 
What Happens to Animals When They Die?MJ REYNOLDS
This past year – the Chinese Year of the Dog – we have ironically lost a record number of these beloved creatures. In some cases, we may have watched them suffer and die. This truth is like an elephant in our living room that no one wants to talk about. Don’t even mention what happened. It’s too sad. From this corner, I want to share exerts from a sermon presented at Prairie Unitarian Universalist Church in Parker, Colorado by Nancy Cronk, an interfaith animal chaplain. I believe she speaks for many of us…. “Animal Ministry is about people and the remarkable, spiritual and unique relationships we have with animals… “We live in a time when most of us cannot imagine our lives without at least one companion animal. Animals are our connection to the physical universe and to nature in a way we desperately need. The more disconnected we seem to become from the natural cycles of life, the more we seem to pamper our pooches, cradle our cats, and fuss over our ferrets.. Our pets, or companion animals, as it has become more politically correct to say, allow us to be ourselves, to let our hair down. “Animals teach us so many things: to love unconditionally, to care about others rather than our possessions, to remember to be playful in life, and to snuggle with those we love as much as possible. They do not discriminate against others based on race, gender, religious affiliation, national identity, or sexual orientation. They allow us to see things the way they do -- with curiosity and enthusiasm, and to wake up knowing that each day is a new adventure. They remind us to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine from time to time, and to trust that the world will provide everything we need. They remind us with their wagging tail, their joyful whinnying, or their delicious purring, "Don't worry. Be happy". “Because of our intense love and devotion for our pets, when they pass, we experience a great deal of grief. We tell our close friends and family about our loss and they usually say some kind words… In the public sphere; bereavement and mourning are reserved for losing humans, not for our pets. We do not get "paid animal bereavement days" at work. No one would understand if we missed a business trip because our cat was dying. In the public sphere, we are not allowed to grieve in a normal, healthful way. We are left feeling alone, managing our pain privately… “I encourage adults to be like children, and to "trust their gut" on these issues. We have much to learn from children about our relationship with animals, and so much to learn from animals about ourselves. Young children and animals, in my opinion, are in touch with a spiritual realm that sometimes escapes adults. “Both animals and young children turn to their hearts, instead of to their heads, when deciding what seems right to them. They "wear their hearts on their sleeves"; their public sphere and their private sphere are one and the same. They are not afraid to love deeply, and to sometimes grieve inconsolably, so that they may love deeply again. More than one sacred text, and more than one world religion, tells us to follow our hearts, to return to the innocence of children, and to look within ourselves for the big answers of life. And when we do, we can find our own spiritual truths, and we will be joined again with those we love, both humans and animals.
“I see the field of Animal Ministry in its infancy and I look forward to a day when all people eagerly take on the spiritual responsibility of being caretakers for the creatures of the earth -- one that is spoken of in all of the great religions, and affirmed deep within our hearts.”
Rev. Cronk is affiliated with Oasis Center for Spiritual Living in Centennial, Colorado; which is one of a few congregations nationwide that welcomes well-behaved dogs to their weekly Sunday services. She also teaches clergy and spiritual leaders nationwide to comfort the families of sick and dying pets. Contact MJ REYNOLDS at mreynolds@dmenet.com or visit www.petclub.com  "Each one of us matters, has a role to play and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for all living things around us, especially each other. Together we must reestablish our connections with the natural world and with the Spiritual Power that is around us. And then we can move, triumphantly, joyously, into the final stage of human evolution--spiritual evolution.” --Dr. Jane Goodall
for Sick or Injured Pet
You can perform this ritual for animals recuperating
at home, as well
as for those staying at the veterinarian.
Light a white taper candle, and visualize a protective
dome of warm
soothing light surrounding your pet.
When your emotions are calm and your thoughts are
still, ask the
Great Mother for her assistance by saying:
"Mistress of the Beasts,
Send your healing, courage,
strength, and love to [pet's name]
in this time of need."
