b'realitysoundbites.Helping People Through TheLoss Of Their Beloved PetsOver the past year, Janice CrystalFinnis, Grief Counselor for the PinellasAnimal Foundation, spent 157 hours oftelephone and in-person group sessioncounseling, and handled 291 counselingtelephone calls.www.PinellasAnimalFoundation.orgJanice has been with the PAF for over34 years, counseling in Pet Loss SupportWell-Bred And Well-Read By Tina K. VaLant for clients of many veterinary hospitals. Ittakes a special person to cope with peopleIn 2015, Diane and Jeff embarked on the adventure of their lifetimes. during a very difficult time in life.Translation: left their jobs, sold everything and went off on an adventure She has practiced as a Griefto Ecuador, South America. "It was the best, challenging and most awe- Counselor/Trauma Therapist andsome life experience we\'ve ever had. It lasted four years, Diane shared.Educator for 42 years. She completedWhile there, they helped feed and care for street dogs through a post graduate studies specializing in deathlarge shelter in Cuenca. They went to walk dogs and were given a small, and dying, bereavement and the griefsickly, dirty little dog to walk. Even though he could barely stand, he process, as well as trauma and relatedwas a thief! BooBoo immediately stole their hearts. The family returned post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).to the United States at the end of 2018. In April,1987, Janice initiated theThis precious six-year-old rescued Poodle/Maltese mix never lets the first Pet Loss Support Group in Florida atunique genetic hand he was dealt stop him from enjoying life and his the Pinellas Animal Foundation (PAF).work as a greeter at Island View Cottages in Sebastian, Florida. In his She assisted in writing a grant to theleisure time, he enjoys strategizing squirrel captures, morning sunbaths Juvenile Welfare Board for intergenera-and most of all, daily bike rides in a special basket. He savored this issue tional program involving seniors and at-of The New Barker. risk youth facilitated by companion ani-Editors Note: See Tinas feature on Island View Cottages in this mals.She has taught classes at St.issue on page 68. Petersburg Junior College on theCompanion Animal Bond and on theInstagram Winner Stages of Grief, and provided training forWe partnered with The Dog Moms of Tampa the SPCA staff and Disaster AnimalBay on a fun Instagram contest, and here is Rescue Team (DART) on PTSD and theour winner. Meet Achyutham, whose name grief process.in Sanskrit means immovable strength.Janice continues to facilitate monthlyHe loves adventuring to dog-friendly spots Pet Loss Support Groups, offering griefin Tampa, Florida, andloves playing fetch support and education on stages of griefwith his squeaky Kong ball. His favorite toy at the PAF.is Lamb Chomp. Join the Pinellas Animal FoundationInstagram Account: @ach_yutham Saturday, October 16 for theBreed: F1bb Goldendoodle 21st BOWser and CATino BallResides: Tampa; Age: One Year 6p - 10PBelleair Country ClubFollow us on Instagram For sponsorship opportunities and@TheNewBarkerDogMagazine tickets, call 727.397.738712THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'