Grief is one of our most complex emotions and how we grieve, as well as the time it takes to grieve, is as unique as we are. As you begin to navigate this journey of love and remembrance for your pet we ask that you keep a few things in mind.
First, we’d like you to remember that your pain is evidence of your love for your pet. In the time immediately after the passing of your pet, your grief may hit you in ways that you may not immediately expect. This is all very normal. In the beginning, grief and sadness can be the predominant emotion that you feel. The saying, “time heals all wounds” applies in this case too. With time, the pain will ease, and you’ll be able to look fondly back on the life of your pet and smile. You’ll be able to remember all the things that made them unique and remember the many happy moments you were able to share with them.
Second, we’d like you to remember that by choosing to euthanize you made a very important choice. You chose to take on some of the suffering for your pet, so they could have a peaceful passing surrounded by love. This choice to take on the suffering is the greatest act of love an owner can show to their animal and that context is important to keep in mind as you navigate this difficult journey.
Finally, we want you to know that we are here for you. We understand how difficult this decision was for you, and want to provide you with any and all resources you need. While we can’t provide specific mental health advice we do want to make sure you are aware of the available local and national support systems in place. Some of those resources are listed below.
Sincerely,
The Healing Touch Staff
Support Hotlines
Pet Loss Resource Center
https://www.petlossresourcecenter.org
the Pet Loss Resource Center (PLRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing pet parents with supportive resources as they face the most difficult part of owning a pet – end of life. Their mission is “To give support, guidance, and resources needed to people when a family pet has died or is nearing the end of life”.
National Support Hotlines and Resources
University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine | 1-800-565-1526
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine | 607-253-3932
Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine | 508-839-7966
Washington State University | 509-335-5704
Books and Other Resources
Healing Touch Book Library
We have a variety of books for children and adults available to borrow for as long as you need located at our office. The book stand is in the hallway located at our office at
435 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
You can access the bookshelf anytime the Mill Street building is open, and feel free to take what you need. We simply ask that you return them when you are done with them so that they may help other families in need.
Books for Children
- Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm, Crown Pub
- A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss by Debra Morehead
- A Gift From Rex by Jim Kramer, DVM
- Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids by Alan Wolfelt, PhD
- Goodbye Mousie by Robie Harris
- Tough Boris by Mem Fox, Harcourt
Books for Adults
- Goodbye My Friend by Herb and Mary Montgomery
- A Final Act of Caring by Herb and Mary Montgomery
- Journey Through Pet Loss by Deborah Antinori
- Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty J. Carmack
- How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies by Therese Rando
- The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman
- Healing Your Grieving Heart by Alan Wolfelt, PhD