EAST LANSING, Mich. — A new program strictly for humans is now available at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital – the MSU Veterinary Social Work Services.
A first of its kind in Michigan, the program offers counseling services for pet owners, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other staff.
“We provide crisis counseling for pet owners whose pets have serious medical conditions or who are facing grief from pet loss,” explained Amanda Morgan, a master’s student in social work who is interning at the MSU hospital.
The program is led by Linda Lawrence, clinical instructor and undergraduate adviser in the School of Social Work, who oversees Morgan and Marilyn Somoza, another master’s student in social work and intern.
The program’s primary goals are to alleviate crisis situations for pet owners and provide support for veterinary staff members. While some pet owners have begun to seek counseling services, many are first contacted informally while waiting for their pet’s appointment or services to be completed.
“Radiation clients are here four to five days a week for up to four weeks,” said Lawrence. “We have time to build a supportive relationship. Oncology patients and their owners are here for regular appointments for an extended period of time and are wonderful support for each other.”
“Losing a pet is a traumatic experience,” said Lawrence.
A pet is a “member of the family,” she said, and nonpet owners often don’t understand the human-animal bond that is formed between pet and owner. When a pet passes away, owners experience grief, sometimes lasting months.
“We are here to normalize people’s grief over losing a pet,” Morgan said. “Socially, people are often told to ‘get over’ losing a pet and that the pet is ‘just a dog’ or ‘just a cat.’”
“Explaining to owners that what they feel is normal helps people understand their feelings,” added Somoza.
Cat owner Elaine Muscat said her experiences with Lawrence as a source of support and compassion were exceptional. Muscat’s cat, Jasper, was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. Through the support of Muscat’s family and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Jasper’s life was extended for about two more years.
Meanwhile, as Jasper was receiving treatments, Muscat’s father passed away. At that time, Lawrence began meeting with Muscat, who traveled from the Detroit area, on a regular basis.
“Linda made sure Jasper’s appointments were always on Mondays at 10 a.m., and she was available to have coffee and speak with me,” said Muscat. “It was wonderful therapy for me while Jasper received high-quality treatment from doctors and staff at the hospital.”
The social work program is planning to start a pet loss support group and a veterinary technician support group. Research has shown that veterinary staff often experience “compassion fatigue” or a form of stress resulting in caring and working with others who are suffering. The support group will help veterinary technicians work through their feelings and learn coping skills.
The program is currently funded by the School of Social Work and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
For more information about the social work services program or to talk with a staff member, call (517) 353-5420. More information about pet loss is available at http://cvm.msu.edu/petloss/index.htm.
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