Repeat as often as you like.
by Lynne Sturtevant
 Rescue- The Rainbow Bridge. For people who lost there beloved Pets
Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had
been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or
illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked Ceremony to Bid Farewell to a Beloved Pet
When your pet's physical body dies, she may remain
with you for a time in spirit form. Eventually,
however, she will go exploring and find beautiful
pathways to travel. She will not forget you, but will
come to check on you from time to time. Pets are very
protective if they have been well-treated. Here is a
ceremony you might wish to perform to ease the grief
of separation from your pet. It will take place over a
period of three nights.
Upon death, your pet regressed back to when she was
young and healthy. She is happy, but worried about
you. On the first night, light a candle. Then see
yourself playing with your pet as a you did when she
was young. After a time, tell her goodnight, and blow
out your candle. Tell your pet she can go play.
On the second night, light your candle and speak to
your pet about her journey to the spirit world. Tell
her how happy she will be there, but that if she
wishes, she can still come and visit you any time. Ask
your pet to tell you about the beautiful meadows and
other places she has travelled since she left you.
Then tell her goodnight and that you will see her
again tomorrow to say good-bye. Blow out your candle.
On the third night, reminisce again with your pet.
Then say good-bye and blow out your candle. Your pet
may still stay with you for a time, but eventually she
will be distracted away on purpose by angels, or
perhaps by a tempting squirrel or a clumsy bird who
will lead her further and further away into the fields
of heaven. She will be well taken care of there and
given much love. Should both you and your pet wish it
at a later time, she may choose to return to you as a
new puppy or kitten.
For simplicity's sake, we refer here to dogs and cats,
but this ceremony would be appropriate for any pet you
have loved.
Pet Passing
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Ritual to see a pet away
Place the interred pet site in the center of the
circle you cast, if not possible maybe a picture or
favorite toy.
In this case, it may be wise to forego flaming
objects/shoes/etc.
Do a quarter call to each of the elements:
Hail to the seed moon,
round in fullness and fertility.
Lend your power here to my actions as I leave my pet
to you!
East:
O winds that carry wild calls
From eastern watchtowers' echoing halls
Come stand at circle here and bless
and welcome now my friend and pet
As_____ Comes to you in Summerland
South:
O fires that stir the seasons changes
From southern watchtowers flickering ranges
Come stand at circle here and bless
and welcome now my friend and pet
As_____ Comes to you in Summerland
West:
O rivers that mix the earth and sky
From western watchtowers low and high
Come stand at circle here and bless
and welcome now my friend and pet
As_____ Comes to you in Summerland
North:
O soil that roots and soil that wanders
From nothern watchtowers here do saunter
Come stand at circle here and bless
and welcome now my friend and pet
As_____ Comes to you in Summerland
Invocation:
Artemis Diana, mother of the wild things
I call to you
Come look upon your child
That I am leaving to your care
I invoke you, and ask your blessing
that my pet may be comfortable in it's new home
That s/he may live in a loving and safe environment.
So mote it be!
(What? Can't carry the pet?Stand near the site)
Pick up the pet if possible,(or representation) and
walk to the East:
Powers of the Wind,
I present ______ to you!
Move my friend kindly, and keep her/him in your care!
to the South:
Powers of Fire, I present _____ to you!
Ease my friend through the transformations of life,
and keep her/him in your care!
to the West:
Powers of Water, I present __ to you!
Surround my friend with love
and keep her/him in your care!
to the North:
Powers of Earth, I present ______ to you!
See that my friend may never want
and keep her/him in your care! I present _____ to
Diana!
Blessed Mother, watch over my friend
and help him/her acclimate Summerland!
So mote it be!
Do the thanks yous and unbind the circle.
Cat Blessing Ritual
For this cat blessing you will need:
A gold candle (for God)
A cat figure candle for each cat (or just a white
one),
A favorite incense and, of course,
your kitty.
