Coping with the loss of a loved one can be devastating for anyone, but even more so for the chronically ill. After all, these furry friends are beside us always especially in times when loved ones seem to abandon us.
With a heightened sensitivity in our central nervous systems, the waves of grief that wash over us can seem unbearable at times. This simple fact of life may have no tangible meaning when we are on that island of despair. After all, we have lost a loved one, someone very dear to us that kept our spirits up in the dark hours of pain.
Such a terrible flow of emotions that comes with a loss of a beloved family member! These delightful, furry creatures bring such warmth, love, and nurturing to our homes each day. It is devastating when they leave and flood of grief floods us for a period of time.
In our despair, we relive the touching memories that will last a lifetime. Those moments when unconditional love blessed our halls. The uplifting moments when we were so down with our most intimate thoughts and they just knew................. and sat by our side stoically. Other times when despair would reach out to clutch us deeper, but large dark eyes, full of love, would lift us upward and let us know someone cares.
They shared a life with us, usually unscheduled, but times that fit into our daily routine perfectly. Their presence was felt each moment as we went about our daily duties watching them observing us like silent centurions. Oh, if we could just stop this very moment and reach down for one last long luxurious petting session-one last condolence to lift our spirits.
Those days of adventures planned with a four-legged friend are gone! Such thrifty entertainment they can be! Why a mere walk in the park or on the beach adds extra delight when they are in tow. Also, family trips are less expensive when an animal is in the back seat. There are just so many places that don't allow dogs! But, those other secretive spots that make memory imprints are there for the taking. These trips spent with immediate family members boast more fun and free-living then all the theme parks combined. Hikes in the mountains or cooling off in a swimming hole are the days that will live in my heart forever. These days you were with me my friend to fill me with joy.
I am so grateful you spent your life's journey with us. We were blessed the day you arrived at our door. Your intelligence and unconditional love has left an imprint on our souls, and we will never be the same without you. Until we meet again...... my your days be blessed with green fields and flowers, with sticks being thrown in a lake, with ocean waves rippling over your body, and someone to pet you throughout the day.
No matter how much preparation is given to their final days a sense of loss accompanies the moment. After all, animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you've already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss - the grieving process. And nothing "smarts" more than the loss of a treasured family member. All you can do is pray and ward off the impending storm until it subsides and rays of light peak through of glistened memories.
We dedicate this poem to our beloved Buddy.
Rainbow Bridge
Just 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 to 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 Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Coping with grief
While grief is a personal experience, you need not face your loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet-bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online pet-bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles.
Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:
With a heightened sensitivity in our central nervous systems, the waves of grief that wash over us can seem unbearable at times. This simple fact of life may have no tangible meaning when we are on that island of despair. After all, we have lost a loved one, someone very dear to us that kept our spirits up in the dark hours of pain.
Such a terrible flow of emotions that comes with a loss of a beloved family member! These delightful, furry creatures bring such warmth, love, and nurturing to our homes each day. It is devastating when they leave and flood of grief floods us for a period of time.
In our despair, we relive the touching memories that will last a lifetime. Those moments when unconditional love blessed our halls. The uplifting moments when we were so down with our most intimate thoughts and they just knew................. and sat by our side stoically. Other times when despair would reach out to clutch us deeper, but large dark eyes, full of love, would lift us upward and let us know someone cares.
They shared a life with us, usually unscheduled, but times that fit into our daily routine perfectly. Their presence was felt each moment as we went about our daily duties watching them observing us like silent centurions. Oh, if we could just stop this very moment and reach down for one last long luxurious petting session-one last condolence to lift our spirits.
Those days of adventures planned with a four-legged friend are gone! Such thrifty entertainment they can be! Why a mere walk in the park or on the beach adds extra delight when they are in tow. Also, family trips are less expensive when an animal is in the back seat. There are just so many places that don't allow dogs! But, those other secretive spots that make memory imprints are there for the taking. These trips spent with immediate family members boast more fun and free-living then all the theme parks combined. Hikes in the mountains or cooling off in a swimming hole are the days that will live in my heart forever. These days you were with me my friend to fill me with joy.
I am so grateful you spent your life's journey with us. We were blessed the day you arrived at our door. Your intelligence and unconditional love has left an imprint on our souls, and we will never be the same without you. Until we meet again...... my your days be blessed with green fields and flowers, with sticks being thrown in a lake, with ocean waves rippling over your body, and someone to pet you throughout the day.
No matter how much preparation is given to their final days a sense of loss accompanies the moment. After all, animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you've already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss - the grieving process. And nothing "smarts" more than the loss of a treasured family member. All you can do is pray and ward off the impending storm until it subsides and rays of light peak through of glistened memories.
We dedicate this poem to our beloved Buddy.
Rainbow Bridge
Just 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 to 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 Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Coping with grief
While grief is a personal experience, you need not face your loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet-bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online pet-bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles.
Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:
- Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it.
- Don't hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear. Do a little research online and you'll find hundreds of resources and support groups that may be helpful to you.
- Write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem, essay, or short story.
- Call your veterinarian or local humane society to see whether they offer a pet-loss support group or hotline, or can refer you to one.
- Prepare a memorial for your pet.
- Blog like me:)
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