Individual and Dignified Pet Memorial Services
Some suggestions for personal remembrance of your beloved pet.
Do's and Don'ts of helping a loved one dealing with grief.
When a cherished pet passes away, it often causes an overwhelming feeling of sadness and heartbreak for the whole family. Grief is the very natural response to the loss of a significant person or thing from our life. The length of time is different for everyone as they move through the process and there is no right or wrong way of doing it.
Euthanasia literally means a quiet, gentle and painless way of dying. The decision to end your pet’s life is never easy. The decision is often personal and it takes courage to perform this difficult duty for a pet whose quality of life has deteriorated. It could be thought of as your last responsibility to a pet who has given you so much unconditional love and companionship.
It is perfectly normal and acceptable to cry as this is a very sad time for you and your family. There is no getting used to euthanising an animal. You may feel uncomfortable around the veterinary staff but please don’t! The staff often form strong bonds with the pets in their care, and may join in the crying also. We understand what your pet means to you. Many people experience grief similar to that experienced with the loss of a fellow human being.
For many children, a pet dying is the first time they will experience grief over death. Avoiding the issue of the death of a family pet can be a missed opportunity to discuss with children what an inevitable part of our lives is.
Pets often form strong attachments to one another, and the survivor of such a pair may seem to grieve for its companion. Cats grieve for dogs and vice versa.