved with providing crisis intervention, grief counseling and referral to families of local house fires and disasters, many of whom have lost their beloved pets along with their material possessions. In her personal life, Jill has been a lifelong animal lover and advocate. Over the years, her pets have included dogs, cats, birds, goldfish, and a turtle. She has two rescued cats and volunteers for a local animal rescue organization. Jill feels drawn to offering her experience and skills to meet the needs of the bereaved individuals facing life without their special animal friends.