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7 things to know about Pet Loss

Why are people saying “its only a dog/cat etc”

People who don't understand a pet bond may not understand your pain but don't let others dictate your feelings. You are valid, your feelings are valid. Grief is grief and loss is loss. And remember, you are not alone, there are hundreds of pet owners have gone through similar grieving and mourning.

What do I do now?

The most important step you can take is, to be honest about your feelings. You have a right to feel pain and grief. Someone you loved has died. You have a right to feel anger and guilt too.

Some pet parents find it helpful to express their feelings and memories in stories, or letters to their pet, preparing a memorial such as a photo collage; and talking to other pet lovers about your loss. 

Who can I talk to?

Pet lovers! Friends, family, colleagues, anyone who loves their pet just as much as you did. It might be especially helpful to talk to someone who has lost a pet too. They will empathise. Don't hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong or calm. There are also pet loss counsellors and support groups.

When is the right time to euthanize a pet?

This is one of the worst decisions you will hopefully never have to make in life but if it sadly comes your way then your vet is the best judge of your pet's physical condition. You are the best judge of the quality of your pet's daily life. If a pet has a good appetite, still responds to attention, still wants cuddles and/or walks you may feel that this is not the right time. However, if a pet is in constant pain, unresponsive to affection, unaware of its surroundings, and/or uninterested in life, then you may choose to end the beloved companion's suffering as much as it will hurt you deeply.

How should I tell my kids?

Honesty is important. Especially these days, children know a lot more than we do! If you say the pet was "put to sleep," make sure your children understand the difference between death and ordinary sleep or they may never sleep for you again! Try not to say the pet "went away," as your child may wonder what he or she did to make it leave, and wait, tormented, for its return. Don't assume a child is too young or too old to grieve. I find the Rainbow Bridge story is great for children and adults alike. It explains death but allows us to feel at peace, knowing our furbabies are happy and free.

Do other pets grieve too?

Pets often form strong attachments to one another while living in the same house/venue. The survivor of such a pair may grieve for its companion. You will notice small things and you may need to give your surviving pets a lot of extra attention and love to help them through this time.

How soon should I get a new pet?

This is an almost impossible question to answer as every family and person is different in their moments of grief. You need to take the time to fully grieve and evaluate your circumstances. If you do decide to get a new pet, some will advise you to avoid getting a "lookalike" pet, which makes comparisons all the more likely. Or that getting a totally different looking pet will also draw comparisons. But then we got a new pet in the form of our late dogs' granddaughter and we love that fact. It is entirely personal and a difficult question to advise.

International Pet Memorial Day 2017 at the Doggie Do Dublin

Celebrate Your Beloved Pet for International Pet Memorial Day at the Doggie Do in Herbert Park, Dublin.

 

Established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories in the US, International Pet Memorial Day in an annual event held on the second Sunday in September, to honor pets. It’s also a great time to think about and share with others the important role that beloved pets have played and continue to play in our lives. This year the day falls on September 10th which is the same date as the Doggie Do (www.doggiedo.ie) pet event that will be held in Herbert Park, Dublin 4.

 

Loyal to the end, pets bring an abundance of joy and companionship to our lives and they do it without prejudice or judgement. They don’t care what type of mood we are in, what bad things we have done or how we look. These are only a few reasons why it can be so heartbreaking to say good-bye to a four-legged friend. The grieving process can be difficult, but it’s something we must face as pet owners. There is a poem, known internationally by most pet parents who have loved and lost, and it is called "Rainbow Bridge." Through this story it is said that when a beloved pet dies, they cross over Rainbow Bridge where there are meadows and hills for all animals to run and play together. 
 
Rainbow Bridge Memorials (www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com) created by native Dubliner Jennifer Muldowney embodies the Rainbow Bridge story by using an array of vibrant colors in their packaging and in their jewelry designs, which they hope will help grieving families remember that their precious pet is in a safe and happy place now. 
When a family pet is lost it is even more important to help small children to grieve. Losing a pet is often their first experience with death and it should be addressed in a safe and caring way. Here are a few ways to honor and celebrate a pet that has crossed over Rainbow Bridge for this year’s International Pet Memorial Day: 

 

  • Plant a tree or a shrub in your garden as a living memorial for your fur baby.
  • Create a keepsake box or make a scrapbook with notes, diary entries, photographs, old leashes or toys that are special. a scrapbook
  • Frame a few of your favorite pet pictures to display around your home. Audrey Dalton creates beautiful ‘pawtraits' to hang in your home. (www.pawtrait.ie)
  • Put a picture of your fur baby onto a pretty paperweight to place on the mantelpiece or on your dresser. (Paperweight)
  • Make a donation or volunteer at an animal-based charity or rescue such as Dogs Trust (www.dogstrust.ie) or the DSPCA (www.dspca.ie). Giving back to animals in need may help you in the grieving process.
  • Have some of your pets ashes/fur placed into a beautiful piece of jewelry with Rainbow Bridge Memorials. (www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com)
  • Talk to someone. Sit down with family, friends, or neighbors who knew your pet and share your favorite memories or stories together with them.

