Pet Loss Library
Our Pet Loss Library features articles written by grief professionals that will address many of the questions you may have when dealing with the loss of a pet. It also contains articles and stories from others who have experienced a similar loss.
Pet Loss Articles
When an animal loved one dies
by Katie Boland In the summer of 1997, my entire pet family left for heaven. The first to go was nine-year-old Rosie, the Brittany I had rescued some five years earlier. She had eaten raw sewage when the pipes had backed up and burst, and she was so ill, I had to put...
Surviving the Hollow Days After a Pet Has Died
by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP Several years ago my canine soul mate, Kito, escaped peacefully from his prison of congestive heart failure. It was late September, the same time of year I had brought him home as a tiny Sheltie furball 10 years earlier. I was devastated. I...
Meister
by Linda J. Austin Most people think that caregivers take care of people. That's not always the case. I was almost asleep Tuesday night when I heard an unfamiliar sound. I thought perhaps it was the cat or a squirrel in the barn. The scraping, bumping continued. I...
Stories About Pet Loss
Winter – My Cat, My Friend , My Baby
By Lisa Johnston I adopted Winter on June 17, 1999. He was a beautiful white Maine Coon with bright blue eyes and a little gray patch on his head. He was no older than three months when he came to live with us. He was a gift to my kitten, Whiskey, who was the same...
The day I lost a good friend
By Skozak665 It's hard for me to even type at this moment. Where do I begin? Up until two days ago, I had a pet bunny. His name was Bamajama, he was the sweetest, kindest, most loving animal in the world. I got up Monday morning, late as usual for work. I walked in...
Love for Lizzie
By Lynne My cat Lizzie was a truly unique cat. She acted like a dog, in that she ran to you if you called, she followed you or strangers down the sidewalk, visited the neighbors, she followed commands, and jumped from the ground into my arms. She was very vocal, and...
Ask the Experts
Who gets custody of the pets?
by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP Dear Kitty, My boyfriend and I have two Pugs; Angus & Ryker. We adopted them jointly 2 years ago. Recently, my boyfriend and I have not been getting along. I know we won't be staying together much longer. I know there is a good chance...
When will grief end?
by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP Dear Kitty, On January 1, 2001, I had to take my best friend of 15+ years for the last ride of her precious life. Making the decision to put her to sleep was the HARDEST thing I've ever had to do. I am a Paramedic Firefighter and I'm around...
When is the time right to replace a pet?
by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP Dear Kitty, Hi, my name is Shawn. I'm 14 and from New Jersey. My dog, Holly, just recently died on July 7th and it was the only companion, friend, family member that I have ever truly loved with all my heart. She had a very rare blood disease...
Featured Story
Winter – My Cat, My Friend , My Baby
By Lisa Johnston I adopted Winter on June 17, 1999. He was a beautiful white Maine Coon with bright blue eyes and a little gray patch on his head. He was no older than three months when he came to live with us. He was a gift to my kitten, Whiskey, who was the same...