Pet Loss Support Blogs

Go to the Nutro Products website for full info, below is their press release....

Franklin, Tennessee (May 21, 2009) -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.

Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.

This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.

Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have more questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST

By Gina Spadaforei
Pet Columnist

The Short Life of a Pet is not Measured in Time, but in Love

The patterns of one's life often are captured and defined by the all-too-short life of a very special animal.

I know this all too well now. I've been spending a lot of time remembering, analyzing and, yes, crying, after losing my 10-year-old dog Lance last week, a victim of the cancer that had finally come roaring back after more than 18 months of dormancy.

Two years ago this month, a veterinarian I didn't know, then a young associate at the hospital we patronized, told me Lance wouldn't make it through the summer, if he even made it through the next few hours. He told me this over the anesthetized form of my dog, who'd gone in for a biopsy and come out with a reconstructed bladder after the young veterinarian acted on a hunch that what he wanted to do might work.

It did. Lance recovered and thrived for that summer and the next one, as the vet, now out on his own, ended each of Lance's frequent examinations with a shake of his head and an expression of amazement. It was a precious time, too good to last, and just before Christmas, a smidgen of blood in the bottom of a test tube gave us the news we'd all feared: The cancer was back.

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by Martha M. Tousley, CNS-BC, FT

People I encounter in pet grief support groups are often shocked to discover how bad they feel when their pets die. Statements such as "I don't know what's wrong with me. I didn't feel this bad when my grandmother (acquaintance, friend, relative) died" are common. And so the question arises, why do so many of us feel the loss of a companion animal so intently - and is it normal to feel this way?

There is no question that companion animals are becoming more valued in our society than they were just 20 or 30 years ago. Statistics indicate that more people in the United States today have pets than children, and most pet owners regard their pets as members of the family.

How we react to the death of any family member- human or animal- depends to a large extent on the part they've played in our daily lives, the significance of our relationships with them, and the strength of our attachments to them.

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When a pet dies, owners often ask their veterinarian whether they should show the body to their other pets. They ask this in a sincere effort to help "explain" the finality of what has occurred to the surviving pets - to let them know why their buddy won't be coming home.

Whether this is helpful is the subject of debate ... and there is little evidence to support either view. On one hand, it may be argued that pets do not have the cognitive ability to understand the finality of death. Showing them a body would be like letting a 2-year-old see a deceased family member at a funeral – the consequences just don't register. On the other hand, it can be argued that dogs and cats see death as we do, and that viewing a deceased companion does help to explain why that pet won't be around in the future.

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By: Karen Commings

One meaningful way to pay tribute to your dog's memory is to donate to an animal organization in his name.

Memorials

The human-animal bond is strong, sometimes as strong as any you may have with a person. When an animal companion dies, it can be just as heartbreaking as the death of a human loved one. Unfortunately, animal lovers are often met with insensitive comments, such as, "It was only a dog," or "Just get another one" when a dog companion dies. The dog's caregiver is left to mourn in private or get emotional support from strangers who might staff pet-loss support lines.

If the person experiencing the death of a dog is a child, finding ways to validate the pain of the loss is vital to helping the youngster through the mourning process and the feelings of grief.

Special Memorial Projects

Preserving and cherishing your dog's memory will help you find emotional support in your time of loss among those who love their pets as much as you. Everyone grieves in different ways, so finding an appropriate way to memorialize your pet is an individual decision.

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What to know when making the toughest decision

by Becky Mokkenkamp
(as shown in Prevention Magazine, All Rights Reserved)

Pancho was bloated and had been moaning for hours when her owner took her to the vet. Alison Benton knew that her 13yo Boston Terrier was gravely ill, but she was unprepared for the diagnosis of terminal congestive heart failure.

"There was kind of disbelief," she recalls. "Then I cried." Medication eased Pancho's discomfort, but she became progressively weaker until she was unable to walk to her water bowl. Finally, Benton and her husband decided they needed to end the dog's suffering, though it meant ending her life. Now, two years later, Benton says that putting Pancho down was the kindest thing they could have done.

