| 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. Many 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 at www.vet2pet.co.uk or from all good bookshops. Goodbye, Dear Friend By Virginia Ironside Published by Robson Price £6.99. Available from all good bookshops. |