Light the incense and place the candles in the center
of the altar.
Cast your circle.
Light the gold candle and invoke the Holy Spirit:
O Great Holy Spirit,
Bride of the Father God,
I invoke thee, and invite thee,
into this circle.
Light the white candle and then, holding your cat,
kneel before the altar and recite the following
prayer:
O Great Holy Spirit,
Mother of the gods
And loving lody of all creatures
That walk crawl, swim and fly
A threefold blessing I humbly ask
Of thee on this special day:
May this cat's life be a long
Happy and healthy one.
May she/he always receive
Your divine protection.
And when our incarnations
In this world cease to be
May we forever be reunited
In the great otherworld
Known as the Summerland.
Blessed be!
After the prayer has been recited, gaze into the flame
of the gold candle and chant three times the name of
your cat with the words "Blessed Be".
Kiss your kitty and set him down.
Give thanks to the Holy Spirit in your own way and
close the circle. written by the great Rev. Falon Moon .
 Nondenominational (Christian and Jewish) Pet Memorial Service
(Adapted in part from services by Chaplain of the Pets Founder,
Reverend Sandra M. Shaw.
Appropriate music can be played before and after, as well as during
the procession.)
Gathering Words
Dear Friends,
We gather here together to honor the beloved memory of
_______________
who has recently passed.
___________ was a much loved member of the _________ family,
and he/she will be missed greatly.
Today, we honor ________ `s beautiful loving spirit,
kind eyes,
(once) playful demeanor,
and unconditional love.
Like an angel,
__________'s presence calmed his/her family,
soothed them at the end of a long day,
and made them feel loved when they needed it most.
As we say good-bye to this wonderful dog/cat/horse/etc.,
we are thankful for the gift we have received
of having been a part of his/her life, as well.
Reading
To Every Thing There is a Season Diana L Guerrero, author of Blessing of the Animals here again.
This time I have some information on pet hospice. These programs
for pets are becoming more popular and mainstream.
For veterinary hospice assistance, the Nikki Hospice Foundation
for Pets serves as a clearinghouse of information about pet
hospice for pet owners, veterinarians and related professionals.
Established in 1996 this group now offers training and maintains
a nationwide database of veterinary hospice providers.
Did you know about pet hospice? It would certainly make pet loss
more palatable and humane.
Pet hospice services are on the rise and many animal doctors
are getting involved. How I wish I had the option several
years ago-pet loss and euthanasia is excruciating.
Next time: Another pet hospice option.
Want to share a comment?
==>> http://getresponse.com/t/8687399/601948/162933569/
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Prayer
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father / Creative Spirit / Source of Peace (choose one),
We thank-you for the opportunity to have known __________
in our lifetime.
We thank-you for the gift of his/her friendship,
and for what he/she has taught us about loving others.
Because we are humans and not perfect,
we ask for forgiveness if there was ever a time
when ____________'s needs were misunderstood
or not attended too quickly enough.
______________ was deeply loved by his/her human family,
and we know ______________ deeply loved them as well.
Heavenly Spirit, we ask that you watch over _____________
and forever keep him/her in your loving arms,
until his family can be there to care for him/her again.
Until then, we ask that the special memories
of this beloved pet
be blessed forever and ever.
Let us say, Amen.
Amen
Officiant's Address
I want to thank-you for inviting me
to honor the life of your beloved pet ______________ today.
As all of us here know,
a pet is a very special member of a family.
Although I did not know ________,
I feel as if I had known him/her
by the loving accounts I have heard about ________ from his/her
family
(and from the photos his/her family has shared with me).
There is nothing else in life like the relationship we have with our
pets.
Pets are great listeners.
They seem to be able to understand what we are saying
when we talk to them, and they don't argue back.
They don't judge us,
and they don't hold a grudge.