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Coping with Pet Loss: "Am I Crazy to Feel So Sad about This?"
By Marty Tousley

You've just learned that your family's beloved pet is terminally ill. The vet gives your cherished companion less than a month to live! As the sad reality of losing this important member of your family sets in, a million thoughts race through your head.

Whether struggling with an animal companion's chronic illness, facing a decision about euthanasia, or mourning the loss of a cherished pet, most animal lovers are shocked and overwhelmed by the intensity of their reactions. They wonder if it is normal to feel the loss of a companion animal so deeply. Statements such as "I don't know what's wrong with me. I didn't feel this bad when my grandmother (acquaintance, friend, relative) died" are common. If this is a family's first encounter with death, parents may be uncertain how to guide their children through the experience of losing a beloved pet.

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Death and dying are two of the hardest facts of life to explain to children. Very often, the death of a family pet is a child's first encounter with this immutable law of nature. How we handle this event can have a far-reaching impact on our children's understanding of death and dying.

Eleven-year-old Maria, for instance, was used to greeting her cat Feifel every day after school. One day, he didn't appear. Maria and her mother found Feifel under a bed, breathing weakly. The veterinarian said Feifel had heart disease. He might be able to save him, but Feifel was 14 and suffered from several other age-related problems.

His quality of life would only grow worse. The most humane course to take was euthanasia. Later, her family held a memorial service, and Maria wrote poems about him.

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by Martha M. Tousley, CNS-BC, FT

In his runaway bestseller, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, author John Gray examines in detail what most of us intuitively already know. Men and women are very different from each other in how they think, how they feel and how they behave.

So it is with grieving. When a cherished pet is critically ill or has died, men and women will not experience or express their reactions in the same way. Failure to understand and accept our different ways of grieving can result in hurt feelings and conflict between partners and among family members during a very difficult time.

There are big decisions to be made - whether to proceed with expensive diagnostic procedures or treatments, choices about euthanasia, options for care of the pet's body after death. There are good-byes to be said and there is grief work to be done. Behaviors can be misinterpreted; needs may be misunderstood; expectations may not be met.

Male grief has certain characteristics that are important for us to know. Otherwise we may assume that, when faced with the crisis of losing a beloved companion animal, real men don't grieve.

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Learning that your pet has a terminal illness can be devastating for a family. Working with a veterinarian you trust to confirm the diagnosis is the first step.

Diagnosis

Veterinarian Merry Crimi urges, “Be sure your vet makes an accurate diagnosis, and not just a best guess. Laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and biopsies can confirm diagnosis of a terminal illness. Be sure you understand how your veterinarian reached his conclusion, and ask how the disease most often progresses.”

The outcome of a terminal illness is death. “Common terminal illnesses include inoperable brain cancer, end stage kidney, and heart failure – diseases where surgery or medicines cannot be effective,” says Crimi.

A second opinion

If you do not feel the spectrum of options given to you is reasonable or you don’t have a trusting relationship with the staff that has seen your pet, seek a second opinion. Another opinion may offer some options you hadn’t considered.

Pet companions may feel awkward about asking for a second opinion. Most veterinarians can appreciate that for important decisions, a companion might want another set of eyes and ears. A caring veterinarian will not make it difficult for you to get more information or consult with another professional.

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A survey in the Veterinary Record listed the most common reason for cats and dogs to be put to sleep as terminal illness (51%). Old age or senility accounts for 37% of cat and dog euthanasias. Cats are twice as likely (10%) than dogs (5%) to require euthanasia because of traumatic injuries, for example, road accidents, which sadly are more common among cats. However, only 1% of cats, as opposed to 6% of dogs, are put to sleep because of behavioral problems.

