Pet Bereavement

Re: Pet Bereavement

Shailen Jasani — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:47:05 GMT

[quote user="Steph Smith BSc(hons) RVN"]

At our practice, I feel the nurses/reception staff spend more time with the grieving owner than the VS. ALL practice staff would benefit from education on bereavement support (in fact, it would be so marvellous to see it included into the VS/VN syllubi and be recognised as an important part of our jobs - but I do understand how complicated this would be to set up).

I haven't had training on providing support for owners, but just do/say whatever seems appropriate for that client/situation/pet - like the rest of you who have replied so far. However there have been a few times, where children are involved, or for whatever reason, it has been more difficult to know what to say or do.. so I would love to have some sort of formal training here. Stuck up here in Scotland though... if your London session is the success we are anticipating, would you consider bringing it up north?!

I offer our clients the phone number for Blue Cross' bereavement support line, but haven't been recommending the Ralph site - I will go check this out.

[/quote]

The Pet Bereavement Support Service is an excellent resource and I often direct people to contact their trained volunteers.

Out of interest, The Ralph Site and Society for Companion Animal Studies (the charity which runs PBSS with the Blue Cross) have recently started a Pet Loss Support Online Surgery - trying another medium to provide support to people. You can find out more here. Interested to know what people think of the idea. Thanks.

Re: Pet Bereavement

Shailen Jasani — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:41:27 GMT

[quote user="Charmaloo88"]I think it depends on the owner, I find a lot of them don't want to hang around to talk after leaving their animal, a small handful will go on to call several times after PTS to ask if they've done the right thing. I would definitely like to go to a course on bereavement though as its a subject not really covered in nursing courses. Oh and I always tell owners to look at The Ralph Site, I think it's fantastic and many owners have found it useful so good job! Have you thought about making business cards practices could give out?

[/quote]

Thank you. I have A5 flyers that I have been posting out to practices when requested which they can then give to clients - if you would like some for your practice please email me at info@theralphsite.com with the address and I will be happy to send you some. I would love to send some to every practice as a blanket mailshot but with the Ralph Site being all personally funded by me, it would just be too expensive so I send them out as and when people get in touch.

Re: Pet Bereavement

PHA86 — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 18:42:58 GMT

I think it is included the syllabus now, I certainly had to write quite a bit about bereavement in one of my assignments.

Re: Pet Bereavement

Steph Smith BSc(hons) RVN — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:48:55 GMT

I offer our clients the phone number for Blue Cross' bereavement support line, but haven't been recommending the Ralph site - I will go check this out.

Re: Pet Bereavement

BengalcatRVN — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:58:12 GMT

I have advised clients to visit the ralph site, she had children so I suggested she visit it and make a memorial page with the children being involved. I would prob try and attend this CPD, although I am out of the m25.

As for caring for clients, every client themselves are different. I try to get payment before as this allows the client to just leave when they are ready (and I explain this to them), I discuss options on the phone, suggest they pop in to see me and collect further information (provided by my cremation company) have the room set up prior to arrivel, with tissues and a further berivment booklet and a blanket so when they want to leave they can cover the pet as a final respect. Couldn't think of anything worse than leaving my own pet "exposed" on the table. If the clients want me to stay atfter the vet has gone, I will, I will listen to them or if they want to remain with the pet I will leave. I offer water/warm drink and always send a sympathy card after, so many clients appriciate it.

We should not be afraid to talk to our clients, they do appriciate us helping them. Some people get all scared and hate talking to clients, but they NEED support. :o)

Re: Pet Bereavement

Charmaloo88 — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:56:19 GMT

I think it depends on the owner, I find a lot of them don't want to hang around to talk after leaving their animal, a small handful will go on to call several times after PTS to ask if they've done the right thing. I would definitely like to go to a course on bereavement though as its a subject not really covered in nursing courses. Oh and I always tell owners to look at The Ralph Site, I think it's fantastic and many owners have found it useful so good job! Have you thought about making business cards practices could give out?