A new support group offers assistance to people who’ve lost beloved pets.

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society will offer group meetings from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of every other month at its facilities at 362 28 Road in Grand Junction. Stacy Schoolfield, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, will guide the groups.

The group is open to the public. Because space is limited, though, reservations are recommended. For reservations, call 434-7337, extension 10, or send an email to ashley@rhhumanesociety.org.

“The loss of a pet has a profound impact on our emotional health,” said Anna Stout, executive director of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society. “Our staff and volunteers know first hand how devastating the death of an animal can be. We want to help members of our community through those feelings of loss and grief, whether they lost their pet recently or years ago. Everything about this group is focused on healing ourselves by honoring our beloved pets.”

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society launched a community health through shelter pets initiative in May to help reduce risks to mental health by creating opportunities for human-animal interactions and preserving and enhancing existing human-animal bonds, especially for high-risk populations.

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society promotes bonds between people and pets through animal sheltering and adoptions, pet behavior counseling, educational activities and resources for the community to help keep pets in their homes. For more information about the Roice-Hurst Humane Society, visit the website located at www.rhhumanesocietyorg.