Beyond Life's Gateway image Grieving & Loss



The word euthanasia means "gentle death". It is never an easy decision to let our friends go. But when  suffering takes away the joy of living, a gentle death is a decision requiring our greatest act of love--that of letting go. It requires great respect, as well as great strength and compassion.

Please explain euthanasia to children in correct terms. Do not use the words "put to sleep". If sleep and death take on a similar meaning, children become extremely frightened and wonder if they too will die when they "go to sleep". This fear and confusion adds to the sadness and trauma they already feel from losing a beloved pet.


Animals and the Afterlife

Amazing and comforting answers for all who have loved and lost an animal.

Ashes in Stone
Home and garden statuary and urns to honor your pet.


Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Information, support groups, newsletter, and chatroom


Blessing the Bridge
The site and the book provide comfort and support before and after a loss.

Rita Reynolds book, Blessing the Bridge, also discusses the subject of Animal Hospice. As animals live longer and sometimes outlive their guardians, this subject is one that is timely and presents many challenges in our busy, mobile society. It is also a very important step in providing quality care for aging animals who spend their lives serving others and giving their best to their human friends.

Critters.com

Create pet memorials in loving memory of your cherished friends.
Free and paid memorials are available to you.

Huggable Urns

Plush, huggable, discreet, washable pillows to soothe and comfort you.

In Memory of Pets
Message board and pet-link directory of related support services

Our PALS
Information about cremation, grief support resources, tribute page, and more.
This facility offers tours and cremation service to vets and individual caregivers.


Pet Loss
This site offers information, resources, and a state-by-state list of support services.


Pet-Trust

Losing a human companion is even more traumatic to pets than their loss is to us.

We live with risk every day, but we often forget that part of our responsibility is to make a plan for everyone and everything that depends on us, just in case we aren't here to care for them.

Shelters are overloaded and friends may not be able to provide a home in an emergency. However, there are legal arrangements, and even programs through shelters and veterinary programs at universities, that can guarantee your pet is not euthanized or abandoned in a shelter if you become ill or die accidentally.


Please don't hesitate to send us information that could help others.


Penny J. Leischmailbox gif followed by email addresspenny@reiki4paws.com

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