Welcome to the About Us Page of Chance's Spot Pet Loss and Support Resources
Chance's Spot was created in the fall of 1998 as a personal tribute to a beloved English Setter, Chance. In February of 1998 Chance was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma and on June 28 he died. The Web site has grown over the years and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists grieving pet owners.
At Chance's Spot, we believe that pets are an important and engaging member of the family whose loss results in the same grieving process as would losing anyone close to us. We understand that the feelings generated when a pet dies are real and deserve the same respect as if it were any other family member. Our mission is to advance this notion to the general public and to support an increase in the respect and reverence that is given to the topic of pet loss. Through education, support and information, Chance's Spot assists the public in understanding that the grief suffered when a dearly loved pet is lost is a heartfelt example of how genuine the human - animal bond can be.
Chance's Spot provides an online support group, publications on pet loss, hotline numbers, referrals and an online tributes page where pet caregivers can post tributes to their departed pets. Locally, Chance's Spot provides educational presentations on the topic of pet loss o pet caregivers, pet care professionals and rescue and shelter workers. Area shelters, veterinarians and rescue groups also receive support and information about compassion fatigue - the stress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized animals on a daily basis.
Our yearly fundraisers help educate and support pet caregivers to understand the grief associated with losing a pet. It is our intention for Chance's Spot to be the first and only organization in the country to provide a memorial garden, pet loss education center and trained staff available to veterinarians and their patients.
About Our Founder
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Gail Heller with Mazie and Moses |
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Chance's Spot is founded by Gail Heller. Ms. Heller was Chance's caregiver for fourteen years. She has had several canine companions in addition to Chance and currently resides in Indiana with Moses, her pointer mix and Mazie, her Basenji mix.
Ms. Heller has designed the Chance's Spot Web site, including all content and graphics, as well as all merchandise sold at the online store. She is a graphic designer who holds a master certification as a Web Site Developer Professional and has countless hours of design experience.
Ms. Heller has bred, trained and shown dogs and has worked as an animal control warden where she implemented a Responsible Dog Ownership Basic Training Program. She has also worked as a veterinary technician where she assisted in the care and treatment of sick pets. Her work at Chance's Spot has been featured in the Louisville Courier-Journal Newspaper.
Additional Staff Additionally, Ms. Heller is assisted by Diane Ayres, Secretary, and Mark Smith, Treasurer. Ms. Ayres is owner of Rocky Hill Farm in Dalonegah, Georgia, where she resides. Mr. Smith is a business owner and resides in New Albany, Indiana. Both Ms. Ayres and Mr. Smith have experience with pet loss and grief and are active participants in supporting Chance's Spot. |
