Unleash The Springtime

Spring is in the air and we're all looking forward to  a fresh start after a long winter!  Showers will fall, flowers will bloom, and spring cleaning will commence.  OK, so maybe some of us won't necessarily get all excited about that last one!  Nevertheless, as pet parents, there are certain things we should keep in mind as the weather warms up and we begin to enjoy the great outdoors with our furry friends. 

 

1. Get up-to-date on preventive medications.  Spring is the perfect time to make sure your dog is protected against everything they can come in contact with while exploring the great outdoors.  This means protecting your dog using flea and tick prevention and protecting against heartworm disease, which is spread to canines through mosquitos.  It’s easy to forget about these dangers during the winter months when these pests are dormant, but it is all-too-important when spring does finally roll around.

 

2. Check for ticks.  Even though you use flea and tick  prevention, your dog can still carry ticks.  Lyme disease can be transmitted to your dog within just a few hours of a tick bite, so check your dog frequently for ticks.  Doing so will also avoid bringing those nasty little ticks into your home.

 

3. Be mindful of pet allergies.  Just like humans, animals can react to pollen and other springtime allergens.  Pay attention to whether your pet is experiencing allergy symptoms such as itching or sneezing, and contact your veterinarian with any concerns.

 

4. Practice safe car travel.  Spring is ideal for taking your dog to parks or on hikes, and this often requires car travel.  Keeping your dog in a crate or restrained in the seat is best to avoid any injuries while on the road.  Remember that, although dogs love to stick their heads out the car window, doing so can be dangerous as debris can enter their eyes and possibly cause infection.

 

5. Have your dog microchipped.  With more time spent outdoors in the spring, a microchip will help locate your dog if they wriggle out of their collar or manage to escape from the yard.  If you are still training your pup, a microchip will be especially helpful and will ease your worry if they do happen to get away from you.

 

6. Choose pet-friendly products for your spring cleaning.  You may want to engage in a thorough spring cleaning in your home, but keep in mind that your pets share this space too.  Be aware  of which chemicals are harmful to pets and aim for pet-safe products whenever possible.  Also, be sure to store any potentially dangerous products in a place that curious dogs and cats cannot easily access.

 

7. Ease into exercise.  Personally, I have no problem with this tip but, after a long winter of limited exercise, your pooch will likely be eager to get outside.  Before embarking on a long hike or a jog in the park right off the bat, slowly work up to an exercise regimen with your pet to help them shed any winter weight and avoid injury.

 

8.  Beware of standing water from spring showers and sprinklers.  Spring showers bring may flowers but they also bring lots of puddles which can be filled with bacteria.  As the weather warms up, your pets may be tempted to drink from standing water but the bacteria in it can cause an upset stomach or other serious issues.  It’s best to steer your pets away from any tempting puddles.  Instead, carry a portable dish and water bottle with you whenever you and your four-legged companion are outside. 

 

9. Keep pets away from mulch, fertilizers and weed killers.  Many popular mulches are toxic to dogs and cats.  Fertilizers and weed killers can also be extremely dangerous for animals.  If unsure whether a product is safe for pets, ask a professional or check with your vet.

 

10.  Beware of toxic springtime plants.  Growing a garden in the spring is a great idea; however, there are certain plants that are known to be toxic to animals.  These include azaleas, day lilies, Easter lilies, ferns, irises, lily of the valley, rhododendrons, and tulips among others.  If you suspect that your dog or cat has already eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately.

 

While it's important to remember these safety tips when out and about, our beloved pets have been patiently waiting for some new outdoor adventures all winter, so let's get them out there and unleash some springtime fun! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Keeping Your Pet's Healthy Smile!

Does your dog or cat have stinky breath?  Ever wonder what might be the cause?  It could be a sign of a serious health risk with the potential to damage your pet's teeth, gums, and possibly even internal organs if not addressed.  To raise awareness of the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. 

 

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can lead to many of the same dental problems that people develop.  Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats and will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken.  Early detection and treatment are critical because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet.  Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth; other health problems associated with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes. 

