Pet Loss for Seniors is Devastating!Pet Loss for Seniors is Devastating, especially if they no longer have a spouse.The pet has been a source of companionship that might have been missing in a widower or widows life. I recently had my dearest friend loose her dog to cancer. As if loosing a loved one, such as a spouse or child isn't bad enough, the loss of a pet can be almost as devastating. We must understand that a pet to a senior is a reason to continue on even at times when you feel lonely. I know, I have three. 
So why even get a pet to begin with? Well, why have a child or a mate? Companionship is a healthy thing and is truly a wonderful safe way to help seniors live longer and more independently. As for my friend, luckily, she has another one. But it doesn't make the hurt any less felt. Because of this event, I wanted to find something special for her as a momentum of sorts. Something that let her know that I realized her tremendous loss and that could help her through the mourning process. My friend choose to cremate her pet and I had no idea that you could even do that. What a great idea. I have three little fur balls of my own and I would never want to bury them and have to leave them behind if I have to move one day. I even have a small insurance policy just for their care if I go before them.
I went with my friend to pick up her pet's ashes after the vets office had cremated him. They put his ashes in a small felt bag. So I thought, now what? Do you put him in a drawer, in an urn on the mantel, or where? I got on line and starting searching. I found several solutions. There are a few memorial web-sites for pet loss cedar boxes that can be engraved or laser burned with names or pictures of your loved one on it. There are also "tear bottles" for a sympathy gift. I had never known of tear bottles but what a very touching idea and I bet most seniors know exactly what they are. 
My point to all of this is to remind us that a pet is part of the family and needs to be treated like it, for the sake of the owner. Also with us Seniors, we need that closure and perhaps a new companion to take it's place. Yet, always a place in the home and an understanding friend or relative to help with the memorial of a Seniors loss, there are several compassionate web sites to provide us with the help we need to continue on with living. Return to Home Page from Pet Loss for Seniors is Devastating!
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