The Day My Dog Died

A pet is more than an animal. It is a family member. Many pets live for a good number of years. Perhaps your pet is a 15 year old dog, or maybe it is a 30 year old horse. What ever your pet is, and no matter how old, the chances are you have developed a loving bond.

When faced with the loss of your loved pet, it is painful, sad, depressing, and will tear away a part of your heart. You will need to mourn in the same way that anyone mourns the loss of a loved one.

For children this loss can be one of the toughest challenges they face at their stage of life. Often the family pet is older than the child, so they have known them all their life. Growing up with their pet a child can spend more time playing with a dog or cat, than they do with two busy working parents.

A child will have many fond memories of a loved family pet. They have developed a significant bond. Animals are not judgemental, they do not have high expectations, and they love to PLAY.

The first time a child faces death it will often be that of a family pet. They may have no concept of death and it will be a confusing and possibly frightening time.

The day "Spud" died will forever be etched in my memory. I was only 6 and Spud was my life long companion. Until I had to go school we were inseparable. He was usually the first one to greet me in the morning and the last one to say good night.

On that fateful day when I arrived home from school and Spud did not greet me at the gate I knew something was wrong. He always waited for me to arrive home. When I raced inside to find him my younger sister was crying and my mother was also in tears trying to comfort her.

Spud was old (10 years) but not in poor health
when he passed away. I spent many lonely afternoons and weekends thinking about my friend. Together we had "saved the world" on many occasions and now I was alone.

My parents were sympathetic but I don't think they really understood the whole that was created in my life. We did eventually get another puppy, but it was not my Spud. My friend and my confidante.

Helping a child recover from the loss of a pet, requires honesty foremost. Do not try and explain away the passing of an animal with euphemisms. To say the animal is has gone to sleep, for example, could lead to fear of sleeping in case they or another family member also disappears.

Do not immediately try and replace the pet without giving the child a chance to grieve. In stead celebrate the life of the pet, and create a special memorial to remember their friend. Create a special photo album or story book. If they have a close friend or relative that they can share the experience with that will also help. Make it a family time of remembrance and openly discuss the passing of your loved family member.

For more help go to http://www.petmemorialworld.org






Don't fall prey to these common myths surrounding the loss of your pet.

Robin Jean Brown exposes 14 myths that are commonly associated with pet loss.

If you're still holding onto any of the 14 myths of grief this comforting guide is absolutely for you.

• Myth#11: Children handle pet death rather easily. The experience will not be carried over into adult life.
• Myth#12: It is best to protect children from the upsetting truth of what has happened to their pet.
• Myth#13: Pets don't mourn for other pets.

Not only are the 14 common myths exposed, Robin Jean Brown also answers the common questions raised surrounding the loss of a pet and child grief.

For instance How do you know when the time is right to put your pet to sleep. Get this right...and your furbaby will pass on humanely. Learn how to prepare, what happens during euthanasia, and how to cope emotionally (and how to help your pet cope). (Page 111)

Or maybe you think you are abnormal and want to know Why you feel so much hurt and pain. Why you can be assured that it's not crazy or unusual for you to be feeling this way. (Page 54)

If you have a young family it is crucial to know What to do if a child's pet dies. Make a mistake, and your child's grief can become worse. Handle this correctly, and it will ease your child's experience and help them cope and fully recover. (Page 102)

One of the keys to surviving pet loss is knowing How to get the help you need from other people. Have you noticed that most people are dismissive of you and don't seem to understand the pain you're going through? Does it seem like they're often more polite than they are truly empathetic? You'll learn the secrets to knowing what to ask for. (Page 85)

Does it seem like you're all alone in the world? It doesn't have to be that way. Robin explains how and why your friends and family really want to help you, and gives you an action plan to ask them, the right way, and make the people around you into your own support group (Page 82).

Make plans now! So you will know What happens when a pet dies? Robin explains all the options -- including cremation, pet cemetery burial, at-home burial, pet preservation, veterinary disposal...and even a collection of alternative memorials. (Page 127) That way you'll have peace of mind that you know exactly what to do when faced with this unpleasant...yet necessary...task.

This book is loaded with all the information you and your family will need to know to survive the grief of pet loss, and will help you to ensure the mental well-being essential to recovery.

If you know a family mourning their beloved pet, sending them this book could be the kindest gift you give.

Win $100

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 place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

Author Unknown