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History of the Pet Loss Support Group
Ailing Pet? The Pet Loss Support Group of the Denver Area Veterinary Society can trace its beginnings to the early 1980's when veterinarians and human health-care providers first came together to address the issues surrounding euthanasia and the impact of pet loss. It was not until 1986, however, that these issues were formally acknowledged through a seminar organized by Dr. Jan Facinelli. Due to the tremendous interest shown by both the professional community and the public, a core group of human health-care providers and veterinarians merged to attempt to address the needs of the Denver area regarding the emotional impact of pet loss. During the following two years different strategies were formulated to try and meet these needs. A drop-in support group for a charge to the participant was tried for a short time but these sessions were poorly attended. In late 1988 the DAVMS agreed to fund a one year pilot program offering a weekly support group facilitated by a professional therapist aimed at meeting the needs of the clients of the DAVMS members. A brochure was formulated and veterinarians were encouraged to give these brochures to clients experiencing pet loss. The groups were well attended averaging around 5-6 attendees per session. The support group received local news attention when a three-part news feature "Healing the Heart" was presented on Channel 9 News and included segments of group meetings. The DAVMS continued to fund the program and through the years these weekly sessions have continued to be well attended. From the positive feedback from those who have participated and from the veterinary community, the group has been successfully able to meet an important need of the Denver-Metro area.

Members of he PLSG Committee have worked to help provide educational seminars regarding euthanasia and pet loss issues as well. In 1990 Dr. Paige Garnett and Susan Anschuetz presented a two hour continuing education course to technicians at the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Convention. Also that year, Dr. Ann Brandenburg-Schroeder and Ann Johnson presented a paper outlining the work in Denver to the National Delta Society. In October of 1991 the seminar "The Emotional Impact of Euthanasia of Healthy Animals" addressed the emotional needs of veterinary and animal shelter personnel regarding the killing of healthy pets. The following year the group presented the seminar "The Tragedy of Disposable Animals: Redefining the Issues" focusing on the topic of pet overpopulation. A seminar offered in 1994 was directed at meeting the needs of the public. "When the Bond Breaks" focused on the grief process and clarifying issues surrounding the emotional impact of pet loss on the individual and the family.

1995 was a landmark year for the PLSG committee. With funding becoming more limited through the DAVMS and wishing to broaden the committee members involvement in other areas of the human/animal bond, the process for obtaining 501(c)(3) non-profit charity status was begun. It was decided to establish an annual golf tournament to meet the financial needs of the group. The annual Putting for Pets golf tournament was organized and the first tournament proved to be a success. The Putting for Pets golf tournament continued through June 2007 when it was decided to shift our fundraising efforts into other areas.

In the course of obtaining non-profit status the group has been renamed the DAVMS Human/Animal Bond Trust but the purpose of the group remains the same. For the past decade the PLSG has provided support and education for people experiencing the loss of a pet companion. We will continue to provide licensed therapists, informational materials and brochures for veterinarians to give to their grieving clients. These services remain central to the mission of the HABT. With your help we can continue to provide a much needed service to the Denver Community.
 
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