Closing

Well, this will probably be my last post for this class. I'm glad I did this, however, because I have learned a lot about different aspects of the animal world. This assignment deepened my love and dedication for animals and has also given me the ability and knowledge to help them in more ways. I hope by reading my blog, you have possibly learned something you didn't already know, or perhaps it caused you to want to help animals in need.

Defeat the Meat

Below is a short paper I wrote for this class on why people should become vegetarians.

Defeat the Meat

What if you could improve your health, help protect the environment, and aid in animal welfare by simply changing one thing in your life? Would you do it? If you are like most people, you would gladly change a small aspect in your life to better these three areas. So what is the solution? Become a vegetarian. While most people consider the animals when adopting vegetarianism, they tend to be unaware of the benefits vegetarianism can also bring your body and the environment.

First, we need to understand what a vegetarian is. According to CNN, there are three main types of vegetarians: lacto-ovo-vegetarians are people who do not eat meat but still consume dairy products and eggs; lacto-vegetarians do not eat meat or eggs, but eat dairy products; vegans do not consume animal foods of any type; their diets consist of plant-based foods (Vegetarian diet: A starter's guide to a plant based diet.). So why do people decide to take meat, or all animal products, out of their diets? Some reasons include religion, personal health, animal rights, and environmental ethics.

Many people do not eat meat because of their religion. A few of these religions include: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and Taoism. Hinduism involves the karmic beliefs that the principal of non-violence is applied to animals. The first lay precept in Buddhism prohibits killing, which many believe that the law implies they should not eat meat. Jainism forbids the consumption of products obtained from animals. Judaism prohibits the consumption of pork and many Jews have chosen a vegetarianism diet. Taoism does not allow the consumption of meat, eggs, and milk, but it does allow its followers to eat oyster products (Vegetarianism and Religion).

The American Cancer Society, American Institute for Cancer Research, and the American Heart association all recommend a diet that is rich in plant-based foods. Diets rich in plant-based foods contain a large amount of antioxidants, phytochemicals, fiber, and low levels of saturated fat and cholesterol (10 Tips for Meatless Meals). It has been shown that a vegetarian usually eats 25% less fat than meat eaters, which contributes to a lower BMI (What are the benefits of vegetarianism?). Vegetarian diets are significantly lower in saturated fats and dietary protein, which lead to less health problems.

According to Tufts University Medical School and the New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston, evidence suggests that vegetarians are at lesser risk of obesity, lung cancer, alcoholism, hypertension, coronary artery disease, type II Diabetes, gallstones, and atonic constipation (CNN Food Central). A twenty year study conducted at Loma Linda University found that vegetarians usually live between ten to fifteen years longer than meat eaters (The Benefits of Vegetarianism). Due to the lower levels of fat in a vegetarian diet, a study suggests that the male meat-eaters’ risk of a heart attack is 50%, whereas men who do not eat meat have a 15% chance of suffering a heart attack (Go Veg). Moreover, “a vegetarian diet may be just as effective as statin drugs in lowering blood cholesterol” (Get the Facts about Vegetarian Diets).

There are also many mental illnesses that have been linked to the consumption of meat. People who have Alzheimer’s disease also have high levels homocysteine in their blood. Homocysteine levels can be lowered by avoiding meat and dairy products. A recent study at Harvard Medical School showed that “subjects who adopted a vegan diet had their homocysteine levels drop between 13% and 20% in just one week” (Vegetarianism: Mental Benefits). With all these health benefits, it’s amazing there aren’t more vegetarians in the world!

Sadly, animals raised for food aren’t raised the way we are used to seeing them on television and movies. Instead of having wide open green pastures with plentiful sunshine, most farm animals are crammed inside windowless buildings. The animals are stuffed into filthy and tiny cages that are so small, the animals can’t turn around, lie down comfortably, or even spread their wings. These animals “will never raise their families, root in the soil, build nests or do anything that is natural to them. They won’t even feel the sun on their backs or breathe fresh air until the day they are loaded onto trucks bound for slaughter” (Cruelty to Animals: Mechanized Madness).

