Good grief: Help in mourning the loss of your pet.
SSS! regular TJ asked earlier this week: Is pet loss and grief to heavy a topic for blogging?
"Not an upbeat subject but an important one," she wrote. "So many people think they aren’t allowed to grieve the death of their pets, and are so desperate for understanding during this tough time.”
I agree completely. TJ also packed so much information and good links into her note that I am going to put it out over several posts.
First, here's Animals in Our Heart, a Web site sponsored by Teresa Wagner, a pet loss support counselor. Wagner does seminars and consultations but also has some free articles online. “It talks about spiritual connections between humans and animals, pet grief and support,” TJ wrote. "If you visit the site, turn on your speakers, because the music on the homepage is BEAUTIFUL. It’s by Richard Shulman, a great musician.”
The site also has pet bereavement cards, books on pet loss -- and these incredibly cool pet prayer flags. I plan to buy a string for my backyard, where Sputnik and Cinnamon lay side by side. I miss you guys but will remember you always.
Here are some more pet loss and grief links from TJ
Petloss.com: TJ says its been around for a long time. Includes a place for tribute postings, ceremonies, and an explanation about "crossing the Rainbow Bridge," the term people often use for their pets passing on.
American Veterinary Medical Association: The main organization devoted to animal health. TJ says it features a hotline, where people can call vet-teaching hostpials and get free grief counseling over the phone.
University of Colorado's Argus Institute: Very complete, with everything from information about grief symptoms, to how to make a decision about euthanasia, to a list of companies that make pet memorials or urns.
Will post more on pet loss and grief soon. And send along any resources or suggestions you have.
Thanks, TJ.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
