Pet Loss Helpline

[vmurthy]

Anyone volunteered in the Pet Loss Helpline? Can you give me some details about it? And does anyone have the contact details of whoever is incharge?

[OVC 09]

I volunteered with the PLSH for several years (actually used to run it...). I'm not sure who is the ebst person to ccontact right now, but message me privately if you want more information.

The short version is you are a supportive ear for grieving/troubled owners. You don't give advice, you just give empathy and a chance to talk. The hotline is 'open' three nights a week, 6pm-9pm if I recall correctly, and you just answer messages or answer the phone if it rings while you're there, and give the person calling a chance to share their stories. You get solid training in supportive listening and such, and you get to shadow an experienced PLSHer for awhile before you're expected to handle calls on your own.

[stou]

Hey there
My name is Paris and I am currently the PLSH's volunteer coordinator. Basically, we are a group of UofG students (OVC and undergrad), and we provide a non-judgmental venue for people to call and talk about the loss of their pets (or the potential loss of their pets). We are not there to give advice and help pet owners in the decision to euthanize their animals, but mostly there to "lend an ear" and let them talk through their feelings and express what they are going through.

we do hold training sessions at the beginning of each year, so if joining the PLSH is something you would be interested in, feel free to contact me at [e-mail] and we can set something up. If you have any further questions regarding our group of volunteers and what we do don't hesitate to email!

hope to hear from you
Paris

[Guest 128393]

Does anyone one know what volunteering with the pet support hotline would be considered? (Eg animal experience or extra curricular activities)

[dreizehn]

Sept 14, 2013 13:56:47 GMT -5 @Guest 128393 said:

Does anyone one know what volunteering with the pet support hotline would be considered? (Eg animal experience or extra curricular activities)

That would be an extracurricular activity, as you're not actually working with animals in any way, just interacting with people.

For reference, animal experience and extracurricular activities are outlined on the OVC web site as follows:

Animal experience
Animal experience includes working with livestock, breeding/showing various species, working in a pet store, equestrian activities and any other animal related hobby/experience where a veterinarian is not always present, or does not supervise you. Animal experience does not include pet ownership.

Extracurricular experience
So much of veterinary medicine involves working with people and as part of a team. Jobs and volunteer activities that hone your communication, interpersonal and organizational skills are important.

[Deleted]

This sounds really interesting. Is it still running, and are you accepting volunteers in the near future?