The conditions and experiences factory farm animals endure would be considered animal cruelty if they were considered domestic pets such as cats, dogs, and horses. Factory farm animals experience “neglect, mutilation, genetic manipulation, and drug regimens that cause chronic pain and crippling, transport through all weather extremes, and gruesome and violent slaughter” (Cruelty to Animals: Mechanized Madness). Factory farm animals are given drugs to fatten them faster, and are genetically altered to grow faster or produce more eggs or milk than they would naturally. Many of these animals become crippled under their own weight (Cruelty to Animals: Mechanized Madness). According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, if humans grew as quickly as the birds on factory farms, we would be 349 pounds by the age of two (Eating for the Animals). After all this, we humans eat the flesh of these creatures that have been pumped full of hormones, antibiotics, and other drugs. Does anyone else fear our meat is a health hazard?

These animals are capable of having their own personalities, along with likes and dislikes, have the ability to feel pain, suffer from boredom and frustration, and can experience joy and contentment. Yet, we mindlessly kill them by the billions just so they can fill our plates. We do our best to keep our pets from experiencing pain, but we don’t seem to care about the animals we eat. It is important for us to realize where our meat comes from. The realizations of how these animals live, how they are treated, and how they die is quite unappetizing.

Every year, over 10 billion land animals are bred and killed solely for food in the U.S. alone (Eating for the Animals). To place this into perspective, 660,000 animals are killed for meat every hour. In a lifetime, the average American consumes “approximately 11 cattle, 3 sheep, 23 hogs, 45 turkeys, 1,100 chickens, and 862 pounds of fish” (Overview of the Vegetarianism Campaign). Just imagine all the lives you would be saving if you chose a meat free diet.

The most interesting and worldly important reason to become a vegetarian involves the environment and global warming. Surprisingly, recent studies at the University of Chicago found that “switching to vegetarian foods reduces individual greenhouse gas emissions more than replacing a gas-guzzler with a compact car” (Saving the Planet and Animals--One Bite at a Time). Even more surprising, a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported that “raising animals for food contributes more to global warming than all human transportation combined” (Saving the Planet and Animals--One Bite at a Time). Moreover, animal excrement and flatulence emits gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia which poison the air, along with methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide which are major contributors to global warming (Go Veg).

It costs an enormous amount of energy to raise animals for food. Animal agriculture requires an incredible amount of water. Take a bite out of this: it takes 2,500-5,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, but only 25 gallons of water to produce one pound of wheat (Wasted Resources-Water). According to GoVeg.com, a completely vegetarian diet requires only 300 gallons of water per day, while a meat-eating diet requires more than 4,000 gallons of water per day (Wasted Resources-Water). Interestingly, more than half of the water used in America today goes to agriculture, and the run-off from the farmed animals’ excrement is polluting our water (Go Veg).

What’s more is that a huge amount of grain, fossil fuels, and land is being used for animal agriculture. One study shows that “if Americans would reduce their consumption of meat by only 10%, the amount of grain wasted on animal feel that could be diverted for direct human consumption would be sufficient to adequately feed every one of the 60 million people who die from hunger each year. Ten people can be fed with the amount of grain needed to create enough meat to feed one person” (The Benefits of Vegetarianism). According to the USDA, animals raised for food in the United States consume 90% of the soy crop, 80% of the corn crop, and 70% of its grain (Ethics of Eating Meat).