(The list of a pet's basic needs below is universally recorded elsewhere but these criteria are intended only as guidelines when used as a benchmark in deciding your pet's well-being. Euthanasia may not be appropriate even if some of these criteria are not met. Each case for euthanasia should be judged on its own merits and your vet should always be consulted beforehand. As the owner you also know your pet better than anyone.)

• Freedom from uncontrollable pain, distress and discomfort.
• Ability to walk and balance.
• Ability to eat and drink without pain and vomiting.
• Freedom from painful, inoperable tumours.
• Ability to breathe freely and without difficulty.
• Ability to hold up head when at rest.
• Ability to urinate and defecate without difficulty or incontinence.
• Ability to see and hear.
• Ability to enjoy food.
• Pet responds to owner and family.
• Not suffering from repeated vomiting and/or convulsions.

Link: http://www.ashestoashes.com/

"

Sponsor and friend of the site, Ashes to Ashes, a Pet Urn Company manufactures fine furniture grade wood urns, wood photograph urns, ceramics, jewelry, and other pet loss keepsakes. All urns arrive with a lifetime breakage replacement policy. When you receive your pet's cremains, simply transfer them to your choice of urn for a loving memory you'll cherish for years to come.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_loss

The loss of a pet or a non-human animal to which one has become emotionally bonded can be an intense loss, comparable with the death of a loved one. Whilst there is strong evidence that animals can feel such loss for other animals, this article focuses on human feelings, when an animal is lost, dies or otherwise is departed.

Grief over the loss of a pet is often trivialised, and people who have not experienced it themselves may add to the problem by making insensitive remarks such as "It was just a cat" or "You can always get another". A further complication is that the owner may feel guilty over having chosen to have the pet euthanised.

>Read more here

Link: http://www.lightning-strike.com/pet-loss-websites.htm

Adirondack Stone Works
Pet Memorial Stones

Sponsor and friend of the site, Adirondack Stone Works provides custom engraved pet memorial stones at an affordable price. The tumbled Pennsylvania Bluestone they sand carve comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

See more pet loss websites at Lightning-Strike.com

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=11&t=4201

FUNERALS FOR PETS?

In his delightful 1991 book, UH-OH, minister Robert Fulghum describes how he came to officiate at a memorial service for Gyda, a half German shepherd, half Dalmatian dog who lived in his houseboat "neighborhood" and who came to be loved by him and all who knew her. After Gyda dies, he describes the funeral service as a celebration of Gyda's life, during which all of her family and friends gather together on the dock and tell stories that are as much about themselves as they are about the dog. "My seminary training didn't cover how to perform a dog funeral," he observes. "It takes a real dog to teach that. And when the pupil is ready, the teacher appears."

Last month a reader of this column described to me her family's touching ceremony of remembrance following the death of their beloved dog...
>>Read all of story

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4195&st=0&#entry33119

Michael Vick has successfully passed an 8 hour 'rigorous' course on animal compassion and protection at PETA's headquarters. He still faces up to 5 years in prison for killing dogs during illegal dogfighting matches.

Read full story at CNN.com

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3940

A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2007
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Expands Its Warning about the Risk of Botulism Poisoning From Certain Castleberry Food Products and Dog Food

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding its July 18 warning to consumers. This expansion is for consumers and pet owners regarding canned food products and dog food produced by Castleberry Food Company of Augusta, Ga., due to the risk of botulinum toxin. Castleberry is expanding the recall to include all of the following canned products with all “best by” and code dates, and FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or eat any of the canned products listed in the table below.

