The SPCA of Westchester is launching a Pet Bereavement Group that is open to anyone who has lost a pet, including cats, dogs, horses, birds or any animals of any kind.
The group, "Justin's Club" is named in memory of "Justin," a grey tiger-striped cat, who recently died of cancer, at the age of 8. "Justin," a beloved pet of SPCA volunteer Mary Prenon, was adopted from the SPCA when he was just 10 weeks old. Despite two months of intense chemotherapy, Justin eventually succumbed to his abdominal cancer.
"I was devastated by his death, and searched the county for a pet bereavement group," Prenon said. "The only groups available were in Manhattan, and so I approached the SPCA to start a local group here in Westchester."
Laura Oliver, L.C.S.W. is donating her time to lead the SPCA's bereavement group. Oliver, who has offices in New York City and Chappaqua, is a licensed master social worker by the New York State Education Department, and is certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers for Private Practice. She holds an M.S. and B.S. from Columbia University, and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers
"We believe there is a real need for this service in Westchester, and we are happy to be able to provide this to the local community," said Gail Forman, P..H.D. Former Executive Director of the SPCA. "We are very grateful to Laura for donating her time to make this happen."