The rainforests are also at stake. According to Greenpeace, “all the wild animals and trees in more than 2.9 million acres of rainforest were destroyed in the 2004-2005 crop season in order to grow crops that are used to feed chickens and other animal factory farms” (Wasted Resources: Rainforest). 80% of the soy grown in the Amazon rainforests is used to feed the world’s farmed animals (Wasted Resources: Rainforest). Raising animals for human consumption is one of the largest contributors to the depletion of the rainforests. All over the world, according to the Smithsonian Institute, “the equivalent of seven football fields of land is bulldozed every minute to create more room for farmed animals” (Wasted Resources:Land). You can help save the rainforest by simply switching to a meat-free diet.

By making the life changing decision to eliminate meat from your diet, you can increase your health, live longer, aid in decreasing the number of animals who are slaughtered daily, save the rainforests, and slow the process of global warming. Not only would you be helping yourself, but you would be helping the world and generations to follow. There has never been an easier way to change your life and the world you live in: defeat the meat today.

Works Cited

"10 Tips for Meatless Meals." 2007. WebMD. 22 November 2007 .

"About." 2007. V is for Vegetarian: Defining a Lifestyle Choice. 16 November 2007 .

"CNN Food Central." 2000. CNN. 15 November 2007 .

"Cruelty to Animals: Mechanized Madness." 2007. Go Veg. 16 November 2007 .

"Eating for the Animals." 27 November 2007. The Humane Society of the United States. 2007 November 2007 .

"Ethics of Eating Meat." 2007. Wikipedia. 23 November 2007 .

"Get the Facts about Vegetarian Diets." 2007. WebMD. 18 November 2007 .

"Go Veg." 2007. Vegetarian 101. 18 November 2007 .

"Overview of the Vegetarianism Campaign." 2007. Animal Aid. 27 November 2007 .

"Saving the Planet and Animals--One Bite at a Time." 2007. The Humane Society of the United States. 18 November 2007 .

"The Benefits of Vegetarianism." 2004. Ohio Oak Cats University. 12 November 2007 .

"Vegetarian diet: A starter's guide to a plant based diet." 06 January 2006. Mayo Clinic. 14 November 2007 .

"Vegetarianism and Religion." 2007. Wikipedia. 14 11 2007 .

"Vegetarianism: Mental Benefits." Celestial Healing. 16 November 2007 .

"Wasted Resources: Rainforest." 2007. GoVeg. 2007 November 27 .

"Wasted Resources:Land." 2007. Go Veg. 27 November 2007 .

"Wasted Resources-Water." Go Veg. 18 November 2007 .

"What are the benefits of vegetarianism?" Vegetarianism. 23 November 2007 .

Breed Specific Legislation

What is Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)? BSL is a law, ordinance, or policy which pertains to specific dog breeds. The term is most commonly used to refer to legal restrictions or prohibitions on the breeding and/or ownership of these breeds. In America, it is illegal to own American Pit Bull Terriers in some cities and/or counties. Some areas have also placed restrictions on the availability of homeowners insurance of many breeds, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Akitas. California implemented a law which requires mandatory spay/neutering of only those breeds that have been proven dangerous.

So does this prove Pit Bulls and other "bully breeds" are more dangerous than other dogs? No! In fact, Rottweilers have shown an equal propensity for dog attacks but are rarely included in BSL. Dobermans, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Alaskan Malamutes, Mastiffs, and Huskies frequently injure humans but do not experience the same scrutiny as Pit Bulls. In 2000, a small Pomeranian killed a 6 week old baby, yet Pomeranians do not carry the stigma of killers. So why do pit bulls carry the stigma?

Pit Bulls were bred genetically for their fighting, protection, and hog catching abilities. As a form of early entertainment that still exists today, people use Pit Bulls as fighting dogs. People chose Pits because of how incredibly strong the breed is. Pits have heavy jaws, determination, and a high tolerance for pain. In order to make the dogs angry, the people starve, torture, poke, rial, and abuse the dogs. Humans make these dogs feel that other dogs are the enemy. This of course, makes the dog angry and ready to fight.

