A lot of us have lost pets, and some are dealing with it better than others. Since questions on grieving have been coming up a lot lately, I thought that making this post here would be a good idea. It's long, but has a lot of good info, as well as information on finding more.
This is the client handout from the December 2003 issue of Veterinary Technician magazine, so I know it's ok to type this here.
Meaningful ways to honor a pet's memory:
* write a letter to your pet expressing your feelings
* have a proper burial for your pet
* place a bench with a nameplate or inscription beside your pet's grave
* pur your pet's ashes in a potted plant, urn, or under a favorite tree
* plant a tree or a bush in your pet's honor
* have a portrait of your pet drawn from a favorite photo
* place your pet's identification tags on a key ring
* volunteer at a local humane organization
* make a donation in your pet's name to a local veterinary hospital or humane organization
If I Should Grow Frail
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this - the last battle - can't be won.
You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who had to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two - these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown
(man that was hard to type out...........<sniff>)
Books for Children
* Morehead D: A Special Place for Charlee: A Child's Companion Through Pet Loss. Broomfield, CO, Partners in Publishing, LLC, 1996.
* Rogers F: When a Pet Dies. New York, GP Putnam's Sons, 1988.
* Rylant C: Cat Heaven. New York, Scholastic, 1997.
* Rylant C: Dog Heaven. New York, Scholastic, 1995.
* Viorst J: The Tehnth Good Thing About Barney. New York, Antheneum, 1997.
* Wilhelm H: I'll Always Love You. New York, Crown Publishing Group, 1985.
Books and Web Resources for Adults
* American Veterinary Medical Association's Care for Animals. Available at http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/CFAsiteindex.asp.
* Anderson Allen M: Pet Loss Support Page. Available at: http://www.pet-loss.net.
* Montgomery M, Mongomery H: A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend. Minneapolis, MN, Montgomery Press, 1993.
* Quackenbush J: When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings. New York, Pocket Books, 1985.
Pet Loss Support Hotlines
Cornell University, 607-253-3932
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6pm - 9pm EST
The Iams Company, 888-332-7738
Wekkdays 8am - 5pm EST
Michigan State University, 517-432-2696
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6:30pm - 9:30pm EST
The Ohio State University, 614-292-1823
Hours Vary
Tufts University, 508-839-7966
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6pm - 9pm EST
University of California, Davis, 530-752-4200
Weekdays 6:30pm - 9:30pm PST
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 540-231-8038
Tuesday and Thursday
6pm - 9pm EST
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