In December 2024, we had the opportunity to chat with Joan Corbett from The Bond Between about their pet loss support group, The Bridge Between. You can watch the replay video for the full conversation, or read on for a summary, which touched on the grieving process, adjusting holiday traditions, and deciding whether to foster or adopt after losing a beloved pet.
About The Bond Between
Formerly known as Secondhand Hounds, The Bond Between is located in Minnetonka, MN, and has made a tremendous impact since 2009, saving over 300,000 dogs and cats. They rely on a large network of foster families and offer a variety of services, including:
- Veterinary care
- Transitional pet care for those facing emergencies
- A pet food shelf program
- The Bridge Between pet loss support group
Pet Loss Support
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) hosts a virtual Pet Loss Support Group once a month. Additionally, for those who prefer an in-person setting, The Bridge Between meets at The Bond Between’s Minnetonka office on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month. No registration is required—just show up. The group is led by two trained facilitators and provides a safe space for sharing stories, discussing grief and loss, and exploring ways to memorialize pets.
The facilitators and attendees understand the deep pain of losing a pet. Even well-meaning friends and family sometimes fail to grasp the significance of this loss, offering comments like, “You can always get another dog or cat.” While these words are often intended to comfort, they don’t address the unique bond between a person and their pet.
Grieving for a pet is valid, and there is no “right” way to grieve. It’s important to feel your emotions, rather than suppress them, to move forward—not “get over” the loss—in a healthy way. This is why we welcome you to join a Pet Loss Support Group to help you navigate your grief journey in a supportive environment with others who understand the impact of this loss.
Coping with Pet Loss During the Holidays
The holiday season can be especially difficult for those mourning a pet. You may want to consider making changes to traditional routines to ease the pain. For example:
- Walk a new route if your usual one reminds you of your pet.
- Start new holiday traditions or find unique ways to honor your pet, such as displaying their ashes on the mantel near your Christmas tree or commissioning memorial artwork.
- Donate your pet’s toys, bedding, or supplies to help other animals in need, such as through The Bond Between’s pet food shelf program.
Fostering and Adopting After Pet Loss
There’s no timeline for deciding to adopt or foster a pet after experiencing loss. Some people welcome a new companion within weeks, while others wait years. Still others may decide they never wish to have another pet. All of these choices are valid. Remember though – a new pet isn’t a replacement; they will have their own personality and quirks, requiring patience and understanding.
For those interested in fostering, The Bond Between’s foster program provides all necessary supplies and covers veterinary care. Foster families give pets a temporary home, helping them adjust and prepare for adoption. While letting go of a foster pet can be challenging, focusing on the joy of connecting a pet with their forever family can make it easier.
Additionally, The Bond Between offers specialized foster care for:
- Pets of individuals facing medical or personal emergencies
- Hospice pets, allowing them to live out their final days in loving homes
Grieving the loss of a pet is a deeply personal journey. Be kind to yourself and find ways to honor your pet’s memory. Whether you join a support group, find joy in new traditions, or foster or adopt animals in need – there is no wrong way to navigate the process. We wish you a holiday season of patience, comfort, and healing.
To learn more about The Bond Between, The Bridge Between, their fostering and adoption programs, or one of their many other opportunities to connect people and pets, visit their website here.
