How are you letting families honor their precious pets?

Give them an outlet to pay tribute to this love that was shared
As you service families who are experiencing the loss of their precious pets, make sure that you are proving all opportunities for them to honor these losses. While there are 62% of people who own a pet – that means there are 38% who don´t. Therefore, when a person has a pet that´s died, there might be circumstances where they don´t have a support group around them to properly mourn this loss. Be that support group.

There are a variety of ways that you can provide this support. Consider:
* Daily phone calls to provide an “open-door” feel for your organization as a support system.
* Memorialization items that will show a family it´s “okay” to honor these pets with physical remembrance pieces.
* Pet Loss Support Groups.
* Annual ceremonial events for grieving pet parents to have as an outlet to honor their deceased pets.
* Cards sent to the family, acknowledging the first birth date/gotcha date without the pet.
* A card sent to the family on the anniversary date of death to let the family know that you are thinking of them.
* Social marketing venues such as FaceBook and Twitter to allow the family an opportunity to post a memorial to their special pet.
* And, many others.

After all, what families really want from you at this time is the “service” that you have to provide. Give them the value of this services – as it is what they deserve during this time.

Help Your Families Remember Their Pets

Today is National Pet Memorial Day – are you helping your families honor the story
Today is a day of remembrance for any pet parent who has had a special pet die. From all of the pets that we grew up with to my most recent losses of Mico and Mike The Dog – I remember all of them. I remember them and I pay honor to them for what they have meant to me in my life,… the love. The lessons. The life-changing mission that they have given me.
Your families want you to help them honor their pets. Help them – by honoring their stories and being a companion to them in a grief journey that we will always be traveling.

Honoring Your Story

The candles represent such warmth as our precious pets are honored.
The memorial service at the Center for Loss was so special. To hear the beautiful stories of those precious little pets was so touching. As everyone took their turn, it was obvious that the grief journeys continue. Grieving the loss of a wonderful little pet will always be a part of our life. In life they touched us and in death they will always be in our hearts. It´s such an honor – to honor those stories.

Creating Memories

Creating Memories

What to do today to create memories for tomorrow

Today´s technology makes it so much easier to secure “memories!” As I look back on the life that I shared with Mico – I am so grateful for the photos! But, I miss the fact that I did not have an imprint of her little nose. Did you know that an animal´s nose print is like our thumb print? All noses are unique and depict the individuality of each pet! Gosh, how many times did that cold little nose nudge me – to be held, to be petted, to be comforted,…. And, how about a video? One that not only shows your pet in action but one where you can catch that darling little bark? Or that persistent little meow! Or the fact that when Mico was feisty and wanted something, and certainly to get my attention, the barks came in a series of three! Everytime – without fail!
Yes, in her death, I am thankful that I have the memories. And, almost seven years later, I can close my eyes and still hear those three little barks. But to have had those recorded forever and ever, oh my,…
Yes, Mike The Dog, Ellie Mae, Crisco, and Rudy – that is exactly why Mommy follows you everywhere, recording all that I can! I will have THAT forever,..

For the New Year, Please Give Me Strength

With the New Year, my grief journey continues,….
Dear Father, as I look up, I see Baby New Year staring directly at me. With the New Year, I am reminded that another year is approaching, taking me further away from that day in April, 2002, and the loss of Mico, my precious little pet. My mind knows that it has been almost 7 years but my heart says that it feels like only yesterday. Yesterday because I can still so vividly remember those last days, hours, minutes and seconds as I saw a love in my life slip away. I know that she´s in your hands, Dear Father, and is enjoying her life in heaven. Hold her tight in your love. Give me strength as I still feel her love and miss seeing her daily. In Your Name, I pray,… Amen.