I believe we share our lives with animals to learn what they can
teach us:
• to love unconditionally,
• to care about others rather than our possessions,
• to remember to be playful in life,
• to remember to snuggle with those we love,
• to observe the world around us with curiosity and enthusiasm,
• to wake up knowing that each day is a new adventure,
• to remind us to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine from time to
time,
• to trust that the world will provide everything we need,
• and to remind us, "Don't worry. Be happy".
As we mourn the loss of __________,
who was a very special and much-loved pet,
we are thankful for these important lessons
he/she taught us about life.
Personal Sharing
Now is the time in our service when I ask _____________'s family and
friends
to share a favorite memory of ________________.
Who would like to begin?
(Thank the sharers.)
Procession or Honoring Remains
(Begin music - If there is a casket or an urn of ashes, each
attendant can approach it and place a flower on it or near it, to pay
their respects. If there are just a few people, have a silent
meditation until the music stops.)
Prayer - Adapted from "Prayer for Those Who Mourn"
(from the Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)
Loving Spirit,
Give me the grace to mourn with dignity.
Give me the grace to mourn in peace.
Give me the grace to mourn without shame and embarrassment.
Give me the grace to mourn fully so that my heart will be healed.
Give me the grace to mourn out loud and cry until my crying is done.
Give me the grace to mourn the loss of the one I loved,
And to understand others when they must face a similar road.
Give me the grace to mourn with patience
And to be tolerant of my own need
to move through this at my own pace.
Give me the grace to accept that I am in mourning
And to be at peace with that while my heart mends.
I pray that my time of mourning
will be made easier through my understanding
that mourning is good for my heart.
May mine be a good mourning,
one that cleanses my heart,
and renews my spirit.
May my memories of my beloved _________
be for a blessing,
so that I may love be ready to love again.
Amen.
Reading
(Appropriate for Christian and Jewish services. Other readings can
be substituted.)
Let us be comforted in our grief by remembering the words of Psalm
23:
Psalm 23 (New International Version)
A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(For a Jewish funeral, you can insert the mourners Kaddish here.)
Closing Blessing
In our tradition,
we are reminded that our bodies return to the earth,
while our spirits are set free to reunite with the Creator.
As we say good-bye to our beloved ______________,
we express our deepest gratitude for the blessing of his/her sweet
presence.
Through __________, we learned compassion.
Through __________, we learned patience.
Through ___________, we experienced joy.
Through ___________, we learned to think about someone else other
than ourselves,
and learned to be both giving and forgiving.
Through __________, we learned about friendship and loyalty.
Through ______________, we learned about innocence, humility and
forgiveness.
Through this beloved animal, we were shown the best qualities of
humankind,
and found that the highest virtue of all
is kindness to others.
Through our beloved _______________,
we were shown the greatest gift of all,
the gift of unconditional love.
As we go forth from this day,
may these important lessons be within our hearts,
and upon our lips.
May we remember to share them with others.
In sharing them, we will truly honor the memory of ______________,
and keep his spirit in our lives.
As you leave, we read from:
Numbers 6:24-26:
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace."
Secular/Humanist Pet Memorial Service
(Adapted in part from services by Chaplain of the Pets Founder,
Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)
The service begins with the sound of bells or appropriate music.
Gathering Words/Candle Lighting
We light this candle to honor the memory of _______________
who has recently passed,
and to celebrate his/her life.
___________ was a much loved member of the _________ family,
and he/she will be missed greatly.
We honor ________ `s beautiful loving spirit,
kind eyes,
(once) playful demeanor,
and unconditional love.
__________'s presence calmed his/her family,
soothed them at the end of a long day,
and made them feel loved when they needed it most.
As we kindle this flame, we are reminded how this beautiful animal
brought light into the lives of those who loved him.
Reading
Native North American prayer:
Do not stand at my bier and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush of
Quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my bier and cry;
I am not there, I cannot die.
Collective Reading
After each line, please respond, "We will remember him/her".