 

It all starts with plaque that hardens into tartar.  This plaque and tartar formation is damaging and sets the stage for infection to the oral structures which can then spread internally.  The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease.  Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).  Your veterinarian can make recommendations based on your pets overall health as well as their dental health.         

 

Why is the use of anesthesia necessary for pet dental procedures?  When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done will help you and keep your mouth healthy.  Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still.  Unfortunately, your pets do not understand the benefits of dental care, and he or she may react by moving, trying to escape, or even biting.  Therefore, the use of anesthesia for pet dental procedures makes it possible to perform such procedures with less stress and pain for the animals.  In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pets are not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment.  If x-rays are needed, your pets need to be very still in order to get good images and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.  Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve, so the risks are minimal and far outweigh the benefits.  Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might be a little groggy for the rest of the day.

 

So, how much do you know about pet dental health?  Let's find out...and no peaking ahead for the answers! 

  

1.  True or False:  Most dental disease occurs below the gum line where it can't be seen. 

 

2.  What's the single most important thing you can do to maintain your pet's dental health in between professional cleanings?
A.  Floss.
B.  Brush their teeth.
C.  Use pet safe mouthwash to control stinky breath.
D.  Give them treats that claim to keep their teeth clean.
E.  All of the above.  

 

3.  What percentage of dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3?
A.  Less than 10%.
B.  20-30%.
C.  50-60%.
D.  70-80%.
E.  90-100%.

 

4.  What are the warning signs of possible dental disease in animals?
A.  Redness of the gums.
B.  Bad breath.
C.  Loose teeth.
D.  Discolored teeth.
E.  Broken teeth.
F.  Tenderness around the mouth and/or teeth.
G.  Drooling or dropping food.
H.  Bleeding from the mouth.
I.  Loss of appetite or poor appetite.
J.  Weight loss.
K.  All of the above.

 

5.  True or False:  Your pet should have a professional dental checkup/cleaning once a year. 

 

Answers: 

 

1.  True.  Most dental disease occurs beneath the gum line where you can't see it, and bacteria that you can't see can damage the tissues connecting the teeth and jaw. 

 

2.  B.  Regularly brushing your pets teeth is the single most effective thing you can do between professional cleanings.  Daily brushing is ideal but since that's not always realistic, if you can brush their  teeth a few times a week, you'd be doing a great job!

 

3.  D.  About 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they're 3 years old.

 

4.  K.  All of these are indicators of possible dental disease in animals.  If you observe any of these problems with your pet, contact your vet.   

 

5.  True.  Annual dental care is key to maintaining your pet's dental health and recognizing any potential problems in the mouth. 

 

Well, hopefully you now know a little more about the importance of regular dental care for animals and how it can help them live a longer, healthier, and happier life.  So, what are you waiting for...call Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic or your own local vet today and get your furry friends scheduled for a dental checkup/cleaning so they can keep giving you that happy, healthy smile!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Pet-Pawsitive Promises For 2017

We all make promises to improve ourselves in the coming year, but have you ever wondered what resolutions your dog may be pondering this year?  Here are a few New Year's Resolutions from your dog's perspective.  Just don't say anything if they don't quite meet the goal...you keep their secrets and they'll keep yours!

 Resolution #1: I will eat less and exercise more.
Too many nights on the couch, too many dog treats, and too little time running and playing in the backyard has made me a little, well, fluffier.  I don't think the old "I'm just big-boned" excuse will work anymore.  I promise to bug my owner to take me out for some real exercise and playtime as often as possible!

Resolution #2: I will beg less.
I've got begging down to a science, but somehow I don't think my owner appreciates it very much.  I promise to reserve the begging for worthwhile things like going out for a car ride or a taste of that delicious steak!

Resolution #3: I'll stay out of the cat's litter box.

I vow to resist the urge to snoop around the cat's private laboratory - even though it's a whole lot of fun and really makes the cat go nuts!

