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When the one you love is gone….
Losing a pet can be as traumatic as losing a family member, because in many cases that’s what they are. It’s natural to have feelings of sadness and it takes time to overcome them. So don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed by what you are experiencing. It’s all part of the grieving process everyone goes through.
SHOCK AND DENIAL
Defined by a feeling of numbness, which can last for a few hours to several weeks.
SEARCHING AND YEARNING
Where pet owners acutely miss their pet. Associated feelings include longing, sadness, anger, relief, guilt, and irritability.
DISORGANIZATION
Pet owners begin to live life without their pet and may appear scattered and distracted.
REORGANIZATION
Regular eating habits return and relationships with a new pet can be formed.
Pet Loss Resources
While dealing with grief is a very personal process—one that everyone handles differently—that doesn’t mean you have to mourn alone. Use these resources while coping with the passing of your pet. They’ll help you find support, share stories, and more.
Hotlines and Websites
- University of California-Davis Center for Companion Animal Health
800-565-1526
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccah/petloss.cfm
- Washingtron State Colllege of Veterinary Medicine
866-266-8635
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHL/
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
877-394-2273
www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
508-839-7966
www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss
- College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University
607-253-3932
www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/
Books
(These books can be found or requested at the Ventnor Public Library)
- Coping With The Loss of A Pet, by Christina M. Lemieux, PH.D.
- When Only Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss, by Emily Margaret Stuparyk
- Living Through Personal Crisis, by Ann Kaiser Stearns
- Oh, Where Has My Pet Gone?, by Sally Sibbett
- A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend, by Mary and Herb Montgomery
- Good-Bye My Friend, by Mary and Herb Montgomery
- Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates, by Gary Kurz
Books For Children
- A Special Place for Charlie: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss, by Debby Morehead
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, by Judith Viorst
- Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant
- Cat Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant
Pet Cemeteries
- Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park
http://abbeyglen.com
http://petmeadow.com
Organizations
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