“Okay,”Blair says to the group of people in the reception area. “I’ve never done this before, but here we go.”
Thankfully, the front of the building is spacious, because more people showed up for our first meeting than we thought would.
I sit in between Logan and Ivan, with Fang on my left. Piper sits alongside her Alphas Poe, Maddox, and Avery, while Travis, Ryland, and Rowan keep their eyes fixed on Blair.
Taylor is there as well, along with a few of Mari’s friends, including an older gentleman with silver hair that she sits next to.
Doctor Jolie is there to offer her support, along with Ramona.
Thankfully, Blair’s pack brought along extra folding chairs, so everyone has a place to sit.
“We definitely are going to need to find a different place to do this,” Blair laughs. “But, for tonight, let’s figure out exactly what we want this group to be. Animal lovers support group? A place to discuss hardships that come as pet owners?” She nods at me. “This was your creation, Maeve. I’m just trying to figure out what we’re doing here.”
I shrug and look around the room. “Caring for animals is hard,” I say simply. “And I know I’m not the only one that feels that way.”
Taylor smiles at me. “No, you’re not.”
And from there, the conversation starts.
I don’t speak; I just observe all the stories and advice that is given.
There are talks of grief, talks of hope, and every other challenge and victory that a pet parent faces.
Logan keeps my hand in his, squeezing gently when I start to tear up at Taylor’s stories about Butter and Noodle.
“See?” Fang says quietly in my ear. “You’re not alone.”
Maybe I’m the only one in this room with the ruminating thoughts that don’t let go.
Perhaps I’m the one that cries the hardest at the thought of potential harm coming to an animal, no matter how irrational it may be.
But with this group, with this set of cat owners, I’m seen.
Half the room is tearing up by the time everyone has shared, and Avery shoots me a small, proud smile.
“Wow,” Blair says. “I’m not sure exactly what this was—but I like it?” she looks to me. “Maybe we could consider this a pet lover support group?”
I nod. “As long as everyone else is okay with it?”
Mari nods enthusiastically. “I love it,” she sniffles. “This would be helpful to anyone that is dealing with a sick pet, grieving, or just wants to share resources.”
I turn to Logan. “What do you think?” I ask.
He nods slowly. “I think…if there had been something like this at my old clinic, it would have been very helpful for a lot of people.”
“I agree,” Ivan adds. “This is a great idea.”
I beam.
“So…should we all try this in two weeks?” Piper adds, looking around the room. “What do you all think? If you would like to invite anyone, feel free.”
I glance at the door to the playroom, realizing I’ve forgotten something vital to this group.
“Oh!” I exclaim. “Kitten therapy!”
And soon, plenty of kittens are hugged and cuddled.
It’s the perfect way to end the group session.