Resolution #4: I won't bite the vet anymore.
I'll remember that the vets and their staff are just trying to help, although they really know how to push my buttons with those needles!

Resolution #5: I won't steal food as much.
I won't go out of my way to steal food, but all bets are off if my owners make it really easy for me!

Resolution #6: I'll introduce myself in more appropriate ways.
In other words, I'll focus my attention above the waist when introducing myself to new humans.  Somehow, I get the feeling my normal greeting invades their private space!

Resolution #7: I'll bark at the mailman less.
Even though it works to put him in his place, I'll try not to exercise my authority over him and other delivery people, although my self-esteem does get a boost when I see them  retreating!

Resolution #8: I'll be more tolerant of those silly outfits and homemade bandannas.
My owner has gone to a lot of trouble to buy or make these things, so I guess I'll just put up with the way they feel and the taunts of other dogs!

On a more serious note, we can learn so much from our pets that maybe we should consider using some of these lessons as our own personal New Year's resolutions for 2017.

Resolution #1: Make new friends - adopt.

The best and most important lesson learned from animals is that it doesn't matter what someone's background is to find amazing, life-long friends.

Resolution #2: Say you're sorry.

Pets are masters at getting into trouble and then giving us the most heart-felt "I'm sorry" looks...even if they do go and do the exact same thing the very next day.

Resolution #3: Never worry about how others see you - go for it.
There's nothing like a dog chasing a ball to remind us that we just need to be ourselves and let others view us as they will.  Lesson - go for what you want and what you feel is right.

Resolution #4: Nap often.

A nap helps us refresh ourselves and can bring a whole new perspective to the way we see something.  Ever wonder why cats always have that wise, all-knowing look?  Cats spend most of the day napping...they've definitely got the right idea!

Resolution #5: Laugh loud and often.
After all, who's better than our pets at making us crack a smile when we're having a really bad day?

Resolution #6: When the time is right, pounce.
Pets maintain some of the best focus in life.  Granted, that focus may be to catch a ball or treat, beg for dinner, or...well, you get the idea!

Resolution #7: Never forget to give and take.
Now that we've learned to go after what we want, not worry about how others see us, and pounce when the time is right, we must always remember to give and take.  It's a delicate balance that (somehow) our pets seem to master much more easily than we do.

Resolution #8: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Need I say more?

Well, I hope these pet-pawsitive promises make you smile and give you a little something to think about throughout the year.  Let's resolve to make 2017 a happy and healthy year for us and our favorite furry friends!  We all deserve the very best each and every day of the year!       

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

What Our Pets Like About Christmas

Of course there are probably about a million reasons we think Christmas is the best time of year:  Christmas music, gorgeous light displays, Santa, classic holiday movies, festive parties, yummy treats, and let's not forget the presents!  But what about our favorite four-legged friends?  Do they care or even know it’s Christmas?  We’d like to think they do.  They may not understand why we always have "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" on repeat and don’t really get why we have to go shopping so much, but surely there are some things about the holiday season that they look forward to as well.  Here are a few reasons our pets might be just as excited for Christmas as we are.

1.  There are boxes and wrapping paper everywhere!
Forget luxurious or trendy gifts, what cats and dogs can’t wait to see under the tree are all the cardboard boxes and gift wrap.  And with the growing popularity of online shopping, the holiday season has never been better for cardboard and paper-loving animals.  So bring on the packages from Amazon...these are the gifts that keep on giving!

2.  They get a lot of attention!
Christmastime means there are more people around to lavish pets with love and affection. Of course, this could also be a reason a cat or dog might not enjoy the holiday season as some animals aren’t fans of strangers or guests which is understandable.  But for the pets who live for attention, this time of year is a PAWesome treat!

3.  Presents!
Who doesn’t love presents?  Cats and dogs really do appreciate a new bouncy ball or scrumcious snack.  They’ll gladly accept a trendy new product...even if they never knew they needed it.  And if you have the funds to splurge on a cushy bed, they simply can't say no.  But if you’re in a bind, well...there’s always the boxes and gift wrap!

