The DoveLewis Pet Loss Blog
Enid Traisman, certified grief counselor & Director of the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program, shares her insight to help others navigate the grief of losing a beloved pet. Grieving for a loved pet is a natural, normal and personal process. Because they touched our lives so deeply they are deserving of our grief. Learn tips and tools for healing.
Understanding Cremation
Pet loss, whether anticipated or sudden, is a heart-breaking event. Pet owners facing the loss of their pet are often overwhelmed, finding themselves unprepared to make a quick and clear decision regarding disposition of their beloved companion. Just as we pay tribute to human loved ones, pet owners understandably feel they deserve similar options for a much-loved pet. Through Dignified Pet Services (DPS), the aftercare facility we use at DoveLewis, you do.
If you are a pet owner whose pet is in failing health, or if you have sadly experienced the recent passing of a pet, the... Read More >
Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match
match·mak·er [mach-mey-ker] noun
A person who arranges introductions of possible soul mates.
In addition to helping the bereaved to heal, I also wear the hat of matchmaker. Over the years I have been responsible for bringing many stray, homeless and “throwaway” pets together with their forever families.
I get untold joy making these matches, and I have an uncanny ability to make perfect and lasting matches - so I’ve been told.
This collage of photos is just a sampling of my legacy. Sometimes I ask myself, “Is this ability a gift I have been given for divine purposes?... Read More >
01/20/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 162 times.
Lonny, Jingle Bear, and the Season of Magic
My friend, Deb shared this story of holiday magic with me and I was so touched as I often am by the amazing stories of love and loss and hope that I have the honor to hear from people. I asked Deb to share her wonderful story in this blog. In her own words;
Our Golden Retreiver, Lonny, left us on October 19, 2006. Like all parents suffering a loss, we were at turns devasted and hopeful - devastated that we had to continue without Lonny, and hopeful that he would still make his presence known somehow and send us a message. Thanks to Enid and the Pet Loss Support groups at... Read More >
12/30/11 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 81 times.
A Comfort Room Experience
I received a letter earlier this week from Becky Jarvis after her experience using our comfort room last weekend. Becky’s letter describes beautifully all the care and thought that goes into every euthanasia performed for beloved pets at our hospital.
In Becky’s words:
“This is a story about compassion and empathy and gentle caring that we received last night at DoveLewis Emergency Animal hospital. The tears were flowing down our faces as we walked into the clinic with Kris in the cat carrier box. My young sons and I went up to the counter to check-in and told the receptionist that... Read More >
01/20/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 83 times.
The History of the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program
I am often asked how I am came into working in grief support for pet owners. The idea to form this group came to me in 1985 when I was a graduate student at Portland State University’s Masters in Social Work program. I was doing a field placement at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kaiser Hospital. It was there that I began my specialty in Grief Work.
I was and am still deeply touched by peoples’ ability to locate the inner strength it takes to heal from loss. The response to loss is grief, sadness. I learned that this is true across the board. One feels pain when a... Read More >
01/20/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 188 times.
Service of Remembrance 2011
I hope you can join me as the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program in partnership with Dignified Pet Services for our annual Service of Remembrance. Please join us in celebration of the invisible yet undeniable bond between humans and our beloved companion animals who are no longer here. Together, surrounded by others who understand this bond, we will light candles in memory of those who are no longer here.
The Old Church - 1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland ... Read More >
01/20/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 136 times.
Please, Share Your Story
Did you know that sharing your story with others may help with your grieving and healing process? It’s true, I have had the honor of witnessing this phenomenon first hand over the years as the founder of DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program. Storytelling is considered one of the oldest healing arts; it has been used for centuries as a beneficial way for grieving people to cope with loss.
Experiencing the loss of a very close companion animal can disrupt your world and cause you to re-evaluate your priorities and think about mortality. When a significant life event like this... Read More >
10/26/11 | 1 Comment | Post a Comment | Viewed 270 times.
Creating a Memorial Table or Altar
Consider creating a memorial table, or altar to honor your beloved pet. As your pet had a special place in your heart and life, find a special spot where you can place mementos in his/her memory.
Creating a special place in your home, yard or workplace that acknowledges and honors your pet’s life will bring you comfort— a place where you can go (or be) and remember your lost friend. This is a healing tool to help you express and work through your grief. Designing and displaying your pet in this manner is a concrete reminder that your pet is still present in your heart, even... Read More >
02/24/11 | 2 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 399 times.
The Journey
When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey — a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.
If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.
Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures — jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.... Read More >
01/17/11 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 549 times.
02/03/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 12 times.