We love and care for them daily. We celebrate their birthdays and their “gotcha” days. They bring us happiness and laughter. Losing a pet can be just as difficult as losing a close family member or friend, and this loss can be overwhelming for pet owners. Grieving the loss of a beloved pet is normal, and there are resources available to help pet owners process their feelings after saying goodbye to their furry, scaled, or feathered loved one.
Online Resources
Lap of Love: https://www.lapoflove.com/pet-loss-support-resources
Rainbow Bridge: https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/grief_support_center/grief_support_home.htm
Blue Pearl: The support group meets every other Wednesday via Zoom from 6–7 p.m. Email socialwork.milwaukee@bluepearlvet.com to receive the link to attend
Madison Veterinary Specialists: https://www.mvsvets.com/pet-loss/
Books for Children
Dog Heaven-Cynthia Rylant
Cat Heaven-Cynthia Rylant
When a Pet Dies-Fred Rogers
Books for Adults
Losing My Best Friend-Jeannie Wycherley
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet-Gary Kowalski
Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates-Gary Kurz
