GRIEF COUNSELING

While there is still some stigma associated with the loss of a pet, it continues to diminish. In those who will admit to grieving, a very high percentage of those who have lost a pet experience grief more intensely with the loss of their pet than that of a parent or spouse. We understand that this is a very significant amount of pain. If you or someone you care about would find more information helpful, here are some available options for helping with your grieving process:

• Seek Advice if you are taking the loss extremely hard, be it from a friend or family, or even a psychiatrist or grief counselor.
• Products such as books (Some available at our office; please request at the desk)
• Paw Prints
  • We provide a clay paw print for you too keep after your pet is no longer with you that is available at no additional cost here at the hospital.
• Put together a photo album
• Purchase or make a headstone
  • At the office there is an example of a headstone made by a local man. His information is available by either calling the clinic or coming in for a visit. His stone work is simple and beautiful and could be a very helpful tool in coping.

Here are some websites that we feel are very helpful in dealing with the loss of a dearly loved pet.

One of our favorites: http://dovelewis.org/

Some others that are also very helpful:

Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement

 www.furfuzzies.com/HavingtoSayGoodbye.htm

http://vetmed.illinois.edu/CARE/

www.PetPeopleHelp.com