Honored Pet Memorial Wall

By Moira K. Anderson Copyright 1988 by Moira K. Anderson This article is reproduced for client distribution with full permission from the author, by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories. For more Information visit iaopcc.com. The death of a pet brings some of the most painful and difficult emotions and decisions a pet owner must face. This pamphlet will help you through some of them… How will I know when to euthanize my pet? Your veterinarian is the best judge of your pet’s physical condition: Whether an illness or injury is terminal; whether surgery or medication would significantly prolong your pet’s life and for how long. However, you are the best judge of the day-to-day quality of your pet’s life. You will be able to tell if it is suffering unreasonably, or if it is still finding pleasure in life despite its condition. If a pet still has a decent appetite, responds to attention, seeks your company, and participates in playing or family life, many pet owners feel that it is still enjoying life and living with dignity. If, on the other hand, the pet is clearly in constant pain, undergoing difficult and stressful treatments, unresponsive to affection or seemingly unaware of its surroundings, a caring pet owner will make the decision to end this companion’s suffering. Evaluate your pet’s health honestly and unselfishly with your veterinarian. Nothing can make this decision an easy one, but it is the final act of love you can make for your pet. Should I stay during euthanasia? Many pet owners feel this is the ultimate gesture of love and comfort you can perform for your pet. Some have felt relief and comfort by staying: They were able to see for themselves that the pet did not suffer, that it passed gently and peacefully, and that it was truly gone. For many, not witnessing the death—and perhaps not viewing the body afterwards—made it difficult for them to accept in their hearts that the pet was really dead, and more difficult to deal with the grief later. On the other hand, this is a traumatic ordeal, and you must ask yourself honestly whether you are emotionally prepared to handle it. If you feel that your emotions will not be in control, you are more likely to upset your pet than comfort it. These emotions are natural, and no cause for shame. Your veterinarian will also be involved in this decision. Some clinics are willing to allow the owner to be present; others are less enthusiastic. If you feel strongly about staying and your vet is unwilling to permit it, you may wish to have the euthanasia done elsewhere. Some veterinarians are willing to euthanize pets at home. Others have come out to the owner’s car to administer the injection. Again, discuss these options with your veterinarian. What do I do now? When a pet dies, you face the question of how to handle its remains. When you are upset and grieving, it may seem easiest to leave the pet at the clinic and allow the vet to dispose of it. Some find this the best choice; others feel a pet deserves a more formal ceremony. Home burial is a common choice. It is economical, and you may want your pet near you in the surroundings it loved. However, city regulations usually prohibit pet burials, and this is not a good choice if you rent, or move frequently. To many, a pet cemetery provides a sense of permanence and security and offers formality and dignity to pet burial. Owners appreciate the serene surroundings and care of the gravesite. Cemetery costs vary depending on the services you select. Cremation is an inexpensive option that allows you to handle your pet’s remains as you wish: Bury them (even in the city), scatter them, leave them in a columbarium, or keep them in a decorative urn. Check with your veterinarian, pet shop or directory about the options available in your area. You should consider your living situation, personal and religious values, finances, and plans for the future. It’s also best to make arrangements in advance, rather than in the midst of your grief. I hurt so much! Am I overreacting? Intense grief over the loss of a pet is completely normal and natural. Every pet owner who considers a pet a beloved friend and companion, a true family member, goes through exactly what you are going through now. You are not being overly sentimental, weak or foolish to grieve. You may have spent 10 or 15 years with this pet. During that time, the pet was a constant part of your life, always ready to give you love and comfort and companionship. Pets provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love. So don’t be surprised if you feel devastated by the ending of such a powerful relationship, whether long or brief. Other people who don’t understand the pet/owner relationship may not understand your pain. But all that matters is what you feel. Those feelings are valid, and can be extremely painful. You are not alone, though: Thousands of people have felt what you feel, and go through these feelings over and over again as they build loving relationships with new pets. What can I expect to feel? Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, which can be devastating in itself, you may experience guilt, anger, denial and/or depression. Guilt may come if you feel that you were somehow responsible for the pet’s death—the “if only I had been more careful!” syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with the responsibility for the illness or accident that claimed your pet’s life. Weighing yourself down with guilt only makes it that much more difficult to work through your loss. Denial is difficulty accepting that the pet is really gone. It’s hard to imagine that it won’t come running to greet you, or that it doesn’t need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry thisContinue reading "Ten Tips on Coping with Loss of a Pet"

For Rosie, all our love and treasured memories go with you and yet still stay in our broken hearts/ Wait at Heaven’s gate, ol girl till we see you again 2/14/96 – 10/10/10

To my baby Bailey. My biggest wish is that I added even half as much love to your life as you did to mine. I love you so much and miss you every minute. I cannot wait to see you again one day where I can hug you and never let go this time.

In loving memory of my best friend for 16 years, Harley. You stuck with me through good and bad and were always right by my side to cuddle up with. You were such a good boy and so sweet. I will miss you so much and will always love you. You have a special place in my heart. Someday we will meet again. September 14, 1994-October 5, 2010.

My Stella- My daughter, my best friend- -I miss you every day. Such a short life for such a wonderful soul. I know that you waited for your mommy to get where you were to die in my arms.. Thank you for filling every day I spent with you with so much joy. I love you forever..see you at the rainbow bridge..Love, Mommy

Frankie–We are so sorry you had to leave us on 9/30/10. You will always be in our hearts forever. You were a wonderful, loving, gentle boy and gave us 14 years of happiness!!! R.I.P. my boo-boo. Miss and love you.

The Caccamo Family Kristie, you left us on April 5th and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t shed a tear for you. You’re my baby and I miss you soo much. I keep your toy beside me at night and kiss it. You were the sweetest dog ever ! So brave….never showed your pain. You barked one last time that night before your Angels took you..I know now it was to say Goodbye. Rest Peacefully My Best Friend (13.5 years old)

In loving memory of my best friend Bailey. I miss you so much Bub,Bub. Until we meet again. 02/21/2004 – 11/10/2009

I love you Anja. You were my best friend, my daughter, my roommate, and my copilot. My life will never be the same without you but it is certainly better because I had you in it. May you rest in peace.