Help with loss of a pet

The Samaritans in Pendle, Burnley, Craven and Rossendale have teamed up with Stanley House vets to help pet owners through the sad times of saying a final farewell to a much-loved pet.

Staff at Stanley House, from the vets and veterinary nurses to reception staff, have already undergone specialist training from the Samaritans to help them support those who have lost pets or had to make the hard decision to have their pet put to sleep.

Now the Samaritans and veterinary practice - which has branches in Burnley, Colne and Barnoldswick - have taken their partnership a step further and have organised two drop-in support sessions at the Samaritans’ headquarters in Market Square, Nelson.

The sessions will run on Wednesday, October 26th, from 2-4pm and again from 6-8pm, with staff from Stanley House and trained Samaritan volunteers on hand to chat.

Ian Hartley, director of the local Samaritans, said: “Many, many people get in touch with the Samaritans after the loss of a pet.

“An animal will offer you unconditional love or may have been a constant companion over the years so their loss is devastating and can leave owners bereft.

“Here at the Samaritans we help people to work through their emotions following their bereavement and provide a listening ear if they want to share their feelings over their loss.”

A Stanley House spokesman hoped the drop-in sessions would provide an opportunity to talk to others who have been through the same experience. “It’s not just you who is feeling such sadness, Anyone who has lost a pet knows how devastating it is - after all they are part of your family.”

There’s no need to book for the support sessions, just turn up on the day.