Few relationships are as strong and uncomplicated as the human-pet bond…unconditional love and acceptance in its purest form. The inevitable loss of a pet is a heartbreaking experience.

So how do you cope? Experts agree that the grieving process is just as necessary for the loss of a beloved animal as it is for a human friend. Our society tends to sympathize with children who lose a pet but is often insensitive toward adults who suffer the same loss. “It was just a dog. You can get another one,” is the sympathy offered, but it isn’t that simple. Grief for human loss and grief for pet loss are not significantly different in quality and intensity.

Recognizing the need for grief counseling, some veterinary colleges have set up hot lines. If normal feelings of loss persist longer than a few weeks, ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter for help. Support groups may be available through hospitals or humane societies.

Breaking the news to your children about the death of a pet is tough. Kids often ask frank questions. And your answers should always be honest and empathetic. Here are some tips:

• Explain that no living thing lasts forever and that death is simply a natural part of life. This may be a child’s first experience with death, and you have the opportunity here to turn it into an important lesson in coping.
• Show your own emotions so your child understands that talking and crying about the loss are normal reactions.
• Avoid euphemisms such as “we are putting Muffy to sleep,” so you don’t create an unhealthy association between sleep and death.
• Read a book or story to comfort your child. A book such as Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant (Blue Press, 1995) may be able to help your child envision dog afterlife.

Plan a ceremony for your pet. Collect photos, write poetry and gather together with family members to share special memories and grieve.

Should you consider getting another dog right away? Although it may promote healing in some people, it’s not the answer for everyone. If you do get a puppy or a new dog, sometimes a different breed is a good choice to minimize “replacement” feelings.

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 warn and comfortable.

All the animals who have 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 begins to quiver. 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 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 together you and your special pet cross the RAINBOW BRIDGE .