Hot Dog Chili Sauces
SIZE
UPC CODES

Austex Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
30300-97101

Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
30300-99533

Castleberry’s Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
30300-00101

Castleberry’s Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
30300-07101

Bunker Hill Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
75266-04152

Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
11110-83942

Meijer Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
41250-85862

Food Lion Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
35826-06911

Bloom Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
25439-92448

Thrifty Maid Hot Dog Chili Sauce
10 OZ
21140-21367

Natural Balance Eatables dog food varieties:

Irish Stew with Beef Dog Food
15 OZ
23633-59860

Chinese Take Out with Sauce with Vegetables and Chicken Dog Food
15 OZ
23633-59861

Southern Style Dumplings with Gravy with Chicken and Vegetables
Dog Food
15 OZ
23633-59862

Hobo Chili with Chicken Pasta Dog Food
15 OZ
23633-59863

The agency is expanding its warning based in part on FDA test results and information obtained during a joint FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection of the Castleberry’s facility in Augusta, Ga.

Exposure to botulinum toxin can be fatal and two people in Texas and two people in Indiana remain seriously ill and hospitalized with botulism poisoning associated with eating Castleberry’s Hot Dog Chili Sauce.

While the previous recall and the known illnesses are linked to production dates of April 30 to May 22, 2007, the firm has extended the recall to include all products listed irrespective of “best by” date. The firm is cooperating with FDA in the recall of these products and has ceased processing and distribution.

In addition, Castleberry is recalling other products containing meat, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is also warning the public not to eat certain brands of Castleberry products containing meat. The list of these USDA-regulated products can be viewed at this link to the USDA website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_033_2007_Release/index.asp

Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should throw them away immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm

Retailers that have any of these products are asked to assure that they are removed from use and do not accidentally get reintroduced for sale, service or donation.

Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans can begin from 6 hours to 2 weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Botulism poisoning can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided. Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten one of the Castleberry’s products currently under recall should seek immediate medical attention.

The disease has only been seen occasionally in dogs and has not been reported in cats. Ferrets are highly susceptible to botulinum toxin. The incubation period can be 2 hours to 2 weeks; in most cases, the symptoms appear after 12 to 24 hours. Botulism is characterized by progressive motor paralysis. Typical clinical signs may include muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, visual disturbances and generalized weakness may also occur. Death usually results from paralysis of the respiratory or cardiac muscles. Pet owners who have used these products and whose pets have these symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately. At this time we are not aware of pet illnesses associated with these products although we recommend that all these products should be discarded.

Link: http://www.mourninglights.com/pets/bruzer.html

"

A sponsor of the site, Mourninglights™ Custom Printed Memorial Candles creates lovely glass memorial candles custom printed with the image of those who we've loved and lost. Whether it be a member of the family or a good friend, From the website: "Mourninglights candles are a way to remember those who have been taken from us; a warm light in the darkness upon which to recollect."

Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_510984.html

Texas lab finds acetaminophen in pet food
Kelly | June 5, 2007 2:09 pm

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating a Texas laboratory’s finding of acetaminophen in dog and cat food, an agency spokesman said Monday.

“We’re very interested in being able to test these samples ourselves to determine the levels of those contaminants,” said FDA spokesman Doug Arbesfeld. “What’s significant is these things are there. They don’t belong there.”

The pain medication is the fifth contaminant found in pet foods during the past 2 1/2 months and can be toxic or lethal to pets, especially cats. It is not known if any animals became sick with acetaminophen poisoning, or died from it.

“We were looking for cyanuric acid and melamine, and the acetaminophen just popped up,” Donna Coneley, lab operations manager for ExperTox Inc. in Deer Park, Texas, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review yesterday. “It definitely was a surprise to find that in several samples.”

At least five dog and cat food samples submitted by worried pet owners and pet food manufacturers contained varying levels of the pain reliever, she said. Only the food, not individual ingredients, were tested.

The medication was found most often with cyanuric acid, a chemical used in pool chlorination, Coneley said. Varying levels of melamine, a chemical used to make plastics, also were found among the hundreds of samples ExperTox tested, she said.

The contaminants were found in foods that are not among the more than 150 brands recalled since March 16, Coneley said. The highest level of acetaminophen was found in a dog food sample submitted by a manufacturer, she said. Coneley declined to identify the company but said its officials were given the results “well over a month ago.”

