GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A PET

Grief is the normal response to any important loss in life. It occurs regardless of whether death follows a prolonged illness, or a sudden accident. We understand that grieving pet owners experience both physical and emotional trauma as they adapt to the upheaval in their lives brought about by the loss. Children can be especially upset and confused over the death of their beloved pet. To help you and your family cope during this distressing time, we have provided the following list of bereavement resources:

Pet Loss Hotlines

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
1-866-266-8635 or 509-335-5704

C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Related Emotions)
1-877-394-CARE (2273)

UC Davis Pet Loss Support
1-800-565-1526

Tufts University Pet Loss Support
508-839-7966

Local Pet Loss Counselor

Christine Drouillard
(Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
910 Main St., Ste 231
Boise, ID 83702
208-283-8362

Pet Loss Web Resources

Pet Loss Support Page
Listing of hotlines, groups and counselors by state.
www.pet-loss.com

Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
Site includes chat rooms, website links and memorial pages. Hotline, counselor and group information for US and Ontario. Information for equine and resources for children.
www.aplb.org

Forever Pets
Specialized and custom urns, paw prints and plaques. List of books and website links including lost and missing, online memorials, pet portraits, counselors, rescues and shelters, books, articles, sympathy cards and support groups and hotlines.
www.foreverpets.com

Our Pals
Resource for grief support including poems, stories, preparing for pet loss and what to expect. Website links with brief outline for each. Memorialization merchandise available.
www.ourpals.com

Lightning Strike Pet-Loss Support Page
The name comes from the hope that the page will provide lightning-fast help for the griever. Featuring pet loss blogs, pet loss book listings and support from people who have experienced pet loss.
www.lightning-strike.com

Best Friend Services
Custom urns, keepsake pendants, sympathy gifts and more…
www.bestfriendservices.com

Books

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for
Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet
by Gary Kowalski
(Paperback – Jul 25, 2006)

For Every Dog an Angel
by Christine Davis
(Hardcover – Sep 2003)

The Loss of a Pet
by Wallace Sife
(Paperback – Nov 7, 2005)

The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss
Is Heaven’s Gain
by Niki Behrikis Shanahan
(Paperback – May 21, 2007)

Coping With Sorrow on the
Loss of Your Pet
by Moira K. Anderson
(Paperback – Nov 1996)

Coping with Sorrow on the
Loss of Your Pet
by Moira, Anderson Allen
(Paperback – Sep 18, 2007)

Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love:
A Complete Resource to Help You Heal
by Lorri A. Greene and Jacquelyn Landis
(Paperback – Dec 10, 2002)

Saying Goodbye to Your Pet:
Children Can Learn to Cope
with Pet Loss
by Marge Heegaard
(Paperback – Nov 25, 2001)

Remembering Ruby: For Families Living
Beyond the Loss of a Pet
by Melisa Wells
(Paperback – Aug 25, 2007)