A Note from Your Care Team at Sacred Bond
Loss is hard. It’s heartbreaking, draining, and sometimes devastating… and unfortunately we all go through it at some point in our lives. We are sorry that you’re here, which means you’ve lost a very special someone (fur ball or otherwise) recently.
We hope that these resources can help alleviate some of the questions you may have moving forward, or provide a little support when we most need it.
You don’t have to do this alone. There are many pet parents such as yourself and us that are going through this and have been through it multiple times in the past. It never gets easier, no matter how many times you’ve had to say goodbye to your four-legged best friend. Just know that however you or your children decide to grieve, it’s ok. There is no right way to grieve. We all do it differently, with different timelines, and sometimes with little outside support.
We want to provide you resources for online social media groups, articles, group sessions, books, or other ways to connect if and when you feel you’re ready.
Always remember, your team here at Sacred Bond is also ready to lend an ear if you feel like sharing with us.
With love,
Dr. Salazar, Ramona, and Taylor
Resources For Pet Parents and Children
Losing a pet is heartbreaking. Please know that the pain you feel is normal and natural. Grief is different for everyone, especially children. For most children, the loss of a beloved pet can be devastating and often is their first experience with significant loss. Please know that there are many resources available, in many avenues, to help you and your family process this very difficult time in your lives. Some people find solace in speaking with a trusted friend or clergy.
Below are some wonderful resources that are available to you:
Pet Cloud - an online grief resource group that has many publications, suggestions of activities, and a compassionate ear should you wish to call. Visit: www.PetCloud.pet or contact them at: 1-833-PET-1234. There are online Sunday Support Groups at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern time
World By The Tail, Inc. - This website has many articles that you can read that can be very comforting. www.veterinarywisdom.com/petparents
Abiding Ties Pet Loss Support Group- This group provides Zoom support meetings every second Tuesday monthly. They may be starting in-person grief support in the near future. https://abidingties.org/pet-loss-support-groups/
Paws Whiskers and Wags - This Charlotte, North Carolina based pet loss grief support offers bi-monthly Zoom meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Contact: tara@pawswhiskersandwags.com or visit http://pawswhiskersandwags.com/resources/grief-support/
Lap of Love - This organization has wonderful resources on their website on how to handle the loss of a cherished pet from a personal and family point of view. https://www.lapoflove.com
CAETA - This is an educational partner of Lap of Love. They have many reading and virtual grief resources available for adults and children. https://caetainternational.com/about/caeta-pet-loss-resources
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement - This organization has many options when you need help. Chat rooms, virtual support groups and recommended reading topics are all available to help you navigate your grief. https://www.aplb.org/support/
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine- This amazing institution not only trains veterinarians, but also has respected grief and loss resources available. https://www.vetmed.aubutn.edu/grief-resources/
UCLA Health People and Animal Connection- This university has good resources to help children navigate the grief of losing a pet. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/6-tips-handling-pet-loss-with-children
Books for children and teens may include:
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst: Follows a young boy finding a way to remember his cat after it dies.
The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst: Applies the concept of the invisible string to the specific loss of a pet.
Ida, Always by Caron Levis: Tells a gentle story about two polar bears dealing with a terminal illness and saying goodbye.
When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown: Answers direct questions about death and grief in an easy-to-understand guide.
Gentle Goodbyes Pet Loss Activity Book for Kids by Annalise Paige Quinn- Designed for ages 8–12, featuring over 60 word puzzles, drawing sections, and journaling prompts to help older children express complex feelings they cannot yet voice.
Healing After Losing My Dog by Robert Kusserow- A deeply emotional coming-of-age story that captures the physical heaviness of grief and explores how a teen processes the quiet devastation of losing their closest companion.
My Pet Memory Book by S. Wallace- A structured, 50-page keepsake journal with reflection prompts like "the silliest thing my pet did" and dedicated spaces to paste photographs or draw memories.
Resources for may adults include:
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet - a book authored by Moira Allen, that is a comprehensive guide to managing your and your family’s grief.
Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate by Roxanne Hawn: Written for those navigating the devastating, singular loss of that "once-in-a-lifetime" dog.
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russell Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James: Helps readers dismantle societal myths about pet grief and avoid the trap of trying to replace a pet too quickly.
You're Not Crazy: You're Grieving by Dr Alan Wolfelt- an audiobook that helps to make sense of the sharp, bitter, random thoughts which start to appear. He also has one more specifically about the loss of animals, called When Your Pet Dies.”
Going Home and Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz- Explores the difficult emotions of saying goodbye, including the burden of guilt, and helps readers find peace in the lifelong bond they shared
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife: A foundational guide written by a psychologist that specifically tackles the heavy layers of trauma, anger, and regret surrounding a pet's passing.
Grief shouldn’t be shouldered alone. Please note that there are many more resources than those listed here and we encourage you to find an outlet that helps heal you and your family. We are committed to providing you with care and help in this difficult time.