Full story here: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_510984.html

Note: While lab is not releasing the names of the makers, an reader reports one of his cats died and one is still very sick from acetominophen in Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach formula dry cat food confirmed by lab testing. Both cats were diagnosed with acute renal failure–but it should be noted that acetominophen is usually toxic to the liver, not the kidneys. Another reader lost a cat in January that was Pet Pride cat food, which tested positive for acetominophen and cyanuric acid.

Link: http://www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/petfoodrecall_3.html

As Pet Food Recall Expands, Veterinarians Are the Best Source for Reliable Info

By Heather Grimshaw

On April 18, 2007, the pet food recall was expanded to include contaminated rice gluten – in addition to wheat gluten – imported from China. The announcement prompted several manufacturers to pull products from shelves at pet stores and veterinary clinics.

Five companies were affected by the latest recall though only three firms have been identified to date. Pet owners can find a complete list of recalled products online and are encouraged to talk with veterinary professionals about food choices. Although safe options for commercial pet foods exist, some people may decide to steer clear of vegetable glutens until all contaminated products have been identified, said Claudia Kirk, DVM, PhD, a board-certified nutritionist.

>> Read More

>>Link to complete list of recalled pet foods

Link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17650075/from/ET/

60 million containers of pet food recalled
A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60 million containers of wet pet food Friday after reports of kidney failure and deaths.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17650075/from/ET/

http://www.menufoods.com/recall/Press_Recall_03162007.pdf

http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3834&hl==>

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=973

Grieving the Loss of a Pet
BY: JULIE AXELROD

When a parent, spouse, child or someone close to us dies, our loss is usually met with sympathy, comfort, and offerings of sincere condolence. We are allowed to grieve. We are allowed to cry. We are allowed to experience our emotions. But talk to the millions of pet owners who have had a dog hit by a car or a terminally ill cat euthanized and you will hear quite a different story. Many will tell you that most people did not understand the depth of their grief. Some even experienced the gross insensitivity of a comment like, "Why don't you just get another pet?" Mourning a pet may not only be painful due to the loss itself, but deeper as well due to the potential loneliness of this type of grieving.

Why Are the Feelings So Painful? When we are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, we are actually mourning several losses at the same time. These include: The loss of unconditional love: Our pets provide us with emotional responses that are uninhibited by concern for how their expression appears to others. Many of our human relationships aren't that simple; they can be riddled with anxiety about rejection and other fears that often dictate how we behave and what we share. Our pets do not judge insecurity or imperfection. They are all-accepting in ways few humans can achieve.

>>>Read More at the Pet Loss Forum

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2974&st=0&

From what I have read, indoor pest control has been formulated to be safe for humans and animals. One distinction from this is rodent poison, the pellet kind that looks like guinea pig food. This stuff is dangerous, so homes with animals should use well-concealed glue or snap or cage traps instead.

Outdoor chemicals are often considerably stronger, and precautions should be taken for a determined length of time (talk to your exterminator). Same goes for lawn fertilizer products. Upon initial application, these products are generally not safe for children or pets...after a few days, they are less harmful. Again, talk to the person who distributes these products, they will know best.

Another harmful chemical to cats is antifreeze. For some reason, (veterinarians believe because of its sweet flavor) pets enjoy the taste of this chemical, which is readily found on the garage floors and driveways of most homes. It is best to mop up any spills or leaks once they are found.

Link: http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/animals/petloss/grieving.html

The vet college at ISU has always been compassionate to those grieving from pet loss. See their written pet grief resources for use at veterinary clinics or schools or churches with pet loss support groups.

