Pets are part of the family and the death of a pet is a
distressing event. Through utilizing support systems, pet owners can find ways
to help ease the anguish of losing man’s best friend.
Losing a pet can be a devastating loss for a pet owner. The
feelings of grief and bereavement surrounded by losing a precious member of the
family can be overwhelming. There is no quick fix because grieving is a
process, but there are many services available to those who are grieving the
death of a beloved pet. Meetings, books, and phone call centers are available
to help you get through this difficult time.
Selected Reading
By relating to another’s pet loss experience, many owners
are able to identify with coping with pet loss and learn ways to cope. Articles
and books on grieving over the death of animals provide long-lasting comfort.
Articles
By Enid Traisman,
MSW
Grief Support Center
Books
Cold Noses At The
Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost Pets by Gary Kurz
When Your Pet Dies: A
Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan D. Wolfelt, PH. D.
Grieving the Death of
a Pet by Betty J. Carmack.
The Loss of a Pet: A New Revised Edition by Wallace Sife
The Loss of a Pet: A New Revised Edition by Wallace Sife
Coping With Sorrow on
the Loss of Your Pet by Moira K. Anderson
The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss
Is Heaven's Gain by Niki Behrikis Shanahan
Saying Goodbye to Your Angel
Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet by Allen Anderson, Linda
Anderson
Coping with Sorrow on the
Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen
Animals in Spirit: Our
Faithful Companions' Transition to the Afterlife by Penelope Smith
Celebrating the Memory of a
Pet by
Devon O'Day and Kim Mclean
Good-Bye My Friend: Grieving
the Loss of a Pet by Mary and Herb Montgomery
Pet Loss & Human
Bereavement by
Kay and Herbert Nieburg
Pet Loss and Children: Establishing
a Health Foundation by Cheri Barton Ross
Call Centers
For people who would rather reach out to another person and
talk about their feelings, call centers are staffed by several veterinary
medical schools around the country and provide immediate support and advice.
217-244-2273 (CARE) or 877-394-2273 (CARE)
508-839-7966
Counseling and
Support Groups
Sometimes being in a group of people who are experiencing
similar circumstances helps grieving pet owners through the mourning process.
There are several support groups located nationwide offering weekly meetings.
Bide-A-Wee Foundation