Sheila and Gizmo - Pet loss relief

Last week, I went to go visit a client who requested AAT serviced for her mother, an 80-something senior with a lovely disposition, who makes me smile instantly when I see her. Before visiting with any animals, I met with *Sheila and her daughter at the Retirement Facility where Sheila lives.

Entering her apartment and looking around, I could tell she was and had been a lover of the four legged kind for a long time. A large photo above the couch revealed a younger Sheila, hugging a rusty spaniel, smiling away. Her tea towels had kittens on them. She kept a box of her last cats memorabilia as he had died a few months ago and as she said (and I don't blame her) "Couldn't bring myself to get rid of them just yet". The three of us, myself, Sheila and her daughter, decided a great goal was to help heal the grief she was feeling due to the loss of her cat Finnius through the use of counselling and a visiting animal. Sheila acknowledged that although she missed the companionship of a furry friend, she knew she presently could not handle the responsibility of caring for a pet. This, in addition to her recent loss, was contributing to Sheilas depression, something both herself and her daughter were increasingly aware of.

We decided to begin sessions once a week. These sessions began innocently but became very animated at a fast pace. When the topic of animals, great or small arose, Sheila was dynamic, vibrant and seemingly happy. She stated to me after a few sessions that AAT gave her a different outlook in life. That just because change occurs as it did for her; leaving her family behind and living in a retirement community, the death of Finnius and the loss of that companionship, it doesn't mean a friendship cant blossom, support isn't available or a friend cant be found. Gizmo became that friend.

Although Gizmo and I visit Sheila only once a week at this time, I (we?) have received phone calls here and there, Sheila wondering if i gave Gizmo the apple she gave us to take home or if she got outside today. Hearing her concern and love for my pet made me realize Gizmo ISN'T just mine anymore. She is filling parts of people's lives in such a way that most wouldn't think she could comprehend, but I think she can. Seeing Sheilas face when we enter is an amazing gift for me, and of course a relief for her family as well. Her progress in regards to handling her depression is moving forward and although it will be a long road, she states she is happy to share it with Gizmo and I. Hearing Gizmo popcorn and purr when shes being brushed by Sheila makes me cant help but think Gizmo is happy to share in it with her as well.