4.  Quality time with the family!
Among the best and most important things about Christmas is spending time with our loved ones.  So as we celebrate the season, let's not forget to sneak in some special quality time with our furry family members too.  Really, that’s what Christmas is all about!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

A Blinding Reality Check

OK, here's a tale that's not such a "happy tail" but I wanted to write about it anyway to see what you think of a recent experience I had in my quest to find my new furever friend.  Please feel free to comment if you agree with my reaction or if you have a different perspective you'd like to share.       

 

After days and days of browsing the internet, researching just about every dog breed imaginable, I finally found what sounded like as close to a perfect match as I could ask for.  The dog was a 10-month-old male black lab mix whose owner was becoming too busy with work and school and didn't think it was fair to the dog to be left alone so many hours each day.  She had gotten him from a shelter so he was already neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated which, of course, is very important to me.  We made arrangements to meet at a dog park to see how we all liked each other and she agreed to hold him for a few more days so that, if all went well, we could get our house ready for him.  Sounds great so far, right? 

 

Well, here's where I think it all started to go wrong.  I believe in being honest and up front with people about my blindness, so I mentioned this to her so that there wouldn't be any surprises when we met.  I thought this would also give her an opportunity to back out before proceeding with the meeting if she wasn't comfortable with my situation.  Needless to say, I was very relieved when she said this was not a problem at all and still wanted to meet. 

 

On the day of the meeting, my husband and I arrived at the dog park right on time and sat on a bench to wait.  After about 10 minutes, I received a text message from the woman saying that she had just received an e-mail from the shelter where she had originally gotten the dog and they wanted her to bring the dog back to them as per the contract she signed at the time of the adoption.  During my time volunteering at Pet Pal Animal Shelter, I often heard the adoption counselors make this same statement to potential adopters so I wasn't too suspicious of her at first.  What made my husband and I a bit more skeptical about her story was when we showed up at the shelter where she said she was taking the dog right then and the adoption counselor said that no new dogs had come in at all that day and that they don't require people to return the animals if the adoption doesn't work out.  Hmmmm, I'd say something about this dog owner's story just doesn't quite add up.  

 

When we got home that evening, I sent a text apologizing for not getting to meet her and the dog in time and also inquiring again about which shelter she took the dog too, making it seem like I just wanted to know if it was a decent place for us to look for a dog in the future.  I was actually trying to see how honest she would be with me.  Of course, I haven't heard anything back from her since then and I guess I never will.  Now I'm left wondering if she would have gone through with the meeting if I hadn't told her I was blind?  Did she have second thoughts about giving her beloved furry friend to a blind woman? 

 

As you can tell, I'm pretty disturbed about this.  It's not so much the fact that I may have missed out on getting a great dog, its the principle of it.  Am I going to be faced with this kind of ignorance and discrimination every time I inquire about a dog?  Are there really people who are that narrow-minded to think that a blind person isn't capable of being a good pet owner?  If that's the case, then how is it that we can be trusted to care for our guide dogs? 

   

Oh well, enough venting about that for now.  I've got to get back to searching for my new furever friend!  Let's hope I have a little better luck this time.  Again, I welcome any comments you may have about this experience.  Thanks for listening!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Finding My FURever Friend

Happy Tails has returned!  Sorry for my absence but the month of October was quite a busy one for me.  After spending a VERY long summer with my family in Ocala, FL while my husband worked on fixing up our house in NC, I've now finally joined him there and I'm loving the cooler autumn weather, the rolling hills and winding roads, and the simplicity of country life.  I'm also REALLY looking forward to finally beginning my own personal search for a rescue dog to share my new home with me!  So come along with me as I start out on this exciting journey...going step-by-step to carefully learn about, prepare for, and welcome one lucky dog to his/her new FURever home!   

