Page 6 - Boca ViewPointe - June '24

Page 6, Viewpointe June 2024
Pet Grief - It Is Real

By Josette Veltri • Search for meaning - when a pet dies, it is natural to Most importantly give yourself the grace and self-
question the meaning and purpose of your pet’s life. You may compassion you need to heal.
Yes, you and I will grieve not find the answers but coming to terms with these questions Resources: www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-
the loss of our pets and like is another part of your grief journey. with-losing-a-pet, www.psychologytoday.com, www.
the loss of a loved one, the • Accept support from others – talking with others who have sciencefocus.com, www.avma.org/coping-loss-pet)
memories live on forever. also experienced the death of a pet is important and comforting.
Some feel the pain of pet Things to Remember Josette Veltri, a Boca Point resident, is a certified
loss as overwhelming and Some may find it difficult to understand the special bond educator and coach on loss and transition. Her purpose, to
difficult; others feel better you shared with your pet. Do not be surprised if many well- assist clients heal and move forward so they can go from I
after a few weeks or months. intended friends or family members say, “It was just a dog,” or Can’t to I Can, One Step at a Time. She can be reached at
Research shows the intensity “Just a cat, you can always get another one.” They have their josette@nextstepnewstart. com (https://www.linkedin.com/
of our grief is attributed to opinions and you have yours. Let it go and permit yourself in/josettejveltri/) 
the human-pet bond, permission to mourn.
our support networks,
misplaced guilt, and
the uncertainty of
future pet ownership. Community Association Meetings Monthly Schedule
The grieving process (All meetings held via Zoom and in person.)
happens over time and cannot be hurried or forced. There is
no timetable, and it feels different for everyone.
As with the loss of a loved one, common feelings such
as sadness and loneliness are normal reactions that can All meetings will be held electronically via Zoom and in person. The following is our regular
be expected after the loss of a pet. Do not be surprised if
secondary losses are also felt, such as the loss of a routine schedule of monthly meetings, however, sometimes meetings are cancelled or schedules are
like feeding and walking times, the loss of companionship, revised due to holidays, etc. If you would like to attend, please call the BPCA office, (561)
support, purpose, and even living arrangements. Coming 395-7551, the day before the meeting to request the Zoom link be emailed to you.
home to the silence after the death of your pet or without
their friendly greeting can trigger intense painful emotions.
Trying to ignore or minimize the pain will only make it Access Control & Safety Committee TBD
worse overall.
To heal we must feel - there is no getting around it. Architectural Control Site Committee TBD
Not expressing our feelings is like holding a beach ball
underwater. Eventually, the arms give out, we let go and Board of Directors 3rd Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
the beach ball explodes straight up with a vengeance. And
so, it is with all our pent-up grieving emotions. So, stop Budget & Finance Committee TBD
bottling up your sadness, anger, frustrations, etc., and allow
the healing process of mourning to begin.
You may be wondering why pet grief hurts so much.
It hurts because our pets represent unconditional love.
They looked forward to us coming home greeting us with
a wagging tail or a purring sound. In other words, our
pets represented our most secure attachment. They were
dependable and now they are gone.
So how does one cope with the grief of our pets? The
following are some suggestions to actively mourn your pet
loss from the American Veterinarian Medical Association:
• Acknowledge the reality of the death - acknowledging
the full reality of your pet loss takes time. Be kind to
yourself as you adjust to life without your beloved pet. Servicing PETS of Boca Raton
• Move toward the pain – learning to experience your for over 20 years
emotions following the death of a pet is difficult, but it is “Caring is our Specialty”
important and part of the healing process.
• Continue your relationship through memories - Complete medical, Surgical and Dental
memories allow your pet to live on in you. Embrace the Facility SPA Bath & Grooming
memories.
• Adjust to your new identity - part of your self-identity
might come from being a pet owner. Others may also think
alue Af
ter
Loss of V
of you in relation to your pet. Adjusting to this change is a Loss of Value After
central need of mourning.
A Car Accident
A Car Accident
Current Events

Group

The Current Events Group meet every Monday from
10am-11:30am at the BPCA office. The members consist
of both men and women and all Boca Pointe residents are
invited to attend. If you would like more information or
to sign up, please call 516-835-2670. 

All Appraisal Diminished Value

Hot Topics If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident and you are not at fault it has likely

Group Notice lost value, even after completely repaired to pre loss condition. Most potential buyers
will pay less for a vehicle once they find it has been in an accident.
Call now to hear how much you are entitled to for Diminished Value.
We are a women’s group who remember Reva
Tucker. Hot Topics has resumed meetings every Friday
and are seeking new members. Please join us for lively Call Now
discussions at 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Boca Pointe
Community Office. If you would like more information 954-234-5898
or to sign up, please call 561-715-8298. 