Pet Loss
End of life consultation and support
We will talk with you about the euthanasia process so you are prepared before the actual procedure. Many people stay with their pet in order to say good-bye, hold and comfort their pet, know that their pet died peacefully and with dignity, and be there for their pet the way their pet was always there for them. Those who choose not to be with their pet during euthanasia may chose to view their pet's body after the euthanasia. We can help you decide about having children at the euthanasia.
How to Heal the Pain / Say Good-bye
- Spend quiet time with your pet
- Take your pet on special walks
- Feed favorite foods or treats
- Thank your pet for sharing your life
Decisions About Body Care
- Individual Cremation with ashes returned
- Individual Cremation without ashes returned
- Burial
- Mass Cremation
Plan a Memorial - Honoring the Memory of your Pet
- Create a memorial garden
- Plant a tree in your yard
- Create a scrapbook, photo album, or DVD
- Write a poem or letter to your pet
- Create a journal
- Make a donation to an animal charity in your pet's name
Grieving the Death of Your Pet
Grieving is a normal healthy response to loss. Everyone grieves for different lengths of time. Grief can last a few weeks to months. You might find yourself crying years after the loss of your pet when an event brings back memories of time shared with your pet. Signs of grief vary for each person and can include one or more of the normal signs of grief:
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A very helpful resource during this difficult time is the Pet Loss Website. This website includes information about local Pet Loss Support Services, including counselors, hotlines, support groups, cemeteries and crematoriums. Other websites for pet loss and grief support include: Cornell University and the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
Written resources for Adults
- Goodbye Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by G. Kowalski
- Loving, Caring, Letting Go Without Guilt: A Compassionate but Straightforward Look at Pet Euthanasia by D. Steinback
Written resources for Children
Children especially have a difficult time during this process. Some books that have been recommended to assist children through the loss of a pet are:
- A Special Place for Charlee by Debbie Morehead
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
- When A Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
- I'll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
- Visit Children and Pet loss for more resources for your child.
- Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by M. Anderson
