Tips for Coping With the Loss of a Pet

Memorialization Offers Comfort to Grieving Pet Owners

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- If you experienced the loss of a
pet, you know the feelings of sadness and grief that accompany your
loss. Just as the act of memorializing a human helps the healing
process for the surviving friends and relatives, memorialization also
can help pet owners cope with their grief.

Practically everyone knows where to turn when their pet needs medical
attention, but do you know where to obtain grief support information,
a memorial or an urn? Cherished Pets is a leading national
organization established by a group of pet owners and memorialists to
help fellow pet owners cope with the loss of their pets. See
http://www.cherishedpets.com.

"Often people find comfort by creating memorials that express true
love for their animal companions," says Eva Shaw, Ph.D., author of
What to Do When a Loved One Dies, and an expert on grief and recovery.
"This is a healthy part of grieving and remembering a friend who has
been a devoted animal friend."

Cherished Pets suggests these resources:

* Veterinarians. Veterinarians' formal education includes training to

help people facing the loss of their pets. Also, most veterinarians

attend conventions and meet with suppliers to learn about the latest

products and services available, such as grief support materials and

memorial products.

* Pet cemeteries. There are more than 600 active pet cemeteries in the

United States including independent operations; those operating in

conjunction with other pet-related business such as kennels and

grooming salons; and those located adjacent to human cemeteries. They

can suggest reading materials and pet loss support groups. They also

provide burial space, cremation services and memorial products to honor

the memories of the pets.

* The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories

(IAOPCC). Established in 1971, the IAOPCC provides a website,

http://www.iaopc.com, that includes a section on pet loss, a listing of

teaching institutions that have social workers trained to counsel

grieving pet owners and a Hall of Fame for online memorials. The

IAOPCC provides information at 518-594-3000.

* The library. Go to your community library. In addition to having a

shelf of books on grief recovery, the librarians may be able to

recommend a support group in your community.

* Internet sites. With the World Wide Web, you will have access to

thousands of sites with information about the healing process and

products available to help you memorialize your pet.

For more information, visit http://www.cherishedpets.com. SOURCE Cherished Pets