~A Special Tribute~ 

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the precious pets that lost their lives during the recent Pet Food Recall. I hope their owners find strength during this very difficult time.

**************************************

For information regarding the recall visit:
Menu Foods Recall

My Story 

I suffered the loss of my sweet dog, Coco, when I was 16. As a teenager, it was such a difficult time for me. I felt lost. She was sick so we brought her to the vet. Coco always loved going 'bye-bye' like all dogs do. So, as sick as she was, when she knew she was going bye-bye she got excited, wagging her tail. If only I knew that when she went to the vet, it was really goodbye. The vet had called my dad a few days later and told her Coco's condition. My dad had to make the hardest decision he ever had to make, the decision to put her to sleep. He didn't tell us until we got home that day after school. I was so mad at him for doing this. I had to blame someone. My dad is such a strong man and I have never seen him cry until that day when he told us we lost Coco. That just goes to show you how powerful a pet's love is. I remember it like it was yesterday.

The guilt: When a pet dies, guilt is the first emotion. I felt like I could have done something to prevent this from happening to Coco. Here is my story. My grandparents were visiting a awhile before we lost Coco. I love my Grandma, but she doesn't have much patience for dogs. So, she put Coco out which would have been fine, but it was very cold that day. I feel that may have been why she got sick, being out in the cold. But, as a teenager at the time, I was too self absorbed in my own life to think about bringing Coco in. That may or may not have been why Coco became ill. I will never know. She was old, 13 years. But, that is how guilt works. What could I have done to prevent this?

I never knew life without Coco since we got her as a puppy when I was 3. As I write this today, 20 years later, I still feel such saddness when I remember losing her.

Since then, I have lost many other precious pets. Six beautiful rabbits, Brownie, Pepper, Oreo, Snowflake, Beeney & Whitey, two special Cockatiels, named Kaley and Jessie and a little hamster named Puffy.

Thank for reading my story. If you want to share a story of your own, please submit to my guestbook below.

Children's Books on Grieving the Loss of a Pet 

When a pet dies, it can be extremely difficult for a child. Many times this is the child's first experience with death. Here a some recommended books to comfort your child during this time.

When Your Pet Dies

by Diane Pomerance

"When Your Pet Dies" may have been written for children, but this beautifully written book should help people of all ages who have lost a beloved animal companion.
-Review

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 10/11/2008)

My Pet Died (Let's Make a Book About It)

by Rachel Biale

As a parent of a 5 year old, I found this book to be an excellent tool for both my daughter and myself. When our dog died, the book gave my daughter an outlet for her feelings; ie. the book offered open-ended questions and she could draw pictures in response to the questions.
-Book Review

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Dog Heaven

by Cynthia Rylant

This is the book that I buy for friends when they lose a beloved dog. It's not just for kids. It's so sweet, and comforting and lovely. I HIGHLY recommend it! I bought if for my two sons when we lost our precious old dog.
-An Amazon Review

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/11/2008)

For Every Dog an Angel

by Christine Davis

I've purchased three copies of this book so far and am thinking about having a couple on hand for the occasion when someone has lost a beloved pet. It expresses beautiful sentiment and provides much needed comfort and hope. It's very appropriate for a family with children, but also is nice for adults, too. I highly recommend.
-A Satisfied Reader

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 10/11/2008)

I'll Always Love You

by Hans Wilhelm

Such a touching and heartwarming read. What a wonderful way to help children and adults deal with the pain of losing a beloved pet.
-An Amazon Customer

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Pet Loss Websites & Message Boards 

Pet Loss

Pet loss grief support website. Features a Special Candle Cermony, Message Boards, Chat Rooms, Pet Tributes, plus more.

Chances Spot

Nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals who have suffered the loss of a dearly loved pet.

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Welcome to the APLB website. This is a nonprofit association of concerned people who are experienced and knowledgeable in the tender subject of pet death. Our members are professional counselors as well as pet-loving people from all other walks of life. We are all concerned with helping pet lovers cope with this unique and very intimate kind of loss.

Journey Through Pet Loss

An award winning audio book helping pet owners
dealing with the grief over the death of their pet.

Pet Loss Support Page

Coping with the sorrow of the loss of your pet.

Lightning Strike Pet Loss Support

Offering a "cybershoulder" for pet lovers grieving over the death of a pet, a dying pet, sick pet, or lost pet.

IVillage

Whether your pet has recently passed away or you're trying to help someone else through their grief, everyone is welcome. We offer a place to seek solace for grief, and to celebrate the lives of your loved ones.

