Ms. Gunther has always loved animals.  Knowing from first hand experience just how devastating the loss of a beloved pet can be, she wanted to create a safe space for people to share their feelings with others who understand the depth of the human-animal bond.  Therefore, she created a Pet Loss Support Group in January 1994, which thrived for 24 years and helped hundreds of people to heal from their losses.

Due to the nomination of one of her group participants, Ms. Gunther was selected by WLOS News as “Person of the Week” for her outstanding work in assisting people through her pet loss support group.  This segment aired on television on August 14, 2015 and can be viewed below:

She was also featured in the May 2016 issue of The Laurel of Asheville.  The article is titled “A Time to Heal:  Pet Loss Support Group” and can be read here:  The Laurel

After facilitating the Pet Loss Support Group for 24 years, Ms. Gunther transitioned this group to Four Seasons Hospice in January 2018.  However, she still offers individual pet bereavement counseling as part of her private practice work.  For more information about the Four Seasons group, see the attached:  Press release

In February 2019, Four Seasons Pet Loss Support Group meeting place and time changed. See flyer for details:  Pet Loss Grief Support Group 2019

As of January 2020, Ms. Gunther’s office mate, Kathy Link, began facilitating a Pet Loss Support Group at Woodfin Wellness on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:30-12:00. See flyer for details: Pet Loss Support Group Flyer

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Pet Loss Support Group was discontinued, but Ms. Gunther is still offering individual sessions.  

Kathy Link moved to Portland, OR and started a virtual Pet Loss Grief Support Group on Jan. 21, 2023. It meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:00-2:30 pm EST and there is a fee of $20 per group session. For more information or to sign up, contact MindTree Holistic Counseling & Wellness Center: (503) 966-1556 Ext. 1.