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"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"

 

 

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Losing a pet can be devastating and sometimes families do not know where to look for help.  Below is a list of resources that may be useful.  Please allow yourself to grieve in your own way but do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Urgent Help

ASPCA Pet Loss Helpline-1-877-474-3310

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Crisis text line-text HELLO to 741741, www.crisistextline.org

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National suicide prevention hotline-call or text 988, www.988lifeline.org

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Colorado crisis service-1-844-493-8255 (or text TALK to 38255), www.coloradocrisisservices.org

 

National Alliance on mental Illness-1-800-950-6264 (text NAMI to 741741), www.nami.org/Home

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Local Help

Open Heart Grief Counseling-970 759-9981, openheartgriefcounseling.com

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The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado-970 764-7142, www.griefcenterswco.org/

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Leigh Ann Gerk, MA, LPC (offers online and in person) counseling for adults and children 970 966-4585, www.mourningtolightpetloss.com, leighann@mourningtolightpetloss.com

 

Anne Cattarello, PHD, LMHC, LPC (offers online bereavement counseling), 720 352-0930, www.gentlepsychotherapy.com, anne@gentlepsychotherapy.com

Websites

Rainbow Bridge-www.rainbowsbridge.com

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Association for Pet loss and Bereavement-www.aplb.org

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Lap of Love (has support groups, classes, and articles)- www.lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-support

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Colorado State University (James L Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital)-www.vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/argus/

Books

Guardians of Being-Eckhart Tolle

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When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing-Alan D. Wolfelt

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The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss-Russell Friedman

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The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies-Wallace Sife Ph.D.

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List of resources to prepare for euthanasia

The Legacy of Breezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from my Canine Brothers-Doug Koktavy

 

Facing Farewell: How and when to decide euthanasia for your pet-Julie Reck, DVM (fellow classmate and friend)

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It’s Never Long Enough: A practical guide to caring for your geriatric dog-Mary Gardner, DVM

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Colorado State University (James L Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital) www.vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/argus/

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ASPCA -www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

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©2023 by Dr. Mark. 

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