 However you choose to remember your pet will be a perfect representation of the animal who captured your heart. This year, take a few minutes to sit down and think about the wonderful animals that have enriched your life. For those who are celebrating a pet who is still alive, be sure to give them a big hug and some extra love and attention on this very special occasion

The Rainbow Bridge Story <3

Just this side of where human souls go when we die is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge where there are fields and hills and parks for all of our special friends to run and play together. There is plenty of yummy food and water and the sun always shines so they are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigour. Those who were cruelly hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy and content except for one small thing - they each miss someone very special to them who they left behind.


They will all run and play together until suddenly one will stop and look into the distance, his/her bright eyes are intent and body shaking with excitement.

They will break from the group and start running over the green grass, faster and faster.

You have been spotted.

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 cuddling them 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......

Ireland's Favourite Groomer 2017

Our 3rd year of running "Ireland's Favourite Groomer" !!

We always get such amazing nominations that this year we want to make the competition even bigger and better! 

First we need you to nominate your groomer - do this by sending us a picture of YOUR puppy and tag your groomers on the photo. You can do this on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, we will be running this comp across all our channels so the more the merrier!

WHAT TO DO: upload your picture, tag us (so we can see it obviously!) and tag your groomers too or say their name in the post!

We will round up all nominees by December 20th and then announce the shortlist for voting giving all those shortlisted a very Merry Christmas indeed <3

If your puppy and groomer win, the Groomer gets an "Ireland's Favourite Groomer 2017" beautiful glass trophy and you and your puppy win their gorgeous little furry face forever memorialised on one of our Glass Photo Weights!

 

AND...THE WINNER(S) are......Julie Smith and Louise Connolly!!!!!

We couldn't choose between these two beauts. They truly have such dedicated clientele and such passion for their jobs that it was a clear winner to choose the two! Double trouble indeed! <3

Both will win a trophy saying "Ireland's Favourite Groomer 2017", have their photos taken and the featured puppy(s) win their gorgeous little furry face forever memorialised on one of our Glass Photo Weights! We have never seen such amazing love and trust and celebration of our furry ones than with these two. ALL of the nominees are fantastic and will receive a small prize. It warms our hearts to see such love out there for our furry babies. Keep up the lovin' guys. #StrongerTogether xxx

 

Thanksgiving Competition

Thanks a million

We have been going for nearly 4 years now and what an amazing journey it has been and we are still going strong and developing our range to suit you, our customers. We've been through so much with you and we are thankful that you share some of your most heartbreakingly beautiful moments with us.

When trying to decide on designs for our collections we usually play around with different shapes and colours and as a result we have a few 'samples' that we don't need anymore because they have become a permanent part of our collections.

We have 4 beautiful pieces here (obviously with NO ash!) that we want to give to you in thanks for your support. All you have to do is comment on Facebook "LOVE", Leave the same comment below or send us an email to info@rainbowbridge-memorials.com with the Subject/Message LOVE and your address and that's it!

We will choose 4 lucky winners at random and who knows we might even be in the mood to give EVERYONE who enters a little something ;-)

Winner will be chosen from a hat LIVE on Facebook at 8pm on ThanksGiving which is Thursday 24th of November!

Best dog cities in the USA

What makes a dog friendly city? Its not just the number of dogs but also the amenities available such as off leash dog parks, restaurants, accommodations and businesses that welcome and cater to dogs but also legislation that favors dogs.
  1. Austin, Texas – 18 dog friendly parks, a dogs only swimming spot, over 100 pet friendly hotels, a mobile canine specific food truck, loads of stunning hiking trails and even dog yoga or doga!
  2. Boulder, Colerado – youre not a pet parent here but a guardian.Hiking trails and a serious focus on outdoor pursuits their restaurants all welcome dogs on their outdoor patios.
  3. Crystal City, Virgina – Doggy date nights are the norm here with outdoor movie nights, weekly 5km runs, a Pups n Pilsner festival, a weekly Blues, Brews and Barks outdoor music event .
  4. Ithaca, New York – I mean if a doggy date night is on the agenda then I want it here because they offer dog friendly hotels, wineries, breweieres, apple picking farms, campsites and of course the hiking trails.
  5. Miami Beach, Florida – Miami has two beaches specifically designed for dog lovers and their furry friends and they also open their botanical gardens to our four legged friends.
  6. San Diego, California – They started the whole off leash park thing off in 1972 so it would be rude to omit this city. Theres even doggy kayaking and paddle boarding!! FUN!
  7. Sante Fe, New Mexico – An artist mecca that doesn’t exclude furry four legged friends opens up its art galleries to pooches and also offers countless doggy hotels, restaruants and holiday rentals.

doggy paddle boarding

Adoption - know your facts. Seniors

When adopting a senior pet consider the following:

  • Ask about health and special needs.
  • Consider your budget as older pets will need more Vet visits.
  • Be patient with them as they will need time to adjust.
  • Be prepared for a short amount of time with them.
  • When adopting a senior pet consider the following:
  • Ask about health and special needs.
  • Consider your budget as older pets will need more Vet visits.
  • Be patient with them as they will need time to adjust.
  • Be prepared for a short amount of time with them.

Old dog love adoption