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Pet Memorials
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In the United States, our culture provides no recognized ways of putting a beloved animal to rest. We all have our own ways of grieving, so it can be helpful to create our own rituals, for example: - Write a eulogy about what your animal meant to you |
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Memorials at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital
Knickers, an adorable Lhasa Apso, died March 7, 1999. Knickers’ loving human companions established a memorial fund at Pilchuck in Knickers’ name. With the help of many friends, Pilchuck can create a permanent memory of your pet. Each pet is handled with respect to make a clay paw print prior to cremation. Contributions are helping to fund a private consultation room at the hospital. If you would like to help, please email Lori Brannan or call her at 360-568-3113 or 800-208-9192.
We invite you to send us your memories and tributes to include here.
Memorials We've Received
One Small Furry Friend
There was in our home, this small furry friend,
Who came into our lives so willingly,
Who didn’t require much, but a little food,
Who only asked for some of our love and attention, a stroke of her silky fur.
This friend of ours didn’t judge anyone,
All who entered our home were a source of love.
She asked for so little, but gave so much.
Never was she too tired, too hungry,
Never too sick to show us love.
In every way possible she demonstrated her love,
With the look on her face, the sparkle in her eye, the sound of her purr.
How she waited for us to show her some attention, so she could show us her love.
How she lived the golden rule!
This friend was one of our family, a most important part of our lives.
She is sadly missed, but we are so much better
For her having shared her life with us.
We can think of nothing, and perhaps
No one that better taught us to give and receive love openly,
As this one small furry friend.
- Lori Brannan’s revisions of Merrill O. Fisher’s poem in honor of T.S., died 1999
Remembering Pearl
March 26, 1986 - October 27, 2000
My dear beloved Pearl left us on Friday, October 27 with her characteristic cheerful grace and gentleness. Although it was no surprise, nothing could prepare me for the actual loss of her sweet blond presence.
For six months Pearl had compensated admirably for her steadily declining body. Like the people who just don’t have time to be sick, she continued to enjoy her life while she tilted and trembled, teetered and quaked. Finally, her fuzzy old body wore out, and the end came quickly, without struggle.
I am thankful to have spent nearly 15 years with such a loving creature. A joyful golden retriever who made friends everywhere, it was her special gift to welcome us to love her just as fully in return. She invited connection.
A lovely Cornus kousa (Korean dogwood) seedling started by a friend has joined our family of plants to remind us of Pearl. A dogwood can be identified by its bark, of course.
- Barbara Breckenfeld
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see also:
Competition & Working Animals
Successful Treatment
Euthanasia & Saying Goodbye
Animal Jokes
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