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Preparing for the Inevitable - The Death of a Family Pet
Excerpts provided from the IAOPCC
Can I Prepare In Advance For The Inevitable?
It is always wise to prepare in advance. Decisions made while under stress are not always satisfactory and it is very stressful to go through the ordeal of pet death. While your pet is living, visit your local pet cemetery. Find out what they have to offer; inquire about the costs and procedures.
What Should I Do If My Pet Dies At Home?
Until decisions and preparations can be made find the coldest part of your dwelling, such as the basement floor (away from heater), garage floor, or in cold weather, an enclosed porch or trunk of your car. (Do NOT place the pet outside in an unprotected area). Lay a piece of plastic down first. Place newspaper on next. Lay the pet directly on the newspaper or, if you prefer, lay a blanket or towel down next. Cover the pet with another blanket, towel or sheet.
What Should I Do If My Pet Dies While At My Veterinarian?
Try not to panic. There is no hurry on making a decision. Most veterinary clinics or hospitals have cold storage where your pet can be kept for a day or two.
Can I See My Pet Again?
If your pet dies at the veterinary hospital, you may view your pet there. Some clinics require someone to identify the pet. Veterinarians are trained in health care and disease prevention, they are not necessarily trained in afterlife pet care. Emotional support and guidance vary with professionals.
Can I Take My Pet's Body Home?
Your pet belongs to you. Not only can you take it home, it is your responsibility to decide what is to be done. Somehow our society has a misconception that they have no right to the body of their deceased pet. One wouldn't dream of leaving a human body at a hospital without making final arrangements for it. This same thing holds true for your pet.
Is It Normal To Grieve Over The Loss Of A Pet?
It is just as normal to grieve over the loss of a pet as it is to grieve over the loss of a human. Not only is it normal, but is healthy to grieve. Suppressing grief causes more pain. Tears are an important part of accepting and working through the grief. Also repeat the pet's name out loud. Remember the funny things he/she did. Bring back the special memories. The more you remember (no matter how painful it is) the better you will feel. Memories can be recalled frequently. They can never be worn out. Saying your final "goodbye's" and planing your pet's after-life care is an important part of accepting the loss. By allowing someone else to make the final plans you are denying the loss and grief will be prolonged. Your pet's final resting place should be known to you and this could help reduce your pain.
How Long Is A Normal Grief Period?
There is no "normal" set time for grief. Different people react in different ways. Many times grieving people question their sanity. This is the pain and confusion of grief. Grief should not be hidden. Grieving people should associate with others who understand and are sympathetic. Avoid those that don't understand. Further rejection at this time should be avoided. Don't be ashamed or try to hide your grief. Grief denied is grief retained. The longer it is denied the longer you will grieve.
At The Time Of The Loss Of A Pet, What Options Are Available?
There are several options available. They are: Burial in a Pet Cemetery, Cremation, Home Burial, or Disposal Service.
Burial In A Pet Cemetery?
There are many pet cemeteries throughout the United States (including Hawaii and Canada) that provide both private or commercial burial services. With private burial a pet is separately prepared and buried in an individual lot where memorial markers can be provided for the pet. There are many variants from cemetery to cemetery depending on geographic location, local regulations, available facilities and range of services. Pet cemeteries provide a wide range of choices, enabling the pet owner to select a casket and plot that meet both emotional and financial requirements.
Pet burial arrangements, not unlike burials for humans, are available at most pet cemeteries. Unlike most human cemeteries, pet cemeteries perform the duties and services of both a funeral home and cemetery.
Home Burial For A Pet?
A pet belongs to its owner and after-care is at its owner's discretion. Although some municipalities have regulations governing the burial of pet, home burial is possible. Usually caskets and memorial markers are available for home burial from a pet cemetery, online website retailer or funeral home. Burial should be deep enough to discourage predators.
Pet Cremation?
Cremation service is offered both on an individual (private) or a group (mass) basis.
Is There A Memorial Service Available For Cremation?
Arrangements can be made with the pet cemetery or funeral home to allow viewing and/or a memorial service prior to the cremation. Most cemeteries charge an additional fee for this service.
Can A Cremation Be Witnessed By The Pet Owner?
Yes. A pet owner may be present when the cremation takes place. Rules of the individual cemetery would apply.
What Is An Urn?
An urn is a receptacle especially made to hold the cremated remains (cremains). Urns are available in many styles.
What Is Memorialization?
Memorialization is remembering a deceased pet by creating a special place acknowledging, depicting and honoring a pet's life. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Common methods are to engrave the pet's name and other data into a plaque and to place it in a special setting to honor the pet, such as a burial plot, memorial wall or garden. It is an appropriately identified place where pet owners may go to remember a lost friend.
Is There A Pet Memorial Day?
The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories has designated the Second Sunday of September as National Pet Memorial Day. Most IAOPCC member cemeteries observe Pet Memorial Day with special ceremonies and/or events.
Can I register my pet in the International Pet Memorial/Hall of Fame's Archives?
While most Halls of Fame are traditionally reserved to honor those who excel in a particular area, the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories has established the International Pet Memorial / Hall of Fame Registry as a place to record and express (up to 100 words) that special love you have for your pet. Any animal, who was or is presently special to you, can be registered permanently in the archives of the International Pet Memorial / Hall of Fame Registry. For more information call the IAOPCC home office.
If you would like to know more about the IAOPCC, please visit their website at www.iaopcc.com.
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