Saturday, July 17, 2010
Dear Readers: When a pet dies, it can be like losing a member of the family for many of us. Here are some good suggestions to help you and your family through the grieving process, courtesy of our friends at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Heloise Central.
For children, creating a scrapbook with pictures can be therapeutic. Include a lock of the pet’s hair, if possible, the label from the pet’s favorite snack or pet food, and even a favorite toy. Many children will find this helpful; others may not. So, don’t push the project. It will take time to heal. It may be a few days, weeks or months. We all are different.
You can hold a funeral or memorial service, or plant a tree or bush in memory of the pet. Keep something of the animal if you think it will add comfort. A collar, sweater, dish or well-loved, frayed chew or squeaky toy. It also may help a child to draw a picture of the pet and write a letter to the animal, including favorite memories.
Try to keep your regular schedule as much as possible, but make time to sit as a family and discuss your fond memories. There are some excellent books on this subject. Call your local library.
The pain of your loss may fade eventually or stay awhile. Having lost several furry friends through the years, I can tell you they each have a special spot in my heart and mind
Heloise
P.S.: Visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets,” then “Heloise’s Pets” to read about our animal friends now in “Pet Valhalla.” It’s difficult to make the decision to euthanize a beloved pet. I’ve had to do it, and hope my writing will help you with the process.
Dear Readers: Karen Yoder of Colorado Springs, Colo., sent a photo of her miniature schnauzer, Chester, kicking back and chewing on his squeeze toy. Karen says: “Since I know you have a soft spot for miniature schnauzers, I’m sending you this photo. Chester is full of energy and spunk. He is my first dog!”
To see Chester with a bottle, visit www.Heloise.com.
Heloise
Dear Readers: Does your dog or cat freak out during thunderstorms? Just think how acute the animal’s hearing is. If it’s loud to you, imagine how it sounds to your pet!
Keep your pets indoors during these noisy events, if you can. Stay calm yourself, and comfort the pet. Speak softly and slowly to the pet. You can turn on some music to help cover the noise. These hints will help keep everyone’s nerves calm
Heloise
Dear Heloise: To keep birds from nesting in hanging plants, use kids’ pinwheels. It beats wind chimes or craft sticks. Even if there is no wind, a bird will create enough movement to spin the pinwheel and scare itself. I have used them for years.
Jackie, via e-mail
King Features Syndicate Inc.