Pets and People – Vision Boards
May 19th, 2010
We’ve been busy this spring; continuing with our tried and true group schedule, meeting with families, generating fresh ideas and growing new programs.
Our new “Short Talks” series at the Middletown Senior Center continues this month, as does our general grief support group with VNS Hospice of Bristol and Newport Counties, “Building Bridges”.
One of our group members will lead “Lost and Found: A Vision Board Workshop”, to get us thinking more clearly about the future and what we want in it.
We’re gearing up for our annual “Memory Gardens” workshop in June and in September, a new project with Salve Regina University’s Department of Nursing that will allow us to more closely and effectively match students with grieving families whose children need care or mentoring.
And while Last month, Savanna taught us a little bit about grief from a teen perspective; this month we’ll focus on the younger set with help from out friends at The Potter League. Our “Pet Heaven” workshop will invite children to learn a little bit about loss and celebrating/commemorating a life lived, while making garden stones in memory of a beloved pet to take home. Below, we connect with Lynne Mallonee Sabel, Director of Humane Education about her work with children and the life lessons taught by their pets.
So try a group, experience a workshop or just stop by for a “Short Talk” if you need one and if you don’t- pass the word to someone who does!
“You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us”~ Robert Louis Stevenson
The Power of Pets
When Lynne Mallonee Sabel of the Potter League for Animals and her band of volunteers walk into a classroom, they are greeted with a warm welcome. The students all know that the topic on the table will be pets and for many of us, they are just as important as people!
Maria: What is the purpose of the Potter League’s Humane Education program ?
Lynne: Over the last 27 years, the Potter League has has grown the Humane Education program, which now reaches out to nearly all of the schools on the island and in Tiverton, to teach students about pet ownership and wildlife appreciation.
M: How do you do it??
L: We present age appropriate curriculums that last about 7 weeks. Our time is limited, but the lessons often become interdisciplinary, carrying over to other subjects at school. We also leave resources for teachers and students that stay in the classroom for the entire session including books and stuffed animals.
M: One of the lessons is on pet loss. Why go there?
L: Allowing a child to have a pet opens the door to so many life lessons: responsibility, love, loyalty and death too. We talk about saying goodbye and making it a “good” goodbye even if it feels bad at first.
M: Is there a book you’d recommend for kids who are dealing with the loss of a pet?
L: We use several good books, but I really like “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” because it’s very accepting of different beliefs and the story walks children through that “good” goodbye.
M: How do students respond to it?
L: Not all students are ready to hear it, but many are and those who have had the experience often want to share it with us.
M: Can you help a family or speak to groups in addition to your school presentations? Are you offering other educational opportunities at the Potter League?
L: Yes, we can speak to groups and families too, and yes, this summer we’ll be offering our 2nd season of camps- to find out more about that you can log onto our website!
M: Thank you Lynne!
Groups This Month: Lost and Found
Losing a loved one can trigger many secondary losses- loss of social ties, of financial security, of identity, future plans and even meaning. If you have lost a loved one and are wondering “What’s next?”, Join us for this creative and informative workshop led by a woman who has lived through loss and found hope for the future through the use of vision boards. Come learn about the history of this technique and the science behind it, as you cut and paste your way to a vision of your own!
Please Call to register 846-0698
Thursday, May 20th, 6-8pm
Brick House 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport
Call to register, 846-0698
Up Next: Pet Heaven
A child’s first experience with grief and loss often involves a beloved pet. Be it a dog, cat, fish or turtle, children will learn about commemorating and celebrating the life of a favorite animal friend, while creating a Memorial Garden Stone to take home. Parents are welcome to stay or drop children off for this free program sponsored by MFH and The Potter League.
Please call to register: 846-0698
Saturday, May 22nd, 10:30 a.m.-12:00
The Potter League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown
Losing a loved one can trigger many secondary losses- loss of social ties, of financial security, of identity, future plans and even meaning. If you have lost a loved one and are wondering “What’s next?”, Join us for this creative and informative workshop led by a woman who has lived through loss and found hope for the future through the use of vision boards. Come learn about the history of this technique and the science behind it, as you cut and paste your way to a vision of your own!
Please Call to register
846-0698
Thursday, May 20th
6-8pm
Brick House
Red Cross Ave
Call to register
846-0698
Up Next: Pet Heaven 
A child’s first experience with grief and loss often involves a beloved pet. Be it a dog, cat, fish or turtle, children will learn about commemorating and celebrating the life of a favorite animal friend, while creating a Memorial Garden Stone to take home. Parents are welcome to stay or drop children off for this free program sponsored by MFH and The Potter League.
Please call to register: 846-0698
Saturday, May 22nd
10:30 a.m.-12:00
The Potter League
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown