This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV) Pet Loss Support Group, a community-driven program that has helped hundreds of people navigate the profound and often misunderstood pain of losing a beloved animal companion.

“When the death of my cat Buddhe (pronounced “buddy”) hit me harder than any pet loss before, I felt it might be helpful to attend a support group,” says attendee Marty Davis-Merritts. “Experiencing commonality with others in their grief process and supporting each other has been a great help and I recommend the group often to others. I’m proud to be a part of this effort which was and is ahead of its time.” 

Launched in 2010, the Pet Loss Support Group was created in response to a growing need in the community. Cōlleen O’Brien, founder of Blue Dog Counseling, helped start the program at HSHV after seeing firsthand how people struggled in silence after losing a beloved pet. 

“Pet loss can be devastating, but unlike the loss of a human loved one, it’s not always acknowledged by society in the same way,” says O’Brien. “People often say, ‘It was just a dog’ or ‘You can get another cat.’ We saw people suffering, unsure where to turn or whether their grief was valid. That’s why we created this group—to offer a safe, nonjudgmental place for people grieving the loss of a pet to be understood.”

The bond we share with our animals can be as deep and meaningful as our closest human connections. When that bond is broken by loss, the grief can be just as intense—sometimes leading to depression, anxiety and complicated grief if not acknowledged and supported.

“We know from research and from firsthand experience that human-animal bonds are powerful,” says Karen Patterson, HSHV’s Vice President of Volunteers and Humane Education. “This group provides a vital outlet for healing, offering a lifeline to those who may otherwise suffer in silence. It’s one of the most powerful programs we offer.”

HSHV’s Pet Loss Support Group meets monthly, is free of charge, and is open to anyone in the community in any stage of grief. For all 15 years, the group has been led by O’Brien, a licensed social worker whose personal commitment to animal welfare, experience as a devoted pet owner, and passion for supporting people led her to create Blue Dog Counseling. The group often features guided discussions, remembrance rituals and opportunities for reflection and connection.

“Fifteen years in, we continue to see just how deeply this group resonates,” says O’Brien. “It’s not just about coping with loss—it’s about honoring the bond we share with our pets and knowing that grief is a reflection of love.”