The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service
Helpline: 0800 096 6606
www.bluecross.org.uk/2083/pet-bereavement-support-service.html
The Samaritans
The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Helpline: 0845 790 9090
www.samaritans.org
Support Line
Support Line offers confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults by telephone, e-mail and post. They work with callers to develop healthy, positive coping strategies, an inner feeling of strength and increased self-esteem to encourage healing, recovery and moving forward with life. They also keep details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK.
Telephone: 01708 765200
www.supportline.org.uk
The Ralph Site
A not-for-profit website that provides support to pet owners around the loss of a beloved companion.
www.theralphsite.com
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-loss
Pet Loss Support Page
www.pet-loss.net
The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs
www.humananimalinteraction.org.au/category/pet_loss_and_grief
I’ve been following a vegetarian diet for over 25 years through personal choice based on ethical reasons. When it comes to the domestic animals with whom I share my life, I feed my dog and cat an omnivorous and carnivorous diet respectively. I do this because animal-based foods are their personal choice.
As someone who identifies herself as a vegetarian, it is important to me that the food I feed my animals is ethically sourced. I look for organic, free-range, non-factory farmed and from a sustainable source. I also avoid foods that are labelled ‘meat derivatives’ and opt for those without artificial additives, preservatives, colourings and flavourings.
I believe the quality of the foods we choose has a direct effect on our animals’ health as well as their behaviour. It also has a direct effect on how farm animals live.
For more information on welfare for farmed animals, understanding labels and making ethical choices, visit: Compassion in World Farming (UK), www.ciwf.org.uk.
I feel I can only list Dignity individually as it is the only crematorium service I’ve experienced first hand:
Dignity (UK)
www.dignitypetcrem.co.uk
Here are some nationwide organizations who will be able to help you find a suitable local service:
The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC)
www.appcc.org.uk
The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC)
www.iaopc.com
Here is a list of albums you may consider using to create a calm atmosphere or to soothe a grieving heart:
Ashana: Beloved
Bliss: Flying Free, A Hundred Thousand Angels
Deva Premal: Into Light
Heart of Compassion: Songs for Grief, Loss and Recovery