Support for Animal People
BLUE dog provides grief-informed consulting, training, and clinical services grounded in the human-animal bond. We help animal care professionals navigate the moral stress, secondary trauma, and emotional demands of their work, while also supporting individuals and families facing pet loss, anticipatory grief, and difficult end-of-life decisions.
Veterinary practices, shelters, rescue organizations, animal control agencies, zoos, and any group working with animals. Consulting and training designed to address the moral stress, secondary trauma, and emotional realities unique to animal care work.
For providersPeople facing pet loss, anticipatory grief, end-of-life decisions, or caregiving stress. Individual support and resources grounded in clinical expertise in grief, loss, and the human-animal bond. Start with a free 15-minute consultation.
For individualsWe help animal care organizations address the emotional realities of caring for animals. Working with leaders and staff, we identify sources of moral stress, grief, and workplace strain and develop practical supports that strengthen teams and help people remain connected to the work that matters to them. Every consultation is tailored to the unique needs, culture, and goals of your organization.
Learn moreCustomized training for veterinary and animal care teams focused on grief-informed communication, moral stress, secondary trauma, euthanasia support, and the emotional realities of caring for animals.
Learn moreSupport for individuals navigating pet loss, anticipatory grief, end-of-life decisions, or caregiving stress. Case consultation is also available for mental health professionals encountering animal loss in their practice.
Learn moreThe practice
Since 2009, Cōlleen O'Brien, LMSW, has provided specialized support for people navigating pet loss, anticipatory grief, and the challenges that can accompany caring for an animal. Through that work, she repeatedly encountered animal care professionals carrying the emotional weight of grief, loss, euthanasia, and moral stress with few resources designed specifically for their experiences.
BLUE dog's consulting and training services grew from that recognition and from a commitment to supporting the people who care for animals.
Cōlleen has facilitated the pet loss support group at the Humane Society of Huron Valley since 2010, a partnership that continues to inform and shape the practice today.
About BLUE dogWhether you're seeking support for an animal care team or for yourself, we're here to help. Contact us to learn more about consulting, training, individual consultation, and available resources.
