PET LOSS:

A sad but true fact is that we will most likely outlive our pets. In fact, during our lifetimes we may be fortunate enough to love and unlucky enough to lose several close animal companions. Whether dogs, cats, birds, horses or any other living creature, our friends touch us in special ways that require a special touch to heal. This document is a start toward the healing process. Somewhere in this list we hope you will find words of comfort. If you take nothing else from this list, take away the knowledge that others understand your pain and are here to help.

Our library includes books of comfort on pet loss.

The internet has many sources of comfort, here are but a few.

Sometimes you need personal help.
Here are counselors who understand and want to help.

Urns, memorial markers, tags for your memorial plantings . . .
the physical tokens we cherish to embody our lasting memories.  We have almost 20 different suppliers with common and unique items.

Funeral homes and cemeteries can help with those last painful decisions.

For immediate comfort, a select group of poems and comforting stories.

Memorial Contributions
A contribution to your favorite charity or animal rescue organization in your pet's name is a generous way to keep their memory alive. These are but a few of the many options available:Northern California Golden Retriever RescueNorcal GRR hosts a memorial web page where your pet can be remembered and shared with the world. Your $25 contribution will provide a place to share your memories and will support Norcal GRR in their work with hundreds of abused and abandoned Golden Retrievers annually.

American Veterinary Medical Foundation
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation was founded in 1963 by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The nonprofit organization works to advance the health and wellness of all animal species by funding veterinary and animal-related disaster relief; encouraging the search for new and improved treatments; supporting veterinary medical education; promoting the human-animal bond and sponsoring public education about animal health. For information, or to make donations, individuals should contact:

American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173		 avmf@avma.org

  http://www.avma.org/avm

The Guide Dog Foundation.
371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY, 11787-2976. The Guide Dog Foundation has a dog sponsorship program. You get to choose and name the pup. You receive periodic reports and pictures of its progress.

The Pet Grief Support Service The Pet Grief Support Service is funded by the Companion Animal Association of Arizona, a grant from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and by donations from private individuals like you. Send your tax-deductible contribution to PG. at CAAA, PO Box 5006, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5006.

Women's Humane Society - Tribute Fund. 3839 Richlieu Road,
PO Box 1470, Bensalem, PA 19020-5470. After your contribution, a card of acknowledgment will be sent and your message can be printed in their national publication, The Guardian.