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Cornell Virtual Grief Group Aids Pet Owners

Staff Report / FLXlocal.org

**Pet Owners Find Support Through Cornell Virtual Grief Group**

Candice Moraga, a resident of Geneva, New York, experienced heartbreak in November when her black cat, Midnight Shadow, passed away due to kidney disease. Struggling to cope with the loss, she received an unexpected invitation from the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) to join a virtual support group for grieving pet owners.

The group is organized by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and aims to provide comfort and community to people mourning the loss of their beloved pets.

Moraga shared that the invitation arrived at a time when she found even the smallest tasks overwhelming. “To actually receive an invite, completely unsolicited, after Midnight’s death saved me from having to force myself to take any extra steps I was not feeling up to,” she explained. “I swear I could not even make a phone call at that point, but I could respond to an email with an RSVP.”

Through the online group, Moraga connected with others who shared similar experiences. She described the impact of this community during a difficult time: “I’ve been largely alone in my grief,” she said, “but then I logged into the meeting, and I swear that meeting is what got me through the holidays.”

The support group at Cornell continues to offer a place of understanding and comfort for those navigating the loss of a pet.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Feb 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM

College