I WANT to say Good-Bye

by | Nov 16, 2010

Pet Parents want the oppotunity to say good-bye,..

As a grieving pet parent, we WANT that opportunity to say good-bye to our precious deceased pet. But, I digress – do I truly WANT that? No, because what I really want is to have my pet back. But, do I now NEED this opportunity to just not have my pet taken away from me – and give me one more time to be with my precious pet? One more time to say all of those “I love you´s” and to kiss that beautiful head? One more time to relieve all of those special times that we spent together? One more time to relieve that day you came home to live? YES! Please know – a pet parent wants to have this opportunity to “do one more thing” for my beloved pet.
As a pet care professional, it´s imperative that you are willing and capable of guiding a pet parent in what their options are to honor and pay tribute to their deceased pet. And, while you may be met with resistance, please know it´s resistance in the fact that I still want my pet here – and to do what is being recommended to me is the LAST thing that I want to do.
However, this very well may be the BEST thing that you can do for me. For me, the grieving heart who “doesn´t know what I don´t know” needs someone to guide me – to walk with me. With all of the thousands of families that I have worked with – seeing their pet “one more time” has clearly been deemed the “best thing that I could´ve done.”
Are you giving your families that opportunity? They do want it, trust me.

How are you letting families honor their precious pets?

by | Nov 1, 2010

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

by | Sep 12, 2010

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

by | Feb 14, 2010

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

by | Jan 12, 2010

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,..