| Bereavement help and support |
|---|
| The
death of all pets in any circumstances is a tragic loss and the subsequent
grieving which we can feel is very real and painful. Euthanasia, which
is unique to animals brings with it, not only the choices to bring about
the ease of your pets suffering, but sometimes a whole raft of different
feelings and emotions, which many of us find difficulty in comprehending.
We
are also often unaware of the choices that we have, when it comes to burying
or cremating our pet. Veterinary practices offer a range of support, information
and services when it comes to caring for you and your pet at the end of
their life. If you do not feel able to talk at length with the Vet, ask
to speak to one of the Veterinary nurses in the practice who will be only
too pleased to help and support you before, during and after your pets
death.
There
is also an excellent charitable organisation called The Pet Bereavement
Support Service, which was launched in 1994, it has so far helped over
4000 pet owners of all ages and all walks of life. Losing a pet of any
kind can be very painful and each telephone call is treated with sensitivity
and compassion. The telephone befrienders receive calls in their own homes.
They are volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and have completed a six
month supervised correspondences training programme. They offer a "listening
ear" and give time, patience and encourage met to bereaved pet owners,
as they work through their loss. was launched
Telephone 0800 096 6606
Sometimes it helps to share our feelings with someone who knows from personnel
experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be, whether it is a hamster
or a Great Dane. Telephone daily from 8.30am - 5.30pm (with an answer
phone outside these hours) to speak to someone who will listen with compassion
and without judgement.
Recommended
reading
Death
of an animal friendThis booklet is helpful for anyone faced with the loss of his or her pet. Produced by the society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) Price £2.50. Available from: SCAS, 10b Leny Rd, Callender, FK17 8BA Absent Friend By Laura and Martyn Lee This is an instructive book looking at how to cope when the relationship with the pet is broken Published by Henston, Price £4.50. Available through the Veterinary Surgeon, Vet2pet superstore, or from all good bookshops. Goodbye, Dear Friend By Virginia Ironside Published by Robson Price £6.99. Available from all good bookshops. |