In light of the recent rescue efforts in Tai Po, our hearts are with every pet owner and caring individual affected by this difficult time. We know that losing a beloved companion can be deeply painful.

The Animal-Assisted Services Research Team of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at HKU has set up a dedicated “Pet Bereavement and Counselling” page to provide information, resources, and support.

During times like these, it is common to experience difficulties such as trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, persistent or intrusive memories, or feeling emotionally numb. These are natural responses to loss and uncertainty. Please allow yourself the space and time for emotional processing and remembrance. Research suggests that “Expressive Writing”, gently recording your inner thoughts and feelings, can be a helpful way to process and honour your emotions.

Losing a beloved companion is a profound life challenge. If you feel it may bring comfort, we gently invite you to write ‘A Letter to My Beloved Companion’; to preserve memories across the Rainbow Bridge, and carry your love forward through writing.

Should you wish to share your letter, you may send it to caringkids@hku.hk (please indicate ‘A Letter to My Beloved Companion’ in the subject line). Our Animal-Assisted Services Research Team will receive your words with deep respect, compassion, and care.

Let us walk alongside one another through this time of loss and uncertainty.

*Pet Bereavement and Counselling Webpage: http://aai.socialwork.hku.hk*

近日大埔火災的寵物救援工作被受社會關注及討論，我們明白主人和關注事態的大眾或會因寵物離世感到悲傷不安。香港大學社會工作及社會行政學系動物輔助服務研究團隊特別設立「寵物哀傷及輔導」專頁，希望為大家提供合適的資訊及支援。

失眠、食慾不振、不停回想或感到麻木，都是常見的情緒反應。請讓自己有空間和時間去感受，去懷念。研究指人可透過「表達性書寫」，從而記錄及梳理內心感受。

我們邀請你嘗試書寫一封「給毛孩的信」，把內心的感受透過文字，化為對摯愛毛孩的思念與祝福。如果願意的話，歡迎你將「給毛孩的信」發送至 caringkids@hku.hk（請在標題註明「給毛孩的信」），動物輔助服務研究團隊很樂意細閱你的心底話。

讓我們一起同行，互相扶持。

**「寵物哀傷及輔導」專頁：http://aai.socialwork.hku.hk**