Myths about Pit Bulls include: Pit Bulls and mean and vicious; Pit Bulls have locking jaws; Pit Bulls have to be trained to fight; scars on a Pit Bull always means they've fought; dog aggressive Pit Bulls should be euthanized; Pit Bulls are unpredictable around children; and If a Pit Bull shows aggression towards other animals, it will go after people next. To read the explanation to these myths, please click here.

To read why these laws don't work and suggested alternatives to these laws, click here.

It's sad that these dogs, have been labeled as vicious killers. There isn't such a thing as a bad dog...just bad owners. People should learn how to properly train, socialize, and learn about their dogs. Just because your dog is comfortable and well behaved around you, doesn't mean he'll react the same to a rambunctious child, a stranger, or another dog. No matter what kind of dog you have, as an owner, you should always take precautions when your dog is around other animal or person. We don't think of Pomeranians as vicious, cruel, baby killers even though it's been reported to happen. We shouldn't blame a breed of dog for what a few have been forced to do in their past, or have done. This would be as intelligent as believing the stereotypes of different races. People need to take responsibility for their animals...whatever breed they may be.

Sugar Gliders--Part Two

If you've decided that you're up to the challenge of 10-15 years of sugar glider expense, time, and effort, there is still more you need to know. First, you need to check to make sure sugar gliders are allowed as pets in your state. You should also make sure there is a vet in your area who specializes in exotics. Call around and ask if the vets are qualified to work with sugar gliders, if they've had any experience, and if they are trained in exotics. You don't want to get sugar gliders if you cannot find a vet in case of emergencies or check ups. Next, you need to get a cage, toys, water bottles, food dishes, and pouches for your suggies. Once you have their home set up, glider proof your house as much as possible. This means getting outlet covers, always closing toilet seats, not allowing your gliders to be near water or any moving mechanical appliances, or in the kitchen (When I let my gliders out, they are restricted to my bedroom. The doors are close enough to the ground that they cannot slide under. I also get an old comforter to cover my bed so when the gliders have accidents, they aren't doing it on my blankets). Make sure to take out any breakables or valuables. Gliders will explore and try to climb on everything. Some gliders chew more than others, so take out any books, plants, human food, or drinks in the room (they will try to dive into your drink).

Once your home is ready, you can start looking for a sugar glider. Just like puppies from puppy mills, people should NOT buy sugar gliders from pet shops, fairs, or random stores. If you want a baby suggie, find a legit, licensed breeder. I would recommend going to www.thepetglider.com. Moreover, many people try to sell their sugar gliders after a few years when the fun has "gone." People can usually buy sugar gliders from Craigslist.com from people who no longer want their gliders. I suggest getting these gliders because they are usually already socialized, in need of a loving and caring home, and often come with toys, etc. However, the decision is up to you. Make sure to get suggies of the same sex unless you plan on getting the male castrated. Breeding sugar gliders is a very stressful and costly thing to do...leave it to the professionals. Moreover, it is illegal to breed sugar gliders without a license.

After you bring your suggies home, let them get acquainted with their new surroundings and their new cage for a few days. Allow them to get used to your smell. You can do this by putting socks or shirts in the cage or pouch with your gliders (use ones that do not have perfume, cologne, deodorant, or other chemicals on them). Once your gliders have settled in, you can try to take them out. Do not forcibly pull them out of their pouches or chase them around their cage--this can frighten them. Take the pouch out of the cage (or open the cage door) and let your gliders come out when they feel ready. After your gliders have been with you for a few weeks, start bonding with them. Place your gliders in a bonding pouch (preferably one that has a Velcro or zipper top so they can't sneak out) and place the pouch under your shirt. You can do this any day you please (as long as the conditions are safe for the gliders). By using the bonding pouch, your suggies get used to your smell and your voice...allowing them to trust you. When your suggies are in the cage, talk to them often, bring them treats, let them know that your presence is a positive thing. Most gliders bond really well with one person. This means you almost become like a sugar glider to them. You will be their favorite hangout place, and a friend.

