The death of a beloved animal companion can be devastating

"As many pet parents unfortunately already know, losing a companion animal is devastating. And yet, we don’t receive the kind of emotional support from some in our community like we might expect if we had lost a human family member – especially from those who have never shared a special bond with a companion animal. Losing a companion animal is losing a member of your family."  Healthy Pet Net e-newsletter, May 2007
 

If you have any doubts about how people feel about their pets,
read these touching memorials to pets:

Sunday 3/11/2007 8:58 PM

My dog Joy left yesterday night and moved to "Dogs' Heaven."

 
As every event in our life isn't coincidental - Why did I bring it to my life?
 
From all the dogs I had so far in my life, Joy was the smartest, the "craziest," the snoopiest, the funniest and the most loving. She was a real "heard head", will never give up if she wanted something - definitely an "Alfa Dog" -- a leader.
 
I know she came to my life above all to teach me Patience, and to prove to me that with Love, more than with force, we can achieve everything.
 
I keep thinking - If only we could learn from our dogs to be more loving, to "wage our tails" to every one we meet, to let go of any past aggravation and anger and  to enjoy each moment to the fullest -- our world would be more of a Godlike world.
 
May I be blessed, when my time comes, to be so lucky and to go to "Dogs' Heaven" as well.

MORE:

EONS at  http://www.eons.com/ has a new group called “Rainbow Bridge.: Here is there announcement :

Rainbow Bridge -
For those who are grieving for their lost pets. I will cry with you and I will laugh with you. Let me help you in your time of need. If you need to talk just click and send a message....

 The Pet Loss Grief Support Site

Group aids with grief over losing pet (California)

http://www.kimbergorall.com/spike.htm

A pet's lifelong love is repaid for eternity

When beloved pets die, it's hard to let go  

Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family  

Napping on a Sunbeam - Tributes to Cats in the Hereafter  

Virtual Pet Cemetary, a virtual memorial home for your departed pet  

The Rainbow Bridge, a beautiful poem about pets who have passed on
[and check out this new book, Notes from Rainbow Bridge]

Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you hear
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near

I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side

Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start

By: Carol Kufner

911 version of The Rainbow Bridge (very touching)

Dealing with Pet Loss - What to Do, and Not Do

My pet loss

Grieving the loss of a cat is not easy

Resources for people mourning a pet:

The Animal Love And Loss Network (ALLN)
www.ALLN.org

In the Ft Lauderdale area, contact The Franciscans for grief counseling for loss of pets.

"It can be so painful to lose a pet. Sometimes it feels as if we may never recover from such a loss. It can also be hard to open our hearts to another animal, knowing that we could get our hearts broken once more. I was reminded though that even when it seems as if you could never open your heart to another dog, there are still so many dogs that need your help out there. And quite possibly you may need them as well." -- Dr. Jon at www.petplace.com
 
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