Pet Loss
There may come a time when you may decide it is time to help your pet and humanely euthanize him. PBVS offers this service to existing and new clients. This is a very personal and difficult decision that is best decided by you and your close family members.
When deciding it is time to put your pet to sleep, you may opt to be present with him. A nurse will place an IV catheter to allow easy access for the medication administration. You will be allowed to visit as long as needed. A doctor will be with you and your pet when he is euthanatized. The process is a quick, painless procedure in which he “goes to sleep” peacefully.
PBVS offers cremation services to the clients of lost loved ones. If you choose to have your pet's ashes returned, you may elect for a private cremation in which the remains are returned in a sealed teak box.
We encourage all clients who have lost a loved family pet to seek counseling if they are having a difficult time dealing with the loss. There are many emotions you may feel following euthanasia. These include denial, anger, guilt, depression and acceptance. These are normal emotions and each individual may experience one or many of these emotions.
Support Resources
Suggested Pet loss support websites/ reading material:
Pet Loss and bereavement- www.Aplb.org
*Join a chat group or create a blog to deal
with the loss.
*University of Florida 352-392-4700 or 800-798-6196 staffed weekdays 7pm to 9pm (EST) by veterinary students.
*Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline 607-253-3932, staffed Tues to Thurs 6-9pm by veterinary students.
*Iams Pet Loss Support Center and Hotline
888-332-7738 Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm.
*Samaritan Counseling Centers
(Palm Beach County) 561-272-6322 or 561-832-7788
(Broward County) 954-463-6447
*Pet Loss Support Group- Greater Miami Humane Society 305-279-0520
*Humane Society of the Treasure 772-287-5753- Currently running once a month on a TBD date- may establish a more set schedule once program is up and running.
*Humane Society of Broward County 954-266-6815. Second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 530pm. By appointment only.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and 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 again caress the beloved head, 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...
Author Unknown