Sugar gliders are amazing little creatures but they must be properly cared for. If you have any doubt that you cannot provide everything they need, do not get gliders. Suggies are very high maintenance and live quite a while. Having gliders is a huge commitment but with the right person, can be very rewarding.

Sugar Gliders--Part One

It's a squirrel! It's a rat! Maybe a bat? No, it's a sugar glider! Okay, so what is a sugar glider? A sugar glider is a marsupial (opossum) that is originally from Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand, and Indonesia. In the wild, they live in the canopy of rainforests. Wild gliders eat bugs, nectar, sap, fruit, vegetables, and animals smaller than them. They are also nocturnal (hence their big, black eyes). Gliders live in colonies of 6 to 15, are very social animals, and live between 10 to 15 years of age. They have membranes that connect from their wrists to their ankles, allowing them to glide and soar like Flying Squirrels. However, keep in mind that Sugar Gliders are marsupials, Flying Squirrels are rodents. Also, sugar gliders are smaller than flying squirrels (they weigh around 4 ounces and are about 7 inches long from nose to tail tip). Moreover, gliders have four fingers and an opposable thumb on their hands and feet. These little hands, along with sharp claws, make climbing a breeze.


As a proud owner of 3 sugar gliders, I've done plenty of research on these amazing little creatures. I was first introduced to gliders when a friend mentioned he wanted one. Sugar gliders have become popular pets due to the stigma of "pocket pets." While gliders are small, smart, and adorable, many people don't realize how much work and money goes into having sugar gliders. First of all, sugar glider owners should always get more than one glider. These little animals are very sociable and will get depressed and lonely if they live alone. Loneliness can actually kill gliders. Secondly, they need a large cage. For 3 sugar gliders, the recommended cage height is 6 ft (also, the cage has to be powder coated for the safety of the gliders) and at least 8 ft around. The cage should also be filled with plenty of toys, and pouches. Gliders need variety to keep them entertained and busy. If their toys aren't changed out regularly, they can get depressed, lethargic, and overweight. Most toys that can be given to birds can be given to gliders. Just take care to watch for strings as they can get caught around a glider's leg. Running wheels are another way to keep the critter's active. Gliders should also be given a variety of places to sleep. The group will almost always cuddle and sleep together, but they should be given choices. Sugar gliders' cages and toys should also be cleaned once a week. Gliders eat, climb, and play with their hands, while walking across the soiled cage. If the cages aren't thoroughly cleaned (hot water, mild dish soap and a scrub brush...works wonders), the gliders can become sick, thin, and sad.

To maintain their proper weight and receive enough exercise, sugar gliders should be allowed to run free at least a few nights a week. This means a minimum of 3 hours a night...many suggie parents end up becoming nocturnal themselves. However, you CANNOT let them play without supervising them. Gliders can fit through the smallest of areas which means they can get trapped or wander into vents, toilets (they can't swim), dishwashers, dryer, washing machines, etc. Gliders also like to chew on things...this means wires, books, furniture, appliances, fingers, etc. You don't want your glider chewing and possibly eating anything that would cause them harm or upset you. You must stay with your gliders and watch them at all times; gliders are curious creatures and can get into trouble very easily. Also, gliders cannot be potty trained. They will poop and pee on you, your furniture, your carpet, and anything else they come across.

Moreover, gliders must have variety in their diet. This includes fresh fruit, veggies, bugs, and protein (such as bananas, cantelope, watermelon, honeydew, grapes, raisins, oats, bread, cooked turkey, hard boiled eggs, carrots, peas, kiwi, papaya, mango, meal worms, crickets, grasshoppers, etc etc). Once again, if gliders are fed the same thing over and over, they will become bored and depressed. They may stop eating. Also, I recommend glider pellets and glider vitamins as a part of their diet. These things keep the gliders healthy and active. None of their food is very cheap...so expect on spending a decent amount of money on their food. In addition, gliders tend to be messy eaters. They like to spit, throw, and fling their food in all directions. You will need to clean up after them.

