Pet Loss Support

What does the Pet Loss Support line Offer?
The Pet Loss Support Line is staffed by members of the Pacific Animal Therapy Society, who are pet lovers themselves. Support Line volunteers understand the pain associated with the loss of a pet.  All Support Line volunteers receive training in support skills, with particular attention to issues surrounding grief.

Support Line volunteers offer caring emotional support.  They are there to listen, not to give advice.  They respect both you and your ability to make the decisions that are best for you.

The Support Line maintains a referral directory and, at your request, volunteers can refer you to other support and information resources.

Why a Pet Loss Support Line?
For many people, the death of a pet is as devastating  as the loss of any human family member, and deciding whether to euthanize an ailing or elderly pet can be excruciatingly difficult.  Sometimes, met with a lack of understanding from others in their lives, individuals faced with a pet's illness of death feel very much alone.

What are the Limits of this Service?
Support Line volunteers will not give out medical information.  You can ask for a referral to a veterinarian who is qualified to answer your questions. 

 
Hours of service are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Long distance calls will be returned collect.

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you.

                                  Isla Paschal Richardson


 I live among Godīs creatures now
 In the heavens of your mind
 So do not grieve for me, my friend
 As I am with my kind
My collar is a rainbowīs hue
My leash a shooting star
My boundaries are the Milky Way
 Where I sparkle from afar.
There are no pens or kennels here
 For I am not confined
But free to roam Godīs heavens
Among my doggie kind.
The trees are full of liver treats
And tennis balls abound
 And Milkbones line the walking ways
 Just waiting to be found.
I drink from waters laced with gold
 My world a beauty to behold
And wise old dogs do form my pride
To amble at my very side.
At night I sleep in angelīs arms
Their  wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on thee.
So when your life on earth is spent
And you reach Heavenīs gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For here, you know I wait."