Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s Pet Loss Support Group.

It’s a community-driven program that has “helped hundreds of people navigate the profound and often misunderstood pain of losing a beloved animal companion”.

Launched in 2010, the Pet Loss Support Group was created in response to a growing need in the community.

Cōlleen O’Brien, founder of Blue Dog Counseling, helped start the program at HSHV after seeing firsthand how people struggled in silence after losing a beloved pet. She said “Pet loss can be devastating, but unlike the loss of a human loved one, it’s not always acknowledged by society in the same way. People often say, ‘It was just a dog’ or ‘You can get another cat.’ We saw people suffering, unsure where to turn or whether their grief was valid. That’s why we created this group—to offer a safe, nonjudgmental place for people grieving the loss of a pet to be understood.”

Attendee Marty Davis-Merritts said “When the death of my cat Buddhe (pronounced “buddy”) hit me harder than any pet loss before, I felt it might be helpful to attend a support group. Experiencing commonality with others in their grief process and supporting each other has been a great help and I recommend the group often to others. I’m proud to be a part of this effort which was and is ahead of its time.”

The non-profit says the bond people share with their animals can be as deep and meaningful as their closest human connections. When that bond is broken by loss, the grief can be just as intense - sometimes leading to depression, anxiety, and complicated grief if not acknowledged and supported.

Karen Patterson, HSHV’s Vice President of Volunteers and Humane Education, commented “We know from research and from firsthand experience that human-animal bonds are powerful. This group provides a vital outlet for healing, offering a lifeline to those who may otherwise suffer in silence. It’s one of the most powerful programs we offer.”

HSHV’s Pet Loss Support Group meets monthly, is free of charge, and is open to anyone in the community in any stage of grief.

For all 15 years, the group has been led by O’Brien, a licensed social worker whose personal commitment to animal welfare, experience as a devoted pet owner, and passion for supporting people led her to create Blue Dog Counseling. The group often features guided discussions, remembrance rituals, and opportunities for reflection and connection.

For more information on HSHV’s Pet Loss Support Group including upcoming dates and other helpful resources for families, visit the provided link.