Microchips: Worth the Investment

By now, almost all pet owners have heard of microchips. However, you may have a lot of questions about them: What are they? How are they inserted? How long do they last? Where are the placed? etc. I'll answer these questions along with others. Hopefully by the end of the blog, you'll agree that microchips are worth the investment. Image above courtesy of Avid Microchip I.D.

Microchips are tiny computer chips which have an identification number programmed into it. The chips are enclosed in a smooth, biocompatible glass and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. A veterinarian, the Humane Society, or animal shelters tend to be the people who insert the chips. The microchip is usually injected deeply under the skin, between the shoulder blades of cats and dogs. The animals usually feel slightly uncomfortable when the microchip is being injected, but it is not any more painful than a shot. Microchips are biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and non-offensive. The procedure is quick and it doesn't leave any scarring. A small layer of connective tissue forms around the microchips, when properly implanted, preventing movement or migration of the chip. Neither you, nor anyone else, should ever be able to feel the chip in your animal's skin.

Microchips are guaranteed for the life of your animal, and can be inserted any time after 5-8 weeks old on dogs and cats. Practically any animal, including (but not limited to) birds, fish, turtles, llamas, horses, rabbits, and pigs can be injected with a microchip. After a microchip is implanted, a vet or animal shelter can run a scanner over the shoulder blades. The scanner sends a safe radio signal into the microchip; when the chip receives the signal, it sends the microchip number back to the scanner to be displayed in a viewing window. There are many different brands of microchips (the most popular are Avid Microchip, HomeAgain, and 24PetWatch), but they all work the same way and give the same ID number. When a you register your pet and their microchip, you will give out information such as: address, phone number, emergency contact, and veterinarian; your animal's name, age, gender, and breed. This way, if your pet ever gets lost, shelters and/or vets know how to contact you and where.

Now that you know what microchips are and how they work...why do you need one? According to www.24PetWatch.com, millions of pets are lost or abandoned every year. Of these, only 14% of dogs and 4% of cats are returned home. Microchipping is the only permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you. What if you had to abandon your animal in a situation like Hurricane Catrina? What if a child opened your gate and forgot to close it? What if your pet went searching to find the root of a scent and couldn't find it's way home? Isn't it important that you and your pet can be safely reunited? Vets and shelters always scan animals when they first arrive...microchipping is the best way to assure you and your pet can be reunited from loss or theft.

Losing a Pet

I decided to write about the loss of a pet in the memory of my dog of 15 years, Misty. My family bought Misty, a black poodle, when I was in 4th grade. She was supposed to be a toy, but she grew to a size in between a toy and a miniature. Misty had the biggest personality. She would help me chase and capture ground squirrels, she'd dig with me, she'd swim beside me even though she didn't care for the water, and she'd cuddle next to me every night. Misty was special. She had been with my family through thick and thin. This amazing little dog had to be put to sleep in September...she was becoming so old and senile that her quality of life had diminished. She could hardly see or hear, she could no longer control her bladder, and she no longer cared for the things she used to. The decision to put her down was hard since her body (with the exception of her eyes, ears, and bladder) was in such great condition. Misty could still run around and play like a puppy when she wanted, though it seemed those days were few and far between. She is now buried beneath her favorite shady tree in my mom's yard, with her blanket and a few favorite toys.

I never thought that losing a pet would be as difficult for me as it actually was. Going home to my mom's house was hard...I kept expecting to see her greet me with her happy smile. I'd roll over in bed and instinctively reach to pet her. I finally had to accept the fact that she was gone. My family and I cried for days over the loss of our wonderful pet, and it helped to realize I was not alone. While many people don't understand the connection and love people can feel for their pets, there are just as many people out there who love and grieve over their pets like I did. I learned there are hotlines, support groups, and internet sites which help people cope with the loss of their pets. When you lose a pet that was a member of your family for so many years, you tend to grieve over their death like you would with a human. There are even websites that allow people to say prayers, talk with others, and join in a candle lit vigil. Although this may seem funny and extreme to some people, others find it helpful and even necessary when dealing with the loss of their furry friends.

