GRieving a Pet

The love of a pet is unconditional.  Our pets are our best friends, but they are also our family members.  Losing them can create a huge void for you and your family.  Below are some resources that may help during this difficult time.

 Coping with the death of your pet | The Humane Society of the United States 

 Coping with Losing a Pet - HelpGuide.org 

 What to Say When Someone Loses a Pet (thespruce.com) 

 10 Ways to Heal After Losing a Pet | Everyday Health 

 6 Stages of Grief After Losing a Pet | Cake Blog (joincake.com) 

 Understanding and Surviving the 7 Stages of Pet Loss Grief | Sixty and Me 

 Coping With Your Pet's Death: An Important Guide | PetMD 

Ever heard of the Rainbow Bridge?  Many times, we are asked about the Rainbow Bridge Poem.   Although the author is unknown, the poem has become widely recognized for its comforting story of a possible place where pets go when they pass away:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown