Animals Connect Us: A place to honor our beloved friends  

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.Anatole France

 
  

 You are not alone

Grieving is a very natual, individual, and important process. Some research shows that sometimes the loss of a beloved animal can be just as painful, and in some cases, more painful than losing a human. 
 

Sometimes it feels as though the pain is unbearable and will never end, but working through the grief will help you to move toward a fuller life.  It is important to give yourself the time and space to heal from the painful decision you need to make, and/or from the grief of the loss of your beloved pet.  

 

  The grief over a loss of a beloved animal is genuine, and the pain is real

 
My name is Tracie Barton-Barrett and, as the founder of Animals Connect Us, I am here to lend a supportive and a listening ear to help you with your feelings of grief, or any difficult decisions you may need to make about your animal, and to ultimately help you celebrate and honor the sacred connection you share. 
 

 Many People Feel...
  • Immense sadness; loneliness
  • Confusion
  • Embarrassed
  • Overwhelmed
  • Misunderstood
  •  Anger (At others, God, self)

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  The Process of Pet Loss Usually Involves the Following...

  1. Truly feel your grief and feelings, and give it a voice.
  2. Commemorate your pet, either in a memorial, painting, poem, prayer, or whatever you feel will be helpful to you.
  3. Find a special place in your heart for your beloved pet, and make room for new animals to come in.
  4. Redirect and channel your new energy to loving another animal who needs love, which will contribute to your healthier life and wellbeing. 

     

 There are many ways to celebrate the good times with our animals. But, often times there is not enough attention given to the sad, painful, and end-of -life issues with our animals.  You might feel as if there is nowhere to go when you have to deal with the difficult and painful issues of a sick or dying animal, or an animal who has died.  This is why I founded Animals Connect Us; so that you would have a place to find healing in your grief and in remembering your beloved pet.

You might feel confused and sad about your beloved pet, and there might be people in your life who don't understand, even those who are close to you. It is important to remember your feelings are natural. You might be concerned that your grief is so deep that it will go on forever. This is rare and many people benefit from talking and reminiscing about their beloved pet. Our animals have touched our lives and we want to share those stories, which is a testament to the love and bond to your animal.  I truly understand the loss of a beloved animal and want to provide support for you too. 
 

In Special Memoriam:

My beloved furbaby Boo-Boo Burbles Barton-Barrett died peacefully on February 6, 2009. She was my beloved companion for 17 1/2 years, and touched my life in ways that I never thought possible. Although only a tiny body of 5 pounds, she continues to be the inspiration for my work, as I continue to help others with their grief and honoring other animals as well.

              

 

If you are in crisis, or in need to talk to someone immediately, please contact one of the following for help and support:

Arizona: Companion Animal Association - (602) 995-5885 (24 hrs)

Colorado: Colorado State University - (970) 297-1242 (M-F 9-5 MT)

D.C./Maryland/Virginia: The PAL Pet Loss Comfort Line can be accessed by calling the PAL office in Washington, D.C., 202-966-2171, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5 pm. You will be referred to a PAL counselor. http://peopleanimalslove.com

Florida: University of Floriday - (904) 392-4700 x 4080 (M-F 7-9pm ET)

Illinois: Chicago Veterinary Medical Association - (630) 325-1600 (leave voice-mail; calls returned between 7-9 pm; long distance calls returned collect)

Illinois: University of Illinois CARE Pet Loss Helpline - (877)394-2273 (toll-free) Sun/T/Th 7-9pm CST; voice mail messages will be returned.

Indiana: Pet Loss Support Group - (317) 251-4028

Iowa: Iowa State University Pet Loss Support Hotline - (888) 478-7574 (toll-free).

Maryland, Virginia, DC: Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine - (540) 231-8038 (T/Th 6-9pm ET)

Maryland, Virginia, DC: PAL Pet Loss Hotline, (202) 966-2172, 9-5.

Massachusetts: Tufts University - (508) 839-7966 (T/Th 6-9pm ET)

Michigan: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine - (517) 432-2696 (T/Th 7:30-9:30pm ET)

Minnesota: Social Work Services, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center - 612-624-9372

New Jersey: PetFriends Inc. - (800) 404-PETS, (856) 234-4688 for local southern NJ calls. Phones answered 24 hours a day.

Ohio: The Ohio State University Companion Animal Listening Line - (614) 292-1823 - MWF M-F 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm EST, Sat-Sun 10 am Ð 4 pm EST; voice-mail messages will be returned. (Most hotline volunteers are veterinary students, therefore hours are dependant on volunteer availability and may be more limited during summer months.)

Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine - (215) 898-4525

Texas: United Way Helpline - (210) 227-4357 (7am-3pm CT)

Virginia, Maryland, DC: PAL Pet Loss Hotline, (202) 966-2172, 9-5.

Virginia: Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, T/Th 6-9 PM ET - (540) 231-8038