Seeking solace when an animal dies Pet bereavement counselors help humans cope

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | June 4 2002 | Julian Guthrie

[2Trievers]

He was 10 weeks old when he came into their lives, a black fur ball with a pink belly, sharp teeth and boundless energy.

He was 7 years old when he left, having won their hearts, invaded their bed and made them laugh.

[martin_fierro]

I miss my pet like any good owner would, but those Marin County types sure are e M o T i O n A l L y f R a G i L e

[Vigilantcitizen]

Bump.

[AlaskaErik]

Frisco area...of course.

[2Trievers]

[G.Mason]

"Once dismissed or played down, dealing with the loss of a pet has become an industry of its own. There are pet cemeteries, caskets, support groups, newsletters, emergency hot lines, conferences, books, chat rooms, classes for counselors and even insurance to pay for the counseling."

Once again we are reminded how soft the underbelly of America is.

The American "herd" mills about in utter confusion, unable to understand and cope with even a basic tenant of life.(ie:a birth, a life, then death)

We hire mourners to "help" us cope.

With this "Walt Disney" approach it's no wonder 3rd worlders are ignoring our laws and borders.

I have lost six dogs and one cat over my years.

I and my family loved them all.

We grieved and got on with life.

I lost my father, relatives, neighbors and many friends from childhood.

Each time I grieved and do so to this day, though time dims the harshness of it.

Suck it up America!

[MsLady]

I don't know what I'll do when my Honey dies. I'm sure I will grieve myself sick. But, you know death is part of life and you move on. These people in Marin County need to get a grip.

[martin_fierro]

My theory is that Marin County Types rely so heavily on therapy because that area's culture reflects the worst of the Left (extreme crystalline loopiness, no traditional family values) and the Right (obscenely overpriced real estate).

Their "therapists" fill the role that a good friend would -- except the friend wouldn't charge $$$.

[DonQ]

In modern America, with most people getting their human contacts through wires, pets often take the place of children, relatives, and neighbors. The death of a pet is compounded by the extremely close symbiotic relationship that developed over a decade or so, considerably more dependent and constant that most human relationship, and the fact that the pet's death may have involved a deliberate decision to euthanize (or at least a deliberate decision not to try extremely expensive - and uncompensated by insurance - treatments).

[hobbes1]

"2t...come over to the Smart side...." LOL

NEWS????

[toddst]

. . . loss of her cat Boo Kitty, a 13-pound, green-eyed orange tabby.

"He was a beautiful soul. Very independent. He had a dry sense of humor," Davies said. "He was in my life for 19 years. I feel like a part of me has died."

Thanks for the post. The loss of a pet, particularly if it dies from old age, is quite difficult. Considering how many people have "throw-away pets" they dump when they're no longer convenient, grieving for loss reflects a much healthier owner IMHO.

[boris]

Well, you know...I used to joke that I'd have my cat's skeleton mounted as a memento.

Now he is almost sixteen years old, and suffering from an array of maladies. I've spent about $4000 since last December, trying to keep him alive.

Know what? I don't regret the expense. I will cry when he finally has to be put down. I'll be a wreck--and I'll probably miss a day of work.

Now the thought of having the vet send his carcass to wherever they send dead cats troubles me.

I'm not ready to buy a burial plot for him, or arrange some 'dignified' service...but it troubles me.

Just having buried a good friend and colleague--and the emotional impact of that...turns my thoughts to my good and true companion, Mr. Cloyd, and how shall I deal with his passing?..

--Boris

[2Trievers]

"The Force is strong with you!"

I am not allowed to make value judgements on what is and isn't news ... &;-)

[hobbes1]

Good Point. After all, I am a big believer that women shouldn't be allowed to vote, or get behind the wheel....so I guess, making judgements about what may or may not be news could be a little too much also.... ducking!!!!

[Destructor]

Pet bereavement counselors!?! What a useless career! What's next- Clam obedience trainer? Towel boy in a motorcycle club locker room? Deodorant salesman in Europe? What a sham!

[2Trievers]

I hope you have a nice full set of the latest KEVLAR!

There's a great place on Madison that I could recommend Hobbster!

I think it is only fair to warn you that I am armed and dangerous! &;-)

[hobbes1]

I was unaware they made athletic cups from Kevlar...lol ; )

[2Trievers]

And high end racing sails for offshore racing! &;-)

[hobbes1]

Aren't you quite the font of knowledge....

[2Trievers]

You have no idea of the depth and breadth of my knowledge LOL ... you have mail ... &;-)