pet loss: February 2011 Archives
I'm not aware of any groups that meet in the South Bay around this concern (if anyone knows of
group meetings, send us the information and we can post it). But there are some online sites that can provide solace for owners who are missing their best friends.This story by the Associated Press on the Daily Breeze website highlights a few of them such as Doggy Heaven and Immortal Pets.
(AP Photo/Amy Sancet)
From the story:
The (online) obituaries -- accompanied by photo montages, poems, and notes of condolence from friends and fellow pet owners -- are a part therapy and part memorial, a way to grieve and a way to immortalize. ...
"It's a reflection of the social fabrice, says Samantha Gowen, who writes the Orange County Register's Pet Tales blog which regularly includes obituaries sent in by readers.
..... Online obituaries offer pet owners a way to tap into that network, find support and channel the pain of losing a pet.Doggy Heaven began about two years ago and now has a database of more than 1,200 dog obituaries. The site is free and allows owners to post photos and information, with an option also for visitors to add messages.
Immortal Pets has about 2,000 pet obituaries for dogs, cats, birds and even rats. There is a section for free obituaries.
I've noticed that Facebook provides another outlet. And here at South Bay Pets we're always glad to take submissions from readers who would like to tell the world about their special pet.
The Daily Breeze also has memorial ads (Daily Breeze/Pet Memories) you can purchase (prices range from $49 to $97, depending on the size) that will be published in the paper as well as online at South Bay Pet Talk. Contact Christina Haidet at 310-540-5511, Ext. 6399 or e-mail her at christina.haidet@dailybreeze.com.
About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.