PET LOSS AND GRIEVING
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose: all that we love deeply becomes a part of us" ~Helen Keller
"Our pets' lives are too short; their only fault really." -Agnes Turnbull
Losing a loved family member is undoubtedly very difficult whether it is from a chronic illness or a sudden loss. We work with you with compassion and understanding to help make appropriate end-of-life decisions. If the situation arises, and you must choose euthanasia to end suffering or for a terminal illness, we ensure that your pet departs peacefully, painlessly, and with dignity. Our euthanasia services include:
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Compassionate support through the decision-making process
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Special appointment times and home euthanasias by special request
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Emotional support through the euthanasia process
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Burial or cremation options
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Donations to your animal charity of choice in memory of your pet
Pet Burial and Cremations
We utilize the services of Hartsdale Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York for burial and cremation. This was the first pet cemetery created in the United States in 1896 and was begun by a New York City veterinarian.
Hartsdale Pet Cemetery
75 North Central Park Ave.
Hartsdale, New York 10530
Toll Free: 800-375-5234
T-914-949-2583
F-914-428-7972
Grieving a Loss
Our pets provide companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love and we consider them as part of the family. So when that special relationship comes to an end, it is only natural to grieve. We have compiled a list of resources which we have found helpful in coping with the loss of a pet:
Online Resources
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Pet Loss Brochure
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The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement (provides online chat-rooms/pet loss support group, as well as a support group for anticipatory grief-when euthanasia or death has not yet happened)
Pet Loss Support Hotlines (Grief Counseling)
(607) 253-3932—Staffed by Cornell University veterinary students
(215) 898-4556—Staffed by University of Pennsylvania veterinary school
(630) 325-1600—Staffed by the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
(217) 244-2273(CARE) or (877) 394-2273(CARE)—Staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students
(888) 478-7574—Staffed by Johnson County Humane Society, Iowa City, Iowa
(517) 432-2696—Staffed by Michigan State University veterinary students
(508) 839-7966—Staffed by Tufts University veterinary students
(509) 335-5704—Staffed by Washington State University veterinary students
(970) 297-1242—Staffed by the Argus Institute at Colorado State University
(877) GRIEF-10—Staffed by ASPCA
Books on Losing a Pet
Children
It Must Hurt A Lot: A Child’s Book About Death by D. Sanford
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
A Dog Like Jack by Dyanne DiSalvo
Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
The Ten Good Things About Barney by J. Viorst
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by L. Buscaglia
Badger’s Parting Gifts by S. Varley
Oh, Where Has My Pet Gone?: A Pet Loss Memory Book by S. Sibbitt
Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping by M. Tousley
Adults
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process
There are no sad dogs in Heaven: Finding Comfort After the Loss of a Pet by Sonya Fitzpatrick
Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by H. Nieburg
My Personal Remembrance Journal by E. Traisman
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by M.A. AllenIt's
Okay to Cry by M. Quintana, S. Veleba, and H. King
For Every Dog an Angel by C. Davis
Cold Nose at the Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost a Pet by G. Kurz