 

Having a dog is like having a child in that it takes a ton of work and preparation, and you still can't escape a few surprises along the way.  It helps to have some guidance so you can at least know where to start when you've decided you want one.  Here are some tips I found to hopefully start me on the right track for a happy life with my new furry companion.

 

MAKE SURE YOU'RE SURE:

 

Getting a dog is no small task, and it's something you'll probably spend the next 10+ years either being happy about or regretting.  Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself and discuss with others in the household before making this commitment:

 

·                         Will your lifestyle still accommodate a dog in five to fifteen years?
·                         Do you have the time for a dog?
·                         What will you do if your new puppy develops serious health issues that make it a special needs dog, like deafness or blindness?
·                         Can you afford the extra expenses of a dog, and any medical expenses that might turn up?
·                         Is your home suitable for the size and type of dog you think you want?

 

You can never be fully prepared for every situation you encounter, but you can be fully committed to finding a way to work through any issue, which is exactly the kind of mentality dog ownership takes.  While the dog is only a part of your life, you and your family are everything the dog has to look forward to.  This means you'll have to provide all the attention, exercise, affection, and care the dog needs.  When going over the details and reaffirming your decision, remember to think of your life both now and in the future because, chances are, your new companion isn't going anywhere soon.

 

START A LIST OF THINGS THE DOG WILL NEED:

 

Lists are one of the best ways to break down any complicated task and make it more manageable, so it's definitely the best way to get started when you've decided you want a dog.  Think about what you'll need before the dog comes home, immediately afterward, and within the first year.  This will help you figure out how your money and time management will change when the puppy comes home.

 

·                         Before you bring home your new family member, try to get all the fun nesting stuff out of the way.  Head to your local pet store and get the collar and leash, food, food and water bowls, a crate, dog shampoo, a brush, and toys or bones.   
·                         Immediately after the dog comes home it will need its initial checkup at the vet's office, flea and tick prevention, etc.  You might also want to schedule puppy training/obedience classes.
·                         Within the first year of a puppy's life you'll need at least three rounds of shots over the first few weeks and, depending on where you get the dog, a spay or neuter appointment.
·                         To keep from turning timid or aggressive, puppies also need to be well socialized with all kinds of people and animals starting at an early age so, once the vaccinations are complete and the vet gives the OK, you should plan to spend time with your pup outside the home at dog parks and with friends and family.

 

These are just a few things to give you an idea of the time and money you'll probably spend, but also think about your personal preferences.  The monetary cost of owning a dog varies but there's no saving on the time and commitment you'll want to give to make sure the dog is healthy and happy.

 

DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT IN A DOG:

 

Choosing a dog is a lot like choosing a spouse.  You'll need to make compromises, but you'll also need to get to know the dog and have your expectations and preferences figured out beforehand.  Start by listing the most important things to you.  Some preferences you might want to consider include:

 

·                         How old do you want your dog to be when it comes home?  By adopting an older dog, you might be able to skip house and crate training whereas a young puppy will require extra training, but you also get to have a greater impact on how the puppy is trained and how it behaves in the long run.
·                         What size dog do you want?  The larger the dog, the more it eats, and the more difficult it can be to handle if you live in a small space.  On the other hand, some of us just like big dogs or live alone and want to feel protected.
·                         Do you have the time, energy, and desire to take long walks every day or do you prefer a companion that's either a little lazier or more self-sufficient?
·                         Are you a beginner who's worried about the difficulty of training a dog?  If so, you'll want a dog that's easier to train and some breeds are more difficult than others.
·                         Do you need a breed that's known for being gentle and well-behaved with small children?

 

FIGURE OUT WHICH BREEDS FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE:

 

There's an exception to every rule, but every breed has its own commonly found characteristics, from high energy to being tough to train.  Even if you've met a dog that's inspired you to want one just like it, research the breed before you get one to have an idea of what you're most likely in for.  Of course, there's always the chance you'll get a mixed breed or a dog you know little to nothing about.  It's still important to do some research so you can go in knowledgeable about what you might look for in terms of personality.  Don't just use your heart when choosing a dog - use your brain, too.

