Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.
Here are some of our favorite bereavement groups
The Association for Pet Loss
Letter to Pushkin
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Colorado Sate University, Argus Institute
The Animal Medical Center
Companion Animal Association of Arizona
The Pet Loss Support Page
Pet Loss Doctor
Anti-Cruelty
Two Hearts Pet Loss Center
Lap of Love
Everloved
The Rainbow Bridge poem
“Rainbow Bridge” is a special poem for us. It’s always given us peace and comfort in times of loss. While there are many versions of this poem, this one is our favorite. The original author is unknown.
Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who were sick, hurt, or in pain are made whole again.
There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person who loved them so much on Earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring, and this one runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and hug him.
He licks and kisses your face again and again,
and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be apart.
- Author Unknown
