Rusty

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@lwpbereavement You are not short of company!

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@NiallHarbison Congratulations Niall - an amazing achievement. 🇮🇪

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

What is pet grief and who is best suited to support you?
Grief is a very personal experience that can be complex and unpredictable and whilst it causes short term intense emotional & physical distress, grief is not a diagnosed mental disorder.
Grief is a bundle of natural emotions in response to loss that are painful and difficult to understand but generally those intrusive thoughts and emotions will lessen over time. We can and do recover from loss especially with the correct support.
Choosing the right support best suited to you can make a huge difference in your grief journey –
Pet Bereavement Specialist – a specialist who is trained in all aspects of pet loss, pre, during and post the loss. They have extensive knowledge, understanding and experience in dealing with pet owners who are suffering the loss of their companion animal and all matters relating to the loss of a pet. Specialists have limitations whereby most are not qualified to analyse, diagnose or support you through pre-existing mental health conditions. Our accredited members are pet bereavement specialists. There will be a fee to speak to most specialists, but some do offer a free and out of hours service.
Pet Bereavement Counsellor – a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist who will have varying degrees of knowledge, understanding and experience of pet bereavement. A pet bereavement counsellor is the ideal person to support those who have pre-existing mental health conditions for example anxiety or depression. Grief can be linked to a mental health disorder when the loss is complex or prolonged. We have members who are qualified counsellors who specialise in pet bereavement or offer pet loss support. There will be a fee to speak to a pet bereavement counsellor.
Pet Bereavement Support – this is someone who has a good knowledge and understanding of all matters relating to pet loss but may be limited in the support they can offer. Our registered members offer pet bereavement support although they may also be qualified counsellors or veterinary staff. There will be a fee to speak to most who offer pet bereavement support.
Vets and veterinary nurses – veterinary staff have an abundance of experience in dealing with those who are grieving the loss of a companion animal and can help you understand the medical jargon relating to a prognosis or cause of death. Due to time constraints during their working hours, staff may be limited in the support they can offer and whilst unlikely, this may incur a fee. To access this support telephone your own veterinary surgery.
Family – you cannot surpass the support provided by family during pet bereavement. Supporting one another through the loss of a family pet can be a tremendous help but remember no two people grieve the same and therefore you need to be patient and understanding as each person in the family navigates through their loss. No fee to speak to family.
Friends, work colleagues and acquaintances – never underestimate the benefits of sharing your feelings with those who understand what it is to lose a much-loved pet, a good support network is so beneficial during a period of bereavement. Avoid those who undermine or belittle you during a period of bereavement because they do not understand the pain associated with pet loss. No fee to speak to friends.
Samaritans – if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, please contact the Samaritans or any other registered charities who specialise in this field. No fee to speak to the Samaritans - telephone 116 123. @lwpbereavement

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

Is the loss of a pet who has been with you for 12 years any more or less significant than losing one you’ve only known for 12 weeks?
As our founding member, Kirsty Godsell, explores in this moving article, grief is not measured in time. Whether it’s the loss of long-shared routines, security, and comfort, or the heartbreak of dreams and memories never realised, every goodbye carries its own weight.
Read Kirsty’s full reflection on our website: https://t.co/ZnQSMt4Qv0.. Whether it’s weeks or years, love cannot be measured in time, and neither can the depth of loss.

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

National Pet Memorial Day - Sunday 14th September. A day dedicated to honouring the memory of beloved pets who have passed away. It's a time to reflect on the joy and love they brought into our lives and to find comfort in collective remembrance. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of our counsellors https://t.co/050PsJ3J2L

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

This weeks blog, written by Association founder member Kirsty Godsell, examines her own experiences not listening to her own advice when experiencing pet loss...

https://t.co/uLkjbkKWnk

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@lwpbereavement Everyone looking very well. Xx

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@lwpbereavement Aw what a fabulous happy looking dog. Xx

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@NiallHarbison I am really sorry Niall, thank you for showing him love and dignity.

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

The video of our amazing CPD webinar on Anticipatory Grief, hosted by Lucy Cussen, is now available to watch on our YouTube channel, please like and subscribe!

https://t.co/QDiwGhCbPc

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

Pet owners throughout the world show their appreciation for the support they receive from the best pet bereavement counsellors. If you need support we will be there for you. Please follow and share, you never know who needs our support. https://t.co/p3ShoZw5Du @lwpbereavement

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

Don't let the burden of pet grief overwhelm you, contact one of our pet bereavement specialists - to speak to a pet bereavement counsellor who are experts in their field see our website. https://t.co/p3ShoZw5Du @lwpbereavement

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

This weeks blog, written by Association founder member Lucy Cussen, looks at Anticipatory Grief.
Lucy will also be hosting our next CPD event on the same subject, Anticipatory Grief, on Thursday August 21st @ 7pm BST - to register for this event please email [email protected]

https://t.co/RcUvcm7QSO

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

Happy International Cat Day! Today, we celebrate the joy and companionship our feline friends bring into our lives. If you're navigating the loss of a beloved cat, remember you're not alone. Our Association is here to support you through every step. 💜 #InternationalCatDay #PetLossSupport

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

Why choose a counsellor from our Association? Our accredited members are experienced in pet bereavement counselling and dedicated to providing compassionate care. You deserve the best support as you navigate your grief. https://t.co/p3ShoZw5Du

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

This weeks blog written by Association founder member Dawn Murray looks at Bargaining..

https://t.co/Infg9jGJUi

[Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors @apbcounsellors]

MPs Pass Bill to End Suffering of Imported Pets

The Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors has welcomed the passing of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill in the House of Commons on Friday (4 July 2025), praising it as a long-overdue intervention to protect imported pets from trauma, injury and premature death.

The Bill now heading to the House of Lords will give Ministers the power to:

Ban imports of puppies and kittens under six months of age
Prohibit transport of heavily pregnant animals
Block animals subjected to illegal cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping, tail docking, or declawing from entering the UK
Every year, companion animals arrive into Great Britain after enduring early separation from their mothers, dangerous travel conditions, untreated infections, or irreversible physical damage. These experiences often lead to long-term distress, behavioural difficulties, and tragically early loss of life.

“We are available to counsel grieving owners who unwittingly adopted imported pets,  in some cases these pets may have died shortly after arrival, or struggled for months with fear, illness or trauma. These are preventable tragedies,” said Lucy Cussen, Co-Founder of the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors.

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@PhilipSerrell @clemserrell My thoughts are with you and your family on the sad loss of your lovely dog Daphne

[Rusty @Rusty14042022]

@apbcounsellors @lwpbereavement Really fantastic blog full of excellent advice for coping with pet loss and all kinds of loss-brilliant.