Pet Loss Support

 

Unfortunately, everyone who cares for a pet will one day face illness, old age or passing of their beloved animal friend. There are many preparations and hard decisions that you may have to make. It is normal and necessary to grieve for the loss of a pet or struggle with knowing what is the right decision to make.  Here are some links and resources to help you make decisions or cope with your loss. Of course, please call us if we can walk you through your situation. We are here to help!

Rainbow Bridge 


PPVC RainbowJust this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes over the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 

 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

 

Then you cross over the Rainbow Bridge together.

 

--Author unknown


 

Our Comfort Room   Pet Loss Support        

    Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement - an extensive list of specialized help that is  free        and available to anyone grieving for a beloved pet

    ASPCA Pet Loss - Articles on Pet Loss FAQs, How to Help Your Child Deal with the Loss and How    to Manage End-of-Life Care.
    Colorado Pet Loss Resources - Links to hotlines, support groups, counselors and more
    Pet Loss Grief Support Website - personal support, thoughtful advice, The Monday Pet Loss      

   Candle Ceremony, healing poetry and more

 

Clay Paw

 

End of Life Preparations and Grief Support Groups

  • Lasting Paws (previously Homeward Bound) Memorial Center Crematorium - Their mission is to provide moral and ethical pet aftercare services, ensuring that all pets and their families are treated with respect and dignity and giving pet parents the peace of mind knowing one of the last decisions they made for their pet was the right one. 
  • Lasting Paws Grief Support Groups - Find solace with other pet owners who have lost their best friends. Groups are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8pm. Call 636-1036 for more information or to RSVP. 
  • End of Life Preparations from the Argus Institute at Colorado State University. Questions to think about before the end is near and other support resources.

 

In-Home Euthanasia Services

While we are always here for you when it's "that" time, some circumstances may make it easier on you and your pet to have a veterinarian come to your home. Should you require in-home euthanasia, please call either of the following doctors: 

 

Dr. Judith Lee, Compassionate Care: 719-330-1926

Dr. Jim Humphries, Home with Dignity: 719-495-2100