Grief Resources

“When we think of those companions who traveled by our side down life’s road, let us not say with sadness that they left us behind, but rather say with gentle gratitude that they once were with us.” – Unknown

Losing a pet you love can be almost as difficult as losing a person with whom you’ve been close. You will cherish the memories of your pet’s companionship and devotion long after their brief life has ended.
When a pet dies, it is important you and your family grieve. Feelings of confusion, disorganization, sadness, or guilt are natural reactions to your recent loss, and you should not suppress them. It helps to talk about and to embrace the memories of your pet. Everyone experiences grief differently, so be sure to respect each person’s need to grieve in his or her own way.

Should you seek special pet grief counseling services, reach Memory Meadows. We will connect you with an extremely calming and compassionate former funeral director in the area for over 25 years. Memory Meadows offers these client counseling services on a case-by-case basis. Take a positive step towards healing!

Resources for those grieving the death of a pet:
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: www.aplb.org
PetLoss.com: www.petloss.com

Download a copy of our comprehensive brochure

Reading for adults grieving the death of a pet:

“Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet” by Moira Anderson
“Goodbye My Friend” by M. Montgomery, H. Montgomery
“Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone” by Gary Kowalski
“Grieving the Death of a Pet” by Betty Carmack
“Pet Loss” by Herbert A.Nieburg, Arlene Fischer
“The Loss of a Pet” by Wallace Sife
“When Children Grieve: For Adults to Help Children” by John James, Russell Friedman
“Will I See My Pet in Heaven?” by Friar Jack Wintz

The death of a pet is often a child's first experience with death. An adult's response can determine whether a child's first exposure to the natural process of death will be positive or negative to personal development.

Books to help children cope with the death of a pet:

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
“Dog Heaven”/”Cat Heaven” by Cynthia Rylant
“I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand ” by Pat Palmer, Dianne O’Quinn Burke
“I’ll Always Love You” by M. Hans Wilhelm
“Lifetimes” by Bryan Mellonie, Robert Ingpen
“Mr. Rogers’ First Experience: When a Pet Dies” by Fred Rogers
“The Fall of Freddie the Leaf” by Leo Buscaglia
“The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst
“When Your Pet Dies” by Diane Pomerance
“Zoe’s Good-bye” written and illustrated by Mary Schlangen

“Dorothy O’Connor wanted to make sure that homeless animals could be and would be placed in forever, loving homes.
She also wanted to make sure that when they do pass with a full circle of life they have a final resting place that is considered a sanctuary and crossing the rainbow bridge if you may is a sanctuary Memory Meadows provides.”
– Jennifer