Will I Meet My Pet in Heaven
Thoughts on Pet Bereavement and Heaven for Pets. Last week, I received a call from someone who had just euthanized his beloved pet. The conversation was filled with long, emotional silences punctuated by sobs. Eventually, he found the strength to ask, “Rev K, will I see my cat, Boots, in heaven? Do you think there’s a heaven for pets? And will she be with my mom, who passed away but loved Boots all her life?”
Navigating Pet End of Life Care
by Dr. Dani McVety, Founder and CEO of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice.
There comes a day when every pet parent has to come to terms with their pet’s passing. This unfortunately means making the difficult decision between a “natural death” or humane euthanasia. I imagine just about everyone would like their pet to comfortably crawl into their bed one night, drift off to sleep, and pass away peacefully while sleeping. While many people think this defines a “natural death,” that isn’t necessarily the case—and a natural death does not always guarantee a peaceful death. In Home Pet Euthanasia.
Helping Children Cope with Pet Loss
by Dr. Dani McVety, Founder and CEO of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice.
For children, the loss of a pet is often their first experience with death. Children tend to grieve differently than adults do, and they need lots of love, guidance, and support. Parents often want to shelter children from death, which is understandable, but honesty can be the best thing. Each child is unique, and each age group and stage of development can have different reactions. (more…)
Rescue Me
by Jeff Levy, LCSW.
I received a phone call earlier this week from Ray, a long time client. He rarely calls between sessions so when I listened to his voicemail asking me to call him back, I knew there was something important happening in his life. When we eventually spoke, it was through tears he told me his dog had been very ill and, for the first time the prior evening, she had been unable to walk. (more…)
Pet Loss Grief
Losing a beloved pet is a deeply emotional and trying ordeal. For many individuals, pets transcend mere animals; they become cherished family members, providing unwavering love, companionship, and comfort during life’s trials. However, when a pet passes away, the resulting grief can be overwhelming, leaving pet parents adrift in a sea of sorrow, heartbreak, and uncertainty. In these moments of profound sadness, turning to a professional pet grief loss counselor can offer a beacon of support. These licensed professionals provide invaluable guidance, empathy, and a safe haven to navigate the intricate emotions surrounding pet loss. Throughout this article, I’ll delve into the journey of healing from the loss of a pet with the compassionate aid of a pet grief counselor. (more…)
