“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s s
oul remains unawakened.”
Anatole France
Dr. Laura Monserrat is a pet loss grief specialist who knows the way through pain toward acceptance and resolution. She can be a vital member of your support system. Meeting with a grief specialist does not mean, as some might think, that you are weak. It means you are human. It is basic human nature - this need to have our sorrow recognized, respected, and responded to in a manner that is healing.
Grief and mourningThe grief that comes with the death of a pet is not just a feeling; it is a process. This mourning process is complex, involving tasks that need to be accomplished and stages to move through. Mourning involves the whole of ourselves: our emotional, physical, social, mental, and spiritual selves.
Even though grieving is not an intellectual process, knowing how it works and what it involves makes a difference in our journey through the pain toward healing.
Having guidance from a person who specializes in pet grief and loss makes a difference. No one else can do the grief work involved in mourning your pet, but one who hears your words and knows your suffering can lift the burden of traveling that road alone.
“Emotional healing happens not because pain is taken away, but because it is given its due.”
Phyllis Kosminsky, Ph,D.
Little compares to the shattering pain that comes with the death of a pet. Your pet is gone but the bond between you as intense as ever. Maybe more intense. The sense of loss runs deep, the sorrow is profound, the wound feels mortal.
Until the Worst Is Over
Having someone to rely on makes a difference. Having a support system makes difference. Not being alone with sorrow makes a difference. Being heard makes a difference.
Telling another what has happened and how it feels is transforming. It is a big part of moving toward healing and peace. Giving voice to our experience gives meaning to our existence. It is what moves us through pain toward healing. So guard against any notion that it is foolish, childish, or weak to feel and express sorrow and grief.
In times of trouble we turn primarily to friends and family. But sometimes friends and family are busy, unavailable, or just not enough.
Dr. Laura Monserrat is a gifted healer and a loving pet owner.
She views herself as a combination coach, teacher, guide and counselor. Dr. Monserrat has skillfully and compassionately guided people through all the issues of life for over 25 years. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from New York University and a Masters Degree from Columbia University.
Her knowledge of the human-animal bond is deeply personal as well as professional. She has a 7 year old Yorkie named Tigger who fills her life with laughter and joy everyday. Zephyr, a spectacular calico cat, has lived in her heart since his death 25 years ago.
She has joined together with Mary Iucopilla, owner of the New York School of Dog Grooming, to create a new company, Fond Farewell My Pet. The mission of this company is to fulfill the broad range of needs that can come with the loss of a pet. Mary has been in the pet industry for 17 years.