 
WHERE TO GET YOUR DOG:

 
When it comes to figuring out where to get your dog, there are some strong opinions on whether a breeder or a shelter is the better choice but, in the end, it has way more to do with the individual than it does the dog.  As far as I'm concerned, there really is no other choice than going to a shelter for my dog, but it's a huge decision that should be carefully thought out.  Here's some information to help  in choosing between a breeder and a shelter.


With breeders it's much easier to control your outcome, which is great for first-time dog owners or experienced dog owners who have very specific preferences.  With a breeder you stand less of a chance of getting a dog that suffered abuse or a troubled past that may result in poor temperament or other unpleasant surprises.  You can also research reviews of a breeder and get an idea of the medical history of previous litters to know that your puppy will likely live a long, healthy life.  Just like anything else, with getting a dog, nothing is guaranteed but if you choose a breeder, you're increasing your chances of getting what you want with personality, temperament, and health.  Breeders tend to be much more expensive than shelters on average, and the puppies only come home with their first round of vaccinations, so you have more vet visits to consider in addition to forking over more cash.

 

Shelter dogs are more like wild cards in that you often don't know much about their past, what abuse or neglect they might have suffered, or triggers for aggression they might have but there are some awesome benefits to adopting versus shopping, too.  For starters, you get a ton of variety.  If you've done all your research and are still unsure, or feel the need to actually check out the different breeds somewhere other than the internet, a shelter might be the route you want to take.  The staff and volunteers at the shelter are knowledgeable about multiple breeds and personality types, rather than specializing in just one breed, so you'll get well-rounded answers to any questions you have.  At a shelter you have a wide variety of breeds and dogs that could turn out to be the perfect fit.  Shelters are also generally much less expensive.  Your dog will have a relatively small adoption fee and come home up to date on vaccinations as well as already spayed or neutered.  It can be a little more risky, but if rescuing a dog is important to you as it is to me, do it!

 
If you're a first time owner, you just might want to consider easing into adopting a rescue by signing up to foster one first.  By fostering, you're giving a rescued dog a home temporarily until it goes to its FURever home.  This gives you the opportunity to get a feel for what you may or may not be in for with a particular dog.  This could also be an excellent option if you have children and want to see how they get along with the new dog before you make any permanent decisions.  Fostering is not only a safer option for you and your family, it's also a safer option for the dog because it reduces the chances of a dog being adopted from a shelter just to be taken back if things don't work out.

 

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING:

 

Obviously these are just the basics and there's a lot more to consider.  Research your local veterinarians.  Anything you would want in your own doctor's office like cleanliness, knowledgeable staff and doctors, and good patient care are the same things you should look for in your dog's vet.  If you're going to crate train, get the puppy a blanket or grab an old t-shirt and sleep with it without washing it a few times before your puppy comes home.  When he or she arrives, put the blanket in the crate and your scent should help calm the puppy and save you from the horrific barking, howling, and screaming that you might otherwise be subjected to.

 
So, I guess the bottom line here is that I need to do my homework and take my time going through this process.  That may be a lot easier said than done for someone who falls in love with just about any cuddly canine that crosses my path!  Oh well, I guess I'm off to the Google library now to begin researching what type of dog would be the best fit for my lifestyle.  Meanwhile, I'll start saving my money for bringing the dog home and begin  creating the space where the dog will eat, sleep, and play.  Stay tuned to see where the next steps take me in this search for my new furry 4-legged best friend!

 
Happy Tails to you until we meet again!

Saying Good-Bye To A Best Friend...In Memory Of Axle

We often think of our pets as our "best friends", but what happens when that "best friend" is suddenly gone?  A close family member of mine recently lost his dog, Axle, who was a part of our family for about 13 years.  Despite my uncle's usual "tough guy" demeanor, the loss of his #1 companion has really hit him hard.  So, I thought I'd try to help him and anyone else out there who might be suffering from a broken heart due to the loss of their favorite four-legged friend. 

