"When you get a pet, there's a very good chance you will be eventually faced with the heart-breaking decision of when and how to send your beloved friend on their final journey. After having to make that dreadful drive to the Humane Society on four previous occasions, we finally found Dr. Laura Kee at Compassionate In-Home Euthanasia!!! With her kind support, we were able to say goodbye to our wonderful Belgian Malinois, Belle, under less stressful, more "compassionate" and dignified conditions. Thank you Dr. Kee." - Dave & Pat Lawrence, Ladue
Websites
Pet Loss Support Hotline—Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (607) 218-7457
Pet Loss Books
Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz
Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty Carmack
Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by M. Anderson
Pet Loss and Human Bereavement by W. Kay
Animals as Teachers and Healers by S. McElroy
A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend by M. Montgomery
Pet Loss : A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by H. Neiburg.
Tibetan Book of Living & Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of Our Animal Companions by Shannon F. Nakaya, DVM
It's Okay To Cry by M.L. Quintana
Books for Children
Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
A Rainbow Bridge for Gus: A Story about the Loss of a Pet by Barbara Bareis Rigabar
The Berenstain Bears Lose A Friend by Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.
Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are made young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.
Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone they had to leave behind.
Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance…bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more into the loving eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that though out of sight, your love had been remembered.
And then, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together…
~Author Unknown