Link: http://www.americanhumane.org/site/DocServer/ah_Reprint_PetGrief.pdf?docID=1121

Pet Loss and Grief: How Some
Shelters Are Providing Comfort
at the End
By Cathy M. Rosenthal

Sitting in a circle, seven people clutch framed photos, pet toys,
collars, and tissues, anxiously awaiting the discussion ahead.
Slowly the group begins to tell their stories, as the facilitator
goes around the circle ensuring that everyone gets a turn to
talk. Each person is asked to share something about their pet:
Some people present photos, while others show off their
pet’s favorite toy or give vivid descriptions of their pet’s once
humorous antics. By the end of the two-hour session, people
are crying, hugging, and even laughing, relieved that they
aren’t alone in their sadness or feeling like they must be crazy
because of the death or impending death of their companion
animals. This is what it’s like at a pet loss support group.

>>Get the full article in PDF format here

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3589

YOU HAVE CHOSEN TEARS

The little orange boy stopped.

Behind him, kitties were playing, chasing each other and
wrestling in the warm sunshine.

It looked like so much fun, but in front of him, through
the clear stillness of the pond's water, he could see his mommy.
And she was crying.

He pawed at the water, trying to get at her, and when
that didn't work, he jumped into the shallow water. All that got him was wet and Mommy's image danced away in the ripples.

"Mommy!" he cried. "Is something wrong?" The little orange boy turned
around.

A lady was standing at the edge of the pond, her eyes
sad but filled with love.

The little orange boy sighed and walked out of the water.
"There's been a mistake," he said. "I'm not supposed to be here."
He looked back at the water.

It was starting to still again and his mommy's image was coming back.
"I'm just a baby. Mommy said it had to be a mistake. She said I wasn't
supposed to come here yet." The kind lady sighed and sat down on the grass.
The little orange boy climbed into her lap.

It wasn't Mommy's lap, but it was almost as good.

When she started to pet him and scratch under his chin like he liked, he
started to purr. He hadn't wanted to, but he couldn't help it.

"I'm afraid there is no mistake. You are supposed to be
here and your mommy knows it deep down in her heart," the lady said.

The little orange boy sighed and laid his head on the lady's leg.
"But she's so sad. It hurts me to see her cry. And daddy too."
"But they knew right from the beginning this would happen."

"That I was sick?"

>>Continue here

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=11&t=2493

Q> One of our family's dogs recently died, and the other seems quite depressed. Should we get a new puppy to ease her blues?

A> Don't head to the pound just yet. While a new addition may cheer up some dogs, others may become even more upset by the change. After all, she would likely be competing for attention with the younger, more active dog. >> Read More....

Link: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2481&st=0&

Hole In My Heart
by doveslanding

There's a hole in my heart, left there when you departed,
Blood gushes through my fingertips (figuratively)
Weak, dizzy, crying,and trying to just make sense of this thing
How does anyone survive this and go on?

My heart was so hard from years of abuse
I swore noone but me would have the key.
Then there you were, so tiny and afraid
with the world to grind you up and toss away.
But between your four leg and two of my own
we'd have it made.

So much is missing now that you've passed.
This small house house is way too big.
How could eight lbs. of love make such a difference;
It's not the same house we had at all.
I remember your bark, your snoring, and your licks;
Your eyes begging for a treat your middle didn't need.

I think now I'll retreat and lock my heart's door again
because I could never love as much as you again.

(I love you Chiqui, baby)

Link: http://www.mycemetery.com/pet/index.html

"

The Virtual Pet Cemetery
Immortalize your pet in cyberspace by requesting a plot at The Virtual Pet Cemetery, a wonderful idea brought to you by the kind folks at Lavamind Software. Write a eulogy for your best friend, send it to the Virtual Pet Cemetery and your words from the heart will appear for all to see...and for you to cherish. Pictures in electronic format are also accepted.

If you are looking for pet loss books, start with my pet loss book listing hosted by amazon.com. It provides a decent collection of the latest and most popular pet loss support and grief support books, and a small part of any purchase you make (not just books, anything from amazon.com)comes back to this site to pay for annual hosting and search engine advertising costs.

Are you a frequent amazon.com shopper? Bookmark our pet loss book affiliate link, you can help support this site without spending a dime