Vol. I , Number 1	Spring 2000
Pet Loss Hotline gets toll free telephone number
The Animal Health Foundation supports University of California at  Davis project
Southern California residents can now better utilize a valuable service. The Animal Health Foundation has established a toll free phone number that links directly to the U.C. Davis Pet Loss Hotline. The hotline is operational on weekday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. The lines are staffed with veterinary students who have been specially trained to respond to callers' needs. Under the direction of Bonnie Mader, M.S.; a pioneer in the field of pet loss counseling. Working on the hotline provides valuable experience for our future doctors of veterinary medicine.  Since its establishment in 1989, the hotline has handled thousands of phone calls from throughout the United States and Canada. The Pet Loss Support Hotline provides a nonjudgmental outlet for people to express their feelings and concerns when faced with emotionally difficult times involving beloved animals.  The Animal Health Foundation has been a long-time advocate of pet loss support programs. We have sponsored pet loss support groups for many years, and the hotline provides us with an opportunity to serve pet lovers, regardless of extenuating circumstances.  We have learned that geographical issues, conflicting schedules of pet owners and therapists, and discomfort with group settings have prevented many people from attending a group meeting. However, the need to provide grieving pet lovers with support is obvious. The pet loss hotline provides a vehicle for us to offer support, while providing conveniences that make the service accessible to everyone in our area.  The foundation is preparing post-card sized announcements of this service for veterinarians to distribute to their clients. The university is updating their brochure to feature the new toll free number. Practitioners requesting further information can call the foundation at the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association office. The number is now functioning and ready for use! 1 800 565 1526 Pet Loss Hotline Staffed Monday through Friday 6:30-9:30 P.M.
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