In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
We will remember him/her.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We will remember him/her.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We will remember him/her.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We will remember him/her.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We will remember him/her.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We will remember him/her.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We will remember him/her.
So long as we live, he/she, too, shall live.
For he/she is now a part of us.
We will remember him/her.
Meditation
Please close your eyes in quiet meditation.
Today, we are grateful for the opportunity to have known __________
in our lifetime.
We are grateful for the gift of his/her friendship,
and for what he/she has taught us about loving others.
Because we are humans and not perfect,
We must forgive ourselves if there was ever a time
when ____________'s needs were misunderstood
or not attended to quickly enough.
______________ was deeply loved by his/her human family,
and we know ______________ deeply loved them as well.
(Long Pause)
When you are ready, please open your eyes.
Officiant's Address
I want to thank-you for inviting me
To help honor the life of your beloved pet ______________.
Although I did not know ________,
I feel as if I had known him/her
by the loving accounts I have heard about ________ from his/her
family
(and from the photos his/her family has shared with me).
As all of us here know,
a pet is a very special member of a family.
Our pets are great listeners.
They seem to be able to understand what we are saying
when we talk to them, and they don't argue back.
They don't judge us,
and they don't hold a grudge.
I believe we share our lives with animals to learn what they can
teach us:
• to love unconditionally,
• to care about others rather than our possessions,
• to remember to be playful in life,
• to remember to snuggle with those we love,
• to observe the world around us with curiosity and enthusiasm,
• to wake up knowing that each day is a new adventure,
• to remind us to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine from time to
time,
• to trust that the world will provide everything we need,
• and to remind us, "Don't worry. Be happy".
As we mourn the loss of __________,
who was a very special and much-loved pet,
we are thankful for these important lessons
he/she taught us about life.
Personal Sharing
Now is the time in our service when we ask _____________'s family and
friends
to share a favorite memory of ________________.
Who would like to begin?
(Thank the sharers.)
Procession /Flower Ceremony
Each of you are invited up to the altar to pay your respects to
______________. Please place your flower next to the
urn/casket/photo frame before returning to your seats.
Meditation- Adapted from "Prayer for Those Who Mourn"
(from the Chaplain of the Pets Founder, Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)
As we close our eyes once more
and look deeply within ourselves,
we find the reservoir of our own inner strength.
We say to that source:
May I find the strength to mourn with dignity.
May I find the strength to mourn in peace.
May I find the strength to mourn without shame and embarrassment.
May I find the strength to mourn fully so that my heart will be
healed.
May I find the strength to mourn out loud and cry until my crying is
done.
May I find the strength to mourn the loss of the one I loved,
And to understand others when they must face a similar road.
May I find the strength to mourn with patience
And to be tolerant of my own need
to move through this at my own pace.
May I find the strength to accept that I am in mourning
And to be at peace with that while my heart mends.
I know that my time of mourning
will be made easier through my understanding
that mourning is good for my heart.
May mine be a good mourning,
one that cleanses my heart,
and renews my inner being.
May my memories of my beloved _________
comfort me,
so that I may love be ready to love again.
When you are ready, please open your eyes.
Reading
William Butler Yeats said:
For death does not end life but is part of it, one of nature's
transformations as we work our way through its cycles. Death informs
life. It is not simply the mother of beauty, it is the mother of life
itself, for how could we conceive of life if there were no death? And
it is only because we conceive of life that we know we must taste it
lingeringly, try every flavor and nuance, drink in experience while
we can. Death and life are dependent upon each other, like order and
chaos, neither concept being possible without the other. So there
should be no fear of death, which is omnipresent, part of life.
Welcome it into your arms, for it is but rest; for you lie in nature
like a heartbeat.
Closing Words
As we say good-bye to our beloved ______________,
we express our deepest gratitude for the blessing of his/her sweet
presence.
Through __________, we learned compassion.
Through __________, we learned patience.
Through ___________, we experienced joy.
Through ___________, we learned to think about someone else other
than ourselves,
and learned to be both giving and forgiving.
