National Pet Loss Support Hotlines and Resources
Like our DoveLewis 24-hour message line, there are several other national pet loss support hotlines that are available to support grieving pet owners. Many are connected to universities that have a veterinary program and are answered by veterinary students who have gone through bereavement training.
Remember, first and foremost, the person on the other end of the phone is there to listen to you empathetically. They don’t give advice, but can help with problem solving, guiding callers through conversations to make their own choices and decisions. Often, the simple fact that someone... Read More >
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 >
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 215 times.
Myths I Have Heard
Myth: People who experience intense grief over the loss or anticipated loss of a pet are crazy, weird, or strange.
Reality: Individuals who say this, or believe this, are judgmental; sadly they have never experienced how amazing it is to bond with another creature. Experiencing powerful feelings of distress over the loss of a loved animal companion is a normal and natural response. People who have strong feelings about the loss of a pet have them because they have experienced a deep emotional bond.
Myth: Pet loss is insignificant when compared to the loss of human life. To mourn the... Read More >
09/10/10 | 12 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 3621 times.
Dealing with Guilt
Guilt is a cognitive or an emotional experience that occurs when a person believes—accurately or not—that he or she has violated a moral standard, and bears significant responsibility for that violation.
Guilt comes up very often in my pet loss support groups. Guilt can invoke in us the deepest, most terrible feelings of loss, horror, anger, and helplessness. The questions come up; Why did I do what I did? Why couldn’t I have done more? Did I kill my beloved pet? Did I not do enough? Did I do too much? Did I put him/her down too soon? Did I wait too long? If only I had closed the... Read More >
08/27/10 | 1 Comment | Post a Comment | Viewed 3048 times.
Quality of Life
Many people ask me how they will know if it is time to choose euthanasia for their beloved companion animal. I tell them to first consult with their veterinary professional about prognosis and then to trust their hearts and their intuition which is there based on the bond they share and the unspoken communication they have with their pet. People often do want their pet to pass on naturally at home in their arms or in their own bed. That is Okay as long as the pet is just weakening steadily and not suffering to death.
Here is a list of concrete cues that I hope will facilitate the... Read More >
08/20/10 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 2311 times.
Choosing Euthanasia: The Heartbreaking Gift
Our animal companion life spans are not as long as ours, thus many of us who share that special bond are faced with very difficult end-of-life issues. Judging whether or not to euthanize a beloved pet can be among life’s most difficult decisions. When faced with this, people often feel that they have been put unfairly in a God-like position, having to decide between life and death for someone they love and for whom they are responsible. As compassionate guardians we are also very concerned about whether our animal is suffering or has lost quality of life.
Choosing euthanasia can be... Read More >
08/06/10 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 2210 times.
02/03/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 205 times.