Euthanasia is especially difficult. Many pet owners feel guilty, as if they should have tried harder, or done more to keep their pet alive. However, you must question your pet's quality of life. Are you wanting to keep your pet around longer for your sake, or for his/hers? Your pet always tried to do the best for you and help you when you felt bad...return the favor and do what is best for your friend. Even though it is so extremely difficult, sometimes the decision has to be made. Make it with your pet in mind.

When grieving for a pet or a human, we must understand the stages of grief so we can heal.

THE STAGES OF GRIEF (courtesy of Grieving)

In truth, the process of grief is not a cut and dried process that can be subdivided into strict categories. Rather, the grief process is a continuum, with each person experiencing it in a different way. Dividing the grief process in to "stages" helps the grief stricken person to understand that their experiences and emotions are normal. Some people will quickly progress through all the phases, while others appear to get "stuck" in a particular phase. Briefly, the stages of grief are as follows:

1. SHOCK AND DENIAL
The reality of death has not yet been accepted by the bereaved. He or she feels stunned and bewildered-as if everything is "unreal."

2.ANGER
The grief stricken person often lashes out at family, friends, themselves, God, the Veterinarian or the world in general. Bereaved people will also experience feelings of guilt or fear during this stage.

3. BARGAINING
In this stage, the bereaved asks for a deal or reward from either God, the Veterinarian or the Clergy. Comments like "I'll go to Church every day, if only my pet will come back to me" are common.

4. DEPRESSION
Depression occurs as a reaction to the changed way of life created by the loss. The bereaved person feels intensely sad, hopeless, drained and helpless. The pet is missed and thought about constantly.

5. ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance comes when the changes brought upon the person by the loss are stabilized into a new lifestyle.
The depth and intensity of the mourning process depends on many factors. The age of the owner, circumstances surrounding the death, relationship of the animal to the owner and to other family members, are all significant. Recently experiencing the death of a significant person in the owner's life can also affect how the pet's death is handled. Usually, children recover more quickly, while the elderly take the longest. Sometimes, the death of a pet will finally enable the bereaved to mourn the loss of a person, whose death had not yet been accepted.

Coping with the death of a pet can be a difficult and painful experience. I urge anyone who may be going through these times to seek help...whether it be articles on the internet, a friend, or a counselor. Donate to a shelter in the memory of your pet. Have a small funeral service for your pet. Buy a memorial stone to place over the pet's grave. Learn about grieving, and then begin the healing process. I know it can be a painful and hard road, but eventually the pain will heal and all that will be left are the sweet memories you and your friend shared.

Read the poem of the Rainbow Bridge here.

A poem dedicated to those who must choose euthanasia:

If it Should Be

Before I grow too frail and weak,

And all that’s left is peace in sleep,

I know you’ll do what must be done,

To end this fight that can’t be won.

I don’t fear death as humans do,

So let me try to comfort you.

Come: let us take a quiet stroll,

And share some quietness soul to soul.

No need for words between you and I,

No need to say a last goodbye.

We’ve grown so close in mind and heart,

It seems so cruel that we must part.

Be sure I sense the pain you’ll feel,

Without me walking at your heel.

The days will feel full of despair,

Your puppy simply won’t be there.

In time the pain will slowly wane,

You’ll think of me and smile again.

You’ll speak with love and pride of me,

Your extra-special puppy.

Now take me where my needs they’ll tend,

And stay there with me till the end.

Hold me close with soft good-byes,

Until life’s bright light has left my eyes.

The final sound I need to hear,

Is your soft voice upon my ear.

Your loving face will fade and dim,

As the rush of Heaven closes in.

-Author unknown