Books To Help Cope With Loss   (click above)

So many others have shared the experience of the loss of a best friend.  They have put their thoughts and feelings into written form not only to express their grief, but to also help others cope.  Click on the title above to find books recommended by Amazon.com that may bring you comfort.

 

When It's Time to Say Goodbye

"Well, we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun." - Instant Karma by John Lennon

The inevitable loss of a best friend is without a doubt one of the most difficult aspects of being a pet keeper.  You know that they will live in your heart forever.  You gave each other love and support through thick and thin.  The journey through grief takes time.  Give yourself the time you need.  Take comfort in friends and family.  Don't feel "silly" about grieving for your pet.  You likely shared years together and have a lot of memories tied to them.  Some cities have pet loss support groups and/or hotlines.  Your local shelter or vet may be able to help your find one.  Animals are often ready to leave before we are ready to let them go.  Giving them their dignity is the final gift to them. They know you have loved and cared for them and they hold no grudges and find no fault. 

People often ask when they should adopt again.  Some wonder if they should at all.  There are no hard and fast rules.  Some people find that they want to lose no time in opening their heart to another animal.  They aren't discounting the life of the one lost, just making room for more.  Others find it takes weeks, months and even years before they believe they are ready to make that commitment again.  Everyone has to do what is best for them.  Visit shelters and rescues and if you connect with an animal, then you're probably ready.  Don't expect the pet you adopt to be the one you lost.  Each animal you love is unique and though it may take a short time to form a bond, it won't be long before they have you smiling and remembering how good it is to give that love and care to an animal. 

In an effort to help our community site visitors, Shelter Karma is honored to offer the beauty of Porcelain Cremation Urns.  These urns, created by acclaimed American artist Bill Campbell, are perfect works of art worthy of your loved one.  Not only will you have something to honor your beloved pet, your purchase will  help shelter and rescue animals.  To order, please contact us at help@shelterkarma.com and be sure to mention the item number as shown below.

                         

      J187  / $150                      J186  /  $150                      J96 /  $300                     J190 / $150

       7"w x 5"h                          6"w x 5"h                         8"w x 7"h                         6"w x 5"h

The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....