Through __________, we learned about friendship and loyalty.
Through ______________, we learned about innocence, humility and
forgiveness.
Through this beloved animal, we were shown the best qualities of
humankind,
and found that the highest virtue of all
is kindness to others.
Through our beloved _______________,
we were given the greatest gift of all,
the gift of unconditional love.
As we go forth from this day,
may these important lessons be within our hearts,
and upon our lips.
May we remember to share them with others daily.
It is in sharing them, we will truly honor the memory of
______________,
and keep his/her spirit in our lives.
Thank-you for honoring and celebrating the life of ________________
with us today.
Please be safe in your return home.
3. Memorial Service Suggestions for a Young Child's Pet
(Adapted in part from services by Chaplain of the Pets Founder,
Reverend Sandra M. Shaw)
Children need to learn that grieving helps heal wounds. Like adults,
children are spiritual people, and need ritual to help them deal with
the toughest times in life. As adults who love them, we need to help
them grieve, so that they may heal and love again.
A memorial service for a beloved pet can help immeasurably. Be
flexible, follow the child's lead, and lovingly affirm all responses,
no matter how silly, religiously implausible or off-topic they may
seem. Know that the child is dealing with the loss in his/her own
way, from limited experience. If the child becomes disinterested in
a memorial service, postpone until another time. If your tone is
accepting and loving, and the child is healing from the loss, the
service will have met its goal, even if it was not completed in full.
1. Have an adult light a special candle and say, "We light this
candle for our dear ___________. The flame reminds us of how warm
and happy we felt when __________ was around." (Keep children away
from the flame. If the candle cannot remain undisturbed away from
the group, omit step 1).
2. Place a beautiful cloth on a table or stool (at child's level)
and place special pet items on it, as a visual memorial. The pet's
collar, photos, water dish, leash, fish bowl, or other items are
appropriate.
3. Ask the child(ren) if they know a song they would like to sing
for __________. Any song will do, if it is offered with love.
4. "Let's hold hands and close our eyes and pray for __________."
Prayer:
"Dear G-d, Thank-you for letting ___________ come to live with
____________. ______________ was a good Dog/Cat/Fish/Bunny/Etc.
_______________ loved __________ very much. Now, ____________ has
come to live with you in Heaven. Please take good care of
_____________ and give him good food, lots of petting, some toys,
and other pets to play with. Someday, when the rest of us go to
Heaven, we will be very happy to see _________ again. Amen."
5. "We have some glitter (or colored sugar). We are going to share
things we really loved about ____________. Each time we think of
something else we remember about _____________, we are going to take
a tiny pinch of glitter and throw it in the grass, so that it
decorates the earth, just like ________'s memories decorate our
hearts."
6. If the animal's remains are present, ask the children to draw a
picture, write a note, or place a pretty rock or flower on the
container. If the remains are to be buried, include the child's
offerings in the container. If there are cremated remains, consider
spreading them at the pet's favorite park or spot in the yard. Use a
simple prayer, like the one in suggestion #4, when you scatter the
ashes. (Note: Each city has different regulations about how remains
are to be disposed. Check with local officials.)
7. "Now, we have some bubbles. We are going to send kisses to
_______________ in heaven with each of our bubbles. When the bubbles
pop, we can imagine that _______________ caught our kiss in his
little paw/fin/hoof;/etc. When we want to send our love to
_______________, he/she will always be there to catch our kisses."
8. Give the child a special trinket box. Tell the child it is an "I
love you" box. The child can put in it anything that reminds him/her
of his/her pet, including secrets and pretend things. The box also
can hold hugs and kisses, or tears. No one ever has to know what is
in the special box – only the child. Write on the box "In memory of
_________" and instruct others to be respectful of the box for years
to come.
