Pet Bereavement

Losing a pet can be a heart wrenching experience. That animal has been a beloved friend, companion and family member. No matter how many of these gentle souls pass through your life, each takes hold of a part of your heart, which then belongs only to them. The writer, Laurel E. Hunt (Angel Pawprints), said, "if love could keep them alive, they would have lived forever."

While there are those who may not understand the depth of your grief for your dog or cat, there are many more who do. Reach out to them, share your feelings and find comfort in the kind words of friends and family. Find a bereavement chat group online for pet lovers. Go to a local counseling group recommended by animal rescue organizations. Read some of the books on the market regarding the loss of a pet. Don't be afraid to grieve. More importantly, don't be afraid to bring another pet into your life.

When you are ready, there is that very special dog or cat which will give you comfort and a new reason to smile. They are waiting for you to find them, to create new memories while saluting the old ones, to share the kind of love you have the capacity to give and to begin again. What better tribute to your beloved pet than to share your heart as you did before with another needy dog or cat? There are so many ... waiting.

Here are a couple of poems from Angel Pawprints by Laurel E. Hunt on the loss of a pet which we hope will bring you comfort. Also included on this page are a couple of books we highly recommend to help you get through your loss as well as a website to help you get in contact with online counselors and chat groups.

The Rainbow Bridge
(Anonymous)

There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
Hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this special place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him or her into your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again and again,
and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet,
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Request from the Rainbow Bridge
(by Constance Jenkins)

Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest,
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts.
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife,
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

RECOMMENDED READING

• Angel Pawprints by Laurel E. Hunt
• The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife, PHD
• ASSOCIATION FOR PET LOSS AND BEREAVEMENT - WWW.APLB.ORG