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A grief that’s real
Pet Loss Recovery
When someone says “it’s just a pet,” this program says otherwise. The Grief Recovery Method, adapted for the loss of a beloved companion — because the bond was real, and so is the grief.
or 1:1Format
petHonored
Why This Program Exists
Your grief is real and valid
“
It’s just an animal. You can always get another one. At least it had a long life.
— Things people will say to you
Whatever well-meaning person told you that, they were wrong.
The bond between you and your animal companion was real. The years you spent together, the small daily rituals, the way they greeted you when you came home, the comfort they gave you when no one else could — all of it was real. And the grief you feel now is just as real, and just as valid, as any other grief.
This program is built to honor that.
What to Expect
A typical week
Same proven structure as our other group programs, with a curriculum and tone built specifically around the loss of an animal companion.
You’re welcomed in
Holly opens with empathy specific to pet loss. The disenfranchised grief you’ve been carrying — the kind no one validates — is named, normalized, and held with care.
This week’s teaching
Holly walks the group through a chapter from the Grief Recovery curriculum, adapted for pet loss — covering the relationship you had, the things left unsaid, and how to complete what was unfinished.
Small-group reflection
You break into smaller pairs to share memories, sit with the harder feelings, and start the week’s exercise alongside someone who gets it.
Homework that honors them
Each week ends with a specific assignment — often involving writing letters, going through photos, or putting words to memories — that helps you complete the relationship and carry the love forward.
Is This the Right Fit?
Who this program serves
This program is for you if…
- You’ve lost a dog, cat, bird, horse, rabbit, reptile — any beloved companion. All animals are welcome here.
- The loss is recent, or it happened years ago and you never had a place to grieve.
- You’ve been told to “just get another one” and felt that landing wrong.
- You’d like to share with others who get it, or you’d prefer to work through it privately with Holly.
- You can commit to either a 6-week group or a one-on-one cadence with Holly.
You may want a different fit if…
- You’re currently in acute crisis — please reach out to a licensed therapist or call 988 first.
- You’re grieving a person, not an animal. Our Group Grief Recovery program is built for that.
- You’re mainly here to support someone else, like a child who lost a pet. Consider Helping Adults Who Care for Children.
Holly\u2019s Words
What we believe about pet loss
The loss of a pet is real, valid grief \u2014 not something to minimize.
Holly A JonesMany people feel unsupported after pet loss because others may not understand its depth. Holly gets it, and with the support of the Grief Recovery Method for Pet Loss she will guide you through the process of moving forward in your pain.
Holly A Jones, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist\u00aeWhen my dog passed, people said “it’s just a pet.” Holly understood. The Pet Loss Recovery program validated my grief and helped me heal.
Practical Details
Logistics
Format
Two ways to participate: a 6-week pet-loss group, or one-on-one sessions with Holly. Choose what feels right.
Schedule
Group cohorts begin on a regular cadence. One-on-one sessions can begin almost anytime. Contact Holly for the next start date.
Cost
Restoring Hearts Outreach is a nonprofit. Fees are kept accessible and scholarships are available. Reach out for current pricing.
Bring with you
A photo or two of your animal companion, if you have one to share. (Optional, but often meaningful.)
Ready to honor what you’ve lost?
Reach out and Holly will share the next group start date or set up a one-on-one. There’s no commitment until you’re sure it’s the right fit.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
What if my pet died years ago — is it too late to do this?
Not at all. Many participants come to the program with grief they’ve been carrying for years — sometimes decades. Time doesn’t close grief; the action work does. The program meets you wherever you are.
Are all kinds of pets welcome — cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits?
Yes. The program honors any companion animal you loved. Dogs and cats are most common, but participants have grieved horses, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other animals. The bond is what matters, not the species.
Will I have to share photos or stories of my pet in the group?
Sharing is invited but never forced. Many people find that bringing a photo or telling a small story is meaningful — but you set your own pace. The work is yours.
Why is pet grief treated as "real" grief here?
Because it is. The bond between you and your pet was real. The relationship was real. The loss is real. Holly built this program because so many pet owners have been told otherwise — and the dismissal makes the grief harder, not easier.
My family doesn’t understand why I’m still grieving. Will this help me explain it to them?
Yes. Many participants leave with both their own healing and a clearer way to talk about pet grief with people who haven’t experienced it. You’ll have language and tools to set boundaries with the dismissive comments.
Can my children come to the program with me?
This particular program is designed for adults. If you’re also helping a child grieve a pet, ask Holly about Helping Adults Who Care for Children — a separate program built for caregivers supporting grieving kids.
Should I do the group or one-on-one for pet loss?
Both work. Group offers community with others who get it. One-on-one offers privacy and faster start. When you reach out, Holly will help you decide which fits your situation.
Service Area
Serving Central Florida
Where Holly Serves
Central Florida — in person across the region
Holly serves participants from Ocala and The Villages and across Marion County, Sumter County, Lake County. Recent participants have come from:
- Ocala
- The Villages
- Lady Lake
- Belleview
- Wildwood
- Summerfield
- Oxford
- Leesburg
- Fruitland Park
Outside this area? Contact Holly to talk about virtual options or community partnerships in your region.
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