 

When a parent, spouse, child or someone close to us dies, our loss is usually met with sympathy, comfort, and sincere condolences. We are allowed and even expected to grieve, cry, and fully embrace our emotions...whatever these might be.  Unfortunately, for all the pet owners who have experienced this kind of loss, the response from their friends and family often tells quite a different story.  Most people will not understand the depth of grief associated with the loss of a beloved pet.  Some may even express such insensitive comments as, "It was just an animal" or "Why don't you just get another pet?"   

 

People who don't have pets don't really understand the extraordinary human-animal bond.  Our pets love us without question or hesitation.  They don't judge our imperfections and they are truly accepting in ways few humans can achieve.  Not only do our animals provide us with their unconditional love, they also allow us to express parts of ourselves that we may never let other humans see.  They observe our weaknesses as well as our victories, and they stand beside us as we go  through the ups and downs of our lives.  During periods of turmoil, they provide us with security, stability and comfort.  For some of us, our pet is our only social companion in the world.  We may not have any other close contacts and we rely exclusively on our pet for support and love.

 

Having a pet is much like being a parent.  We are responsible for another life and often go to great lengths to ensure our pet’s physical and emotional comfort.  Consequently, the loss of a pet can feel like the loss of a child.  Many of our daily activities revolve around our animal companion’s needs.  Now we must say good-bye to feeding time, walking routes, and all the aspects that once made up our daily  routines.  These good-byes all contribute to the time and patience necessary to grieve the loss of a pet.

 

Here are a few tips to help you through this difficult mourning process:

 

* Be patient and kind with yourself:  This is the first key to dealing with your grief effectively.  Our losses are real, painful, and evoke a variety of feelings.  Any time you find yourself wishing you were better and wanting to be “past” it, remind yourself that your emotional processing has no set end time.  

 

* Find an ally: Find at least one sincere person, preferably a fellow pet owner, and talk to them about your loss.

 

* Share your pet’s life:  Write down your thoughts and feelings or tell your pet’s story to your ally.  When did you get your pet?  What are some special memories?  What will you miss the most?  This overview helps solidify the things you never want to forget about your furry friend.

 

* Engage in rituals:  Humans have a variety of ways to mourn.  We have funerals, ceremonies, and anniversaries to acknowledge the loved one's death.  These rites are designed to help us grieve and to remember our loved ones.  Create your own rituals for your pet like having a ceremony in the dog park or holding a service in a place special to you and your pet.

 

* Dispose of possessions gradually:  Often we encounter the food bowl, bed, or blankets and are unsure of what to do with them.  The first step can be to move them to a different location from where they usually were.  This helps the transition and lets you get used to them in different locations before removing them completely from your home.  When you are ready, put your pet’s tag on your key chain, seal his or her belongings in a trunk, or donate the items to an animal shelter.

 

* Memorialize your pet:  Plant a tree or a garden as these can be living tributes that will continue as reminders for years to come.  In some cases, local animal organizations may also offer special pet memorials in exchange for donations. 

 

There's no doubt that losing a pet is a traumatic experience. While we may be compelled to find ways to move through this period as quickly as possible, there will be times when we won’t have answers to our painful questions or activities to suppress our longings.  In these moments, think about what your pet would do if he or she found you sad and in pain?  The answer is clear; give you love, give you comfort, and stay with you for as long as you need.  This is an important lesson we can all learn  from our animal friends.

 

And now for a few personal words for my uncle in memory of his beloved Axle...

 

I lost a treasured friend today
The big old dog who used to lay
Right there with me in our favorite chair
Where silent thoughts between us were shared.
But no longer will he come upon hearing my voice
And no more will he chase the tiny geckoes
For a voice far greater than my own
Has finally called him home.
Although my eyes are filled with tears
I'm thankful for the many happy years
He spent down here with me
And for his love and loyalty.
When it is time for me to go
To join him there, this much I know
I shall not fear the dark
For he will greet me with a joyous bark!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!