Paws2Heaven

State By State Pet Loss Support Directory . Pet Loss Support Groups, Counselors Specializing In Grieving. Links To Pet Loss Articles

A Gift To Treasure 

Capture The Love of Your Beloved Pet in A Beautiful Canvas Painting
A Treasure That Will Last Forever

"Received painting today. Cannot wait to give it to my husband. You captured the last photo taken of me and our beloved Yorkie Sable.My husband and I miss her everyday. He always calls us his girls. I know he will be excited to receive this painting for his birthday. Thank you so much. Will purchase from you again."
Lisa H., Texas

Click here for details

Pet Loss Support Hotlines 

UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine

(800) 565-1526
Hours 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Pacific Standard Time (PST) - Monday through Friday
Summer Hours: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (PST) - Tuesday through Thursday

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine

(517) 432-2696
Volunteers staff the hotline Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

607-253-3932
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Tuesday-Thursday

Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine

(509) 335-5704.
Phones are normally staffed during the semester on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 6:30 - 9:00 PM, and Saturday 1:00-3:00 PM Pacific Time. We have abbreviated hours when classes are not in session. Our phone message is updated as our hours change.

Ontario Veterinary College

519-824-4120 x53694
Tuesday - Thursday
6:00 pm -9:00 pm ET

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

We are here Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time. Our toll-free telephone number is: (877) 394-CARE (2273). If you are in the Champaign, Illinois area, our local telephone number is (217) 244-CARE (2273).

Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

(614) 292-1823
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Monday - Friday, and 10 am - 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine

(888)-478-7574
September-April: Seven days a week, 6:00 - 9:00pm CST
May-August: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:00 - 9:00pm CST

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

(352) 392-4700
Ext. 4080

Pet Memorials Products on Amazon 

Pet Memorial Stone

A beloved pet is a special part of its family, and when they leave us to cross the Rainbow Bridge, its nice to have something that keeps their memory alive. For marking their place of interment, or simply as a reminder of how much you treasured their companionship while working in the garden, we bring you this natural finished pet memorial stone. A thoughtful gift for the owner who is missing their faithful friend.

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Pet Keepsake Memorial 5x7 inch folding Honey Maple color

Cherish the memories of your pet long after theyve gone with this thoughtfully designed and crafted memorial. Each Keepsake Memorial Display folding model holds two of your cherished photos and has a secure compartment perfect for favorite toys, collars or ashes.

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Pet Keepsake Memorial 6x9 inch rotating Honey Maple color

Cherish the memories of your pet long after theyve gone with this thoughtfully designed and crafted memorial. Each Keepsake Memorial Display rotating model holds four of your cherished photos and has a secure compartment perfect for favorite toys, collars or ashes.

Amazon Price: $30.99 (as of 10/11/2008)

Rainbow Bridge 

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had 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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. 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 Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

A very special thank you to cyberpog.com for letting us use their wonderful Rainbow Bridge image on our page.

Pet Memorial Stones 

Granite ~ Engraved ~ Photo Stones

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Beautiful & Touching Tribute Created by a Fellow Squidoo Member 

Articles 

Recommended Books to Help You With The Healing Process 

When Only the Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss

by Emily Margaret Stuparyk

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 10/11/2008)

Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet

by Moira K. Anderson

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Angel Pawprints: Reflections On Loving and Losing a Canine Companion

by Laurel E. Hunt

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)

Free Pet Loss E-Cards 

Pet Loss Cards

Free Condolences for the Loss of a Pet E-Cards.

SuperPages.com

Free Pet Loss E-Cards.

Free Web Cards

Pet Sympathy Cards.

Hallmark

Send a free pet loss e-card.

Blue Mountain

Send free pet loss e-cards.

Rainbow Bridge

Design your free Rainbow Bridge sympathy e-card.

Pet Caskets 

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This lens supports the ASPCA 

The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and we continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it's saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources wi

We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to ASPCA from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want. We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

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Want to comment on this lens or post a story of your own? 

Please share it here or Contact Me.

321965 very good . My Gizzie was 19 and a member of the family ,loved deeply. 5 stars Posted October 10, 2008

Tiddledeewinks I've lost many pets over the years and am glad I have my own land where many of them are now buried, My beloved 7 year old Tobie (Old English Sheepdog)died 10 months ago, and I still can't get over her loss. I wait for her to rise on resurrection day. The pain of losing a pet is one of the hardest, because they have loved us unconditionally. See my lens on DoAnimalsGoToHeaven. Posted September 07, 2008

JaguarJulie Touching lens -- we have two separate friends' families who recently lost pets -- cats that were with them for many years. The grieving process has taken its toll on them. My one friend told me that she took the loss of her cat much harder than her recent divorce! I remember my stepfather breaking down when my mother and he buried their cat. Posted August 19, 2008

 

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