I was waiting for an appointment for my Danny Boy at my local country vet. In the foyer a woman appeared with her partner followed by her veterinarian carrying her lifeless beloved dog. I remember with clarity the woman slumped over the car, incapacitated in her grief as her partner gently placed the dog in the back of the wagon with love and tenderness. I often think of their sad journey home or how their grief may have unfolded.

My love for animals and nature has always been my greatest pleasure and joy. This has resonated throughout my life, having had the fortune to be surrounded by natural beauty and precious animal companions. Sharing the animal bond can give expression to our deepest love and sorrow, in a life shared, but one day we all have to say goodbye.

I have experienced this loss myself, finding Danny Boy drowned in his favourite waterhole. Funny and wildly crazy, he made me laugh every day with his antics. I could never imagine my life without him. The decision taken, six months later, to euthanise Laddie, Danny Boy’s brother, was heartbreaking. Before the vet paid a final visit to Laddie, I took him home from the surgery for one last car ride, one last walk past the waterfall, past the memorial for fallen soldiers, the waterhole that Danny had drowned in; he led the way, visiting all of his favourite places, as if he were letting go of each moment. Loving these fine kindred creatures and knowing the profound loss associated with their passing was a significant factor in leading me to undertake studies in grief, loss and palliative care counselling at Adelaide University. This has enabled me to further understand the nature of grief, the grieving process and ways in which we can give expression and meaning to our pain and sorrow.

Qualifications:

• Graduate Diploma in Grief and Palliative Care Counselling (Adelaide University)
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Education (Canberra University)
• Graduate Certificate in Chronic Conditions Self Management (Flinders University Adelaide)

Geraldine Morris - Counsellor

T 0484 200 553
E geraldinemorris@outlook.com