Nearly 63 percent of Washingtonians own a pet, according to a 2012 survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association. But what happens when those pets get sick or old and owners need to decide what to do? An event set for May 20, called Companion Animals: Love and Loss, aims to help islanders answer that question and assust animal owners in navigating the sometimes traumatic time.

The 63 percent of Washingtonians who own animals statistic accounts for only those who own dogs or cats, but on Vashon, many islanders also own alpacas, cows, sheep and goats that become part of the family and leave sadness and grief behind for their owners when they die. Islander Wendy Dahl, an animal behavior consultant and animal massage practicioner, is acutely aware of the struggles that come with losing a pet. She has lost pets and has dealt clients who have faced difficult decisions and grief over the loss of their pet.

She partnered with fellow islander Vicki Boyd, a member of the Conversations committee that created the four-day Conversations for the Living About Dying event in March, to create a one-day workshop specifically about pet death and coping. Dahl said she had “a profound experience” at that first workshop and felt this pet loss event would be a natural extension from the first event.

“I have a great interest in helping clients answer tough questions,” Dahl said. “One that I hear a lot is, ‘If I lose my pet, who will understand?’”

The event will consist of three panels comprised of speakers from on- and off-island who will explore the topics of moving on from a pet’s death, making difficult decisions as pets age and preparing for the loss while celebrating memories. Each panel will be followed by a Q&A session.

“We’re just opening the door,” Dahl said. “Whoever is there, that is where the energy and the conversations will come from. Whether you’ve been carrying that hurt from the pet who ‘went to live on a farm’ from childhood or just put your pet down recently, those in the room will drive the event.”

She said the most common concerns among pet owners is euthanizing the pet too soon and how to move on from that relationship.

“That connection with that animal is unconditional love,” she said. “The grief from losing that animal can tear people apart and they ask how they can do it again.”

She said that she believes this grief can be lessened by knowing they are not alone.

“There’s solace and comfort in sharing stories and asking questions about what to do,” she said.

Companion Animals: Love and Loss

The free event about pet loss will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Spoke (9923 SW 178th St., east of the post office). The schedule is as follows:

10 to 11:30 a.m.: Goodbye and Hello — How We Learn to Love Again.

12 to 1:30 p.m.: Animal Care Professionals — How We Make Those Difficult Decisions.

2 to 4 p.m.: Reflections — How We Prepare for the Loss and How We Celebrate the Memories of Our Companion Animals.

For more information, see vashonconversation.com or facebook.com/vashonconversation.