Loss Support

The loss of a pet can cause deep and enduring emptiness  Our animals fill a deep need inside us for unconditional love and acceptance in a way that only they can, this side of heaven.

Be assured that the grief you and your family are feeling is completely natural. For many people, healing is a process. We recommend the following resources to help you through the healing process.

• Buttercup’s Pet Hospice & Grief Counseling
  615-426-5044
  stanland@msn.com
  A wonderful local resource for assistance for pet’s end of life care.
• Buttercup’s Pet Bereavement Support
  615-269-4080
  Standingcentered@bellsouth.net
  A treasured local resource for Individual, family, and group grief counseling after the loss of a pet.
• A Time to Remember – group grief support classes.

photo courtesy of Erin Anderson

Online Loss Resources

• The American Veterinary Association offers .pdfs filled with quick, practical insights for this difficult time.

Pet Euthenasia

When Your Animal Dies

• Chance’s Spot
  is a very good online loss support page & tribute spot.

Books For Adults

Facing Farwell by Dr. Julie Reck	There is Eternal Life for Animals by Niki Behrikis Shanahan	Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies by Janis Silverman
I Will See You in Heaven by Jack Wintz	Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond ?by Rita M. Reynolds	Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet ?by Gary Kowalski

Books For Children

Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant (Illustrator)

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

Sad Isn't Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss ?by Michaelene Mundy, R. W. Alley (Illustrator)

I'll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm

Pet Loss Support Hotlines

• University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Support Line -
  (865) 755-8839
  Monday-Friday 9am – 6pm.
• Washington State University Support Line-
  (509) 335-5704
  Monday-Thursday, 6:30-9 pm; Saturday, 1-3 pm
• The Iams Pet Loss Support Center & Hotline -
  1-888-332-7738
  Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Pet Loss Support Groups

• University of Tennessee’s College Of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Group