“This group is a community of people who are prepared to listen and share. The members have helped me carry on with the healing process. There is the opportunity to share my story with people who are on a similar journey - a group of people who can provide a sympathetic and empathetic ear. I've found healing not just in being in a safe space to share and express my grief, but in being able to hear other people's stories as well. The kindness and companionship of people who ‘get it’ is invaluable.

Seeing that the depth of grief others were feeling was similar to my own made me feel less alone and gave me permission to own it. Talking with others and having them offer support and advice has made me feel much better emotionally.

I know that it can feel like a big step to join a group. It is. The prospect of displaying your grief and maybe breaking down in front of strangers is daunting. Please bear in mind there is no judgment here, only compassion for the grief you're feeling. We have all been through similar experiences.”

“Words cannot express my gratitude for this wonderful group and I’m truly grateful I found it. It's so supportive, helpful, kind and compassionate. Sharing with and listening to like-minded people who really understand is so helpful. It’s helping me navigate this difficult time and it means more than you'll ever know.

When I lost my cat, Lucy, I was heartbroken. I searched the internet for support but I couldn't find anything appropriate until I found this Pet Loss Support Group. Thank God I did. It has really helped me through the last 7 weeks. I needed to be in the company of people who understood. I needed empathy and compassion and kindness and I get all that. It's a beautiful safe, supportive space to share how you're feeling and what's happening for you at whatever stage of your pet grief you're at.

We're all grieving together and support each other with the utmost respect and compassion. Sonia is just an incredible human being who holds the space for us beautifully and supports us all in such a unique way.

If you're hesitating about joining us, please don't. We would love to hear all about your pet. You are not alone. We are all on this journey together.”

“Before joining this lovely group, I felt utterly broken and thought I was never going to cope; now I feel empowered to mend those pieces.

I struggled when I lost Bryndis and realised there was nothing out there to share the grief with until I came upon this group. I just wanted to talk to people who 'get it'. This group has enabled me to deal with my grief; pet grief is so disenfranchised and lots of people simply do not understand it.

I found it comforting to be in an accepting environment where my grief was 'ok'. I find conversations around guilt very helpful and just the constant reminder to be kind to yourself is so valuable! It's such a lovely group. It's a space to share your grief, memories, laugh and cry together.

If you need support and are thinking of joining the group, I'd say, go for it! Please join us! This is such a diverse group of people united by grief, and the tolerance and acceptance are outstanding.”

“The group has helped me come to terms with Bear's passing and given me comfort and support when I was at my absolute lowest point.

In the early stages of my grief, it was very reassuring to know that this group was there for me. Also knowing that there were people who understood what I was going through was a massive help. Feeling I had a space to express my feelings without being judged was also extremely important.

Now I feel much better than I thought I ever would or could after Bear passed. You'll be very glad you joined. Just hearing other people's stories and knowing you're not alone is so very helpful.”

“Being a part of this group has really helped me by hearing we are not alone in this journey and being among like-minded pet parents.

I joined the group because I wanted to be part of a group where I could listen to others and be around people who could relate to what had happened.

Honestly, every session I have attended has been beneficial. Sharing photos of our beloved pets is always very special.

For anyone thinking of joining the group, try to be brave. The group really has lovely members and is a safe space.”

“Before joining the group, I felt sad and guilty. Now I feel less sad and guilty. Listening to other people’s experiences has also normalised my own experience. It was also helpful to share thoughts and beliefs about the afterlife with others.

I would advise anyone thinking of joining the group to take the brave step and join, even if it is only to listen.

Thank you for continuing to host these groups, they really are valuable and of much help.”

“I was going through a very rough time and the group really helped me release some of the pain I had inside and feel understood.

I recommend joining the group. It was helpful and a warm space that felt safe to talk about what our pets and their loss meant to us. Just give it a try, you don't need to talk right away if you don't feel like it, you can just listen and share your own story if and when you feel like it. Sonia is very caring and respectful.”

“This group has been exceptionally friendly and supportive. It's definitely good to know that there are very loving and caring people out there who are willing to reach out to others to run a group like this.

I lost my beloved cat of 17 years. She was the first pet I could call my own and it's the first time I've ever had to make the decision to let a pet go. In the last several years I have lost other people in my life and bereavement support has been beneficial for this.

The loss of Phoebe was very significant for me, so I needed some support for my grief. I wanted to share the experience I had with Phoebe both in her life and also after her passing, and also hear the experiences of others.

If you're thinking of joining the group, you'll absolutely be heard and given a space to say how you feel.”

“Thank you for having me. It was comforting to meet all of you. I will be thinking of you and the group and the kindness you all showed me when I was in one of my darkest days.”

“It was really nice talking to you yesterday. I felt I poured a lot out which was much needed, and thank you for attaching the resources. I have already taken a look at one of them, and will continue to, as time goes by.”

“Thank you!! After a day I still feel it was actually helpful, thank you for initiating and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you again for organising the group and the meditation, I really enjoyed doing a little mental journey.”

“Thank you very much for taking your precious time to talk with me. It was very comforting to speak with you.

It’s always nice to hear encouragement when you are down and still mourning over your loved ones. Thank you also for sending me more resources.”

“I’m so grateful I got to talk about it. I feel very much better now.”