9. Whether the pet is buried or not, it is a great idea to have a
memorial marker for your pet, which the child can go to, gaze at,
touch and appreciate when missing his or her pet. There are many
such memorials available on-line under "pet memorials". There are
plaques, stones, photo frames and other items for sale. You could
also write the pet's name in wet cement, carve it in a tree trunk, or
paint a special sign in a discreet place on the side or back of your
house. You can make a website for photos of your pet, or add a photo
to an existing pet memorial page (there are many on the internet).
10. Give the child plenty of affection and understanding, and
remind them it is okay to cry. Never belittle their feelings because
it was "just a fish" or "just a rabbit" or "just a dog".
Remember that grief knows no timeline. Some children may be "over"
their pet's death the next day, while for others, they will speak of
him or her for years to come. Be gentle, respectful, loving and
empathic, and your child's trauma will heal on his/her own time.
Remember that losing a pet can bring up feelings of loss from other
times, and respond sensitively. Also, the skills children learn in
coping with their own grief will help them as they grow older and
face the inevitable losses we all must face sometime in life.
Follow the child's lead before suggesting getting a new pet. There
is no way to replace a beloved pet. Press Release: August 9, 2007 Animal Chaplains Teach Us To Love Animals On World Animal Day From the Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains In what will look like a scene from the popular family movie, "Evan Almighty", dozens of Animal Chaplains around the world will bless hundreds, perhaps thousands of animals in many different settings on October 4 2007. At a pet cemetery on the east coast, to a city park in the desert, to a sandy beach on the west coast, they will walk in on four paws, fly in on a harness, and slither in on their bellies. That day is World Animal Day, a day dedicated to honoring, blessing, and protecting animals all over the world. World Animal Day was founded at an ecologist's convention in Florence, Italy in 1931 as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. Since then, it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and has been widely celebrated around the world. October 4th was chosen as World Animal Day because it is also the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic Church holiday which is often celebrated with an annual "blessing of the pets". Churches and synagogues in many faiths traditions have adopted "Pet Blessing Day" or "World Animal Day" in increasing numbers every year. The Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains prepares for World Animal Day by referring its members and visitors to the official World Animal Day website. The site provides ideas and resources to individuals, families, community groups and congregations everywhere. People can post their pledge for volunteering at a World Animal Day event. In addition to blessing pets, volunteers will work at animal shelters, zoos, rescues, and other nonprofit organizations. Dogs will be walked, cats will be brushed, horses will be groomed, and fish will enjoy freshly cleaned tanks. Donations will be given to animal welfare agencies, and pets will be adopted. School children will collect pet food to be donated to charities, and bake sales and car washes will be held as fundraising events. Veterinary clinics will hold free spay and neuter days, or may offer to vaccinate pets at no charge. All over the world, on the very same day, the well-being of animals will be on the minds of millions of people. Founder and Chair of Animal Chaplains.com <http://Chaplains.com>, Chaplain Nancy Cronk, feels a day honoring animals is very important at a time when the headlines speak of animal cruelty such as athlete Michael Vick's alleged ties to illegal dog fighting. Animal Chaplains would like everyone to know that every major faith endorses the responsible stewardship of the earth and all of its creatures. "Deliberate harming of animals is in direct opposition to teachings in all of the major world faiths." The Rainbow Bridge. For people who lost there beloved Pets
Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had
been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or
illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place
here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The
Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the
pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him. You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge. The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life "Watch, and see" said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer." The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those
poor animals that they couldn't place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge. "I think I like rescuers," said the first animal. "So does GOD," was the reply. (Author Unknown) " Rainbow Angels When a furchild dies, a cloud turns into an angel and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. Our furchildren may disappear from our lives, but they never really go away. Their spirits put the sun to bed, wake up the grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see the Rainbow Angels dancing in a cloud during the daytime when they're supposed to be napping. They paint the rainbow and the sunsets. They tug at the tide and make the waves splash. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing windsongs, they whisper to us"Don't miss me too much. The view is nice, and I'm doing just fine. | |
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