PHOENIX -- BJ Kravetz is still coping with the death of her dog, Kelly. The Jack Russell Terrier died just a couple weeks ago from complications caused by old age.
“The vet told us her kidneys were shutting down and that there wasn't much that could be done,” Kravetz said.
The dog had been part of the family for 13 years before getting sick.
“She kind of made our house a home. Every day when we came home there was someone there to greet us and we commented since that when we walk in the house it feels kind of empty without her,” said Kravetz.
To help people like Kravetz deal with the loss of a pet,
Hospice of the Valley has a Pet Loss Support Group that meets once a month.
“They will all say they don't want their pet to suffer but letting go is difficult,” said Mara Goebel, who leads the pet-grief group.
Pet owners share stories about their pets. Some have passed on. Others are nearing their final days.
“They're shocked and dismayed by how deep their feelings are and they're often times a little guilty because they'll say 'Well I didn't feel this bad when grandma died,'" said Goebel. "But of course, grandma's not in the house 24/7, and lying on your pillow. You chose your dog or cat so there's that unique kind of bond."
Goebel said it's the men who often cry the hardest.
She recalled the story of one man that lost his pet of 22 years. He still had a hard time dealing with the loss three months after the pet had died.
“He said 'I don't understand why I have this huge hole in my heart. It's still there,'" said Goebel. "He's still crying and I said 'well how long have you been married?' And he said '14' [years] and I said 'well this is the longest, loving relationship you've had.'"
The Pet Loss Support Group meets at Hospice of the Valley on the first Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The office is in Phoenix at 1510 E. Flower Street, near 16th Street and Osborn Road.
Goebel said pet owners do not need to sign up in advance and they can bring family members and friends.
