If you are struggling with the loss of your pet, please watch this video.  It expresses how your pet feels about the life you have shared.  Your time together was precious.

"Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die" 

The Doctors and Staff at Deer Run Animal Hospital believe that pets are family.  The loss of a beloved pet companion is the loss of a family member, and the pain is felt deeply and intensely.   There is nothing more difficult than having to face the tough decision of euthanasia when a pet companion is suffering from terminal or painful conditions.  It is heart wrenching when an animal is suddenly and unexpectedly lost due to illness or injury.  All of us at Deer Run Animal Hospital have felt this pain.  We are here to help you through such losses.  You are not alone.

Although we never ever want to lose our beloved pets, there often comes a time where we may face a tough decision regarding euthanasia.  Above all, we do not want our pets to have to struggle or suffer. 

Clients often ask us how will they know when will it be time to consider euthanasia.  This link to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) may help answer the question, Pet Euthanasia: How do I know when it's time

Goodbye and Beyond   A Workbook for those struggling with the euthanasia decision, and enduring the loss of a companion animal.  This helpful workbook comes from Veterinary Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove, one of our referral centers. 

Farewell to Fido  Helping Children When Their Companion Dog Dies.

You're Not Crazy, You're Mourning: Grief From The Loss Of Your Dog A wonderful blog from a Seattle Dog Trainer

Grieving the Loss of Your Dog It is important to take every opportunity with any loss, to come through the process with peace of mind and also with precious memories intact.  This is true whether the loss is a human loved one, a job, a disability, a disaster that destroys your home, or the loss of a beloved dog.

Grieving: When Your Dog Mourns the Loss of Another Dog  Life can change drastically for a dog who loses the companionship of another dog. We don't know how much dogs understand about death, but the experience of having a dog become lethargic, upset, or even ill after a dog companion dies has happened to many dog lovers. It can be heart breaking, just when you are also grieving the loss yourself.

Below we have selected some pet loss grief support websites with links to grief support groups.  We hope that these websites will help you through your loss and sorrow.   

The Rainbow Bridge 

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Pet Loss Tracks in the Sand

A Place for Us

Chicago Veterinary Medical Assoc. Pet Loss Support Group    

University of IL College of Vet Med CARE Pet Loss Helpline

ASPCA Pet Loss Information

Tufts University Vet School Pet Loss Support                                              

Cornell University College of Vet Medicine Pet Loss Support 

Please also view our Grief Writings & Poems web page

 
WHAT COMES NEXT?  WHAT FILLS THE EMPTINESS??

Many clients express to us after the loss of a pet that they do not want to expose themselves to the hurt of losing another pet.  We understand that pain so well, as all of us at Deer Run Animal Hospital have been through this heart wrenching loss.  We hope some will be able to consider adoption or rescue.  A beloved pet can never be replaced.  Giving the gift of life; through rescue adoption of a lost soul that may have been abused, lost, thrown away, or tragically given up due to the tough economy; is the greatest tribute we can give to the pets that we have lost. And through this selfless act of love, many unexpectedly find that it is the only thing that will heal a broken heart. There is an old saying, "The dog you rescue will rescue you!"  A rescued cat or dog will absorb your tears of grief and lick your face with love!