Pet Grief and Loss: More than "Just a Pet"

Pet Grief and Loss: More than "Just a Pet"

Presenters:

Marjorie Wilson, LMSW, MPH

Veterinary Social Worker, WestVet Boise

Laurie Maxwell, LCSW

Director of Social Work, MedVet

This session will explore pet loss as disenfranchised grief, the complications of making end-of-life decisions for pets, and considerations to help clients work through pet-related grief. This session is designed to help social workers in any setting

Presenter Bios: 

Marjorie supports people through pet health crises with empathy and guidance. She assists with grief, loss, quality of life, and financial concerns, always honoring the human-animal bond and the client’s self-determination in medical decision-making. She holds a MSW and MPH from the University of Washington and has prior experience as a foster care social worker and nonprofit executive director.

Laurie brings 20 years of experience in animal welfare and veterinary medicine, combined with an MSW from the University of Chicago, giving her unique insight into the issues impacting pets and those who love them. Laurie develops programs that address the intersection of veterinary medicine and social work, focusing on short-term interventions for pet owners in distress and initiatives to prevent compassion fatigue among caregivers. Her background includes leading outreach in underserved communities and working on national anti-cruelty campaigns. Laurie holds a BA in corporate communications from Pennsylvania State University and a post-grad certificate in Veterinary Social Work from the University of Tennessee.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe how pets are part of the Person in Environment perspective

2. Differentiate types of grief related to pet loss
3. Describe strategies for supporting clients with grief and loss
4. Discuss end-of-life decision-making and memorialization

See attached flyer for additional information:  WV_SocialWorkCEFlyer_EXP_8.5x11_250616_KP.pdf