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THE PET PASTOR
Ministering to Animals and their Guardians
UNTIL A PERSON HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, A PART OF ONE'S SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED. Qoute by Anatole France. I LOVE ANIMALS!!!! What can I say? We certainly could learn a lot from our animal friends. This page is dedicated to the animals that share many of our lives. These animals are an important and integral part of who we are and we should not be ashamed to say so whether it be while they are still vibrant and lively or when they are sick and are in need of our help. We should also not be ashamed when our animal friends pass away and we mourn them for we have lost an important part of our life, no less important than if it was a human friend or relative. Matthew7 is a Christian web site and some of the things we will discuss on this site are topics such as animals possessing souls and animals going to heaven. We encourage our visitors to send articles, poems or anything of interest that might help in a difficult time that you might be experiencing with your animal friends. We will post various articles and pieces of literature that we hope will bring you peace or help you to come to terms with some of the problematic issues surrounding pet illness and bereavement. We will also have a Pet Pastor Prayer Page for you to post prayers on as you need them. If we pray for people when they are sick and distressed why should we not also extend the same love and concern to our non human counterparts? We are also establishing a Pet Memorial Page that we encourage you to use by sending us pictures and a story about your deceased pet. They may have left us but we can still keep their memory alive. Prayers can be posted directly to the Prayer Page and memorials can be sent to us at our e-mail address matthew7_7@sympatico.ca. The main philosophy of Matthew7 has always been and will always be ministering to those in need with no regard for financial recognition. If however you would like to assist us in our work so that we may bring aid and succor to others in times of trouble we would welcome your donations either through our Donations Page or through direct contact as found on our Home Page.Every assistance, no matter the size is greatly appreciated.In advance , we thank you and bless you for your aid. The Pet Pastor is a member of the Bereavement Ontario Network and the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. The Pet Pastor is also a proud member of the Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group and also its Chaplain.  Being able to speak to somebody in a time of need such as bereavement is one of the most helpful things a person can experience. I am personally involved with a wonderful group called the Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group. They hold meetings once a month, usually the 4th Saturday of each month, at the Clarkson Community Police Station, 2057 Royal Windsor Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.Terry and Irene who founded this group are two of the most compassionate and professional people I have ever met. Listening to some of the participants in the group, it is obvious they have helped many people get through some very difficult times. I would highly recommend contacting Terry or Irene or actually coming out to one of the meetings if you are in the Greater Toronto Area. Healing is a long and complicated process and this group could certainly help you no matter where you are in your grieving. For more information or to contact somebody with the Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group, simply click on the following link. Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group
In reference to pet loss support groups I would like to take this opportunity to make people aware that there is now a pet loss support group serving the Peterborough, Ontario area. If you are in this area, please feel free to access their web site through the following link. I trust they will be able to help you in your time of need. The Peterborough Pet Loss Support Group IMPORTANT HEALTH ALERT!!! I asked my vet about this and confirmed it and the link to Snopes is at the bottom:
Warning to all dog owners - pass this on to everyone you can. Last Friday evening, I arrived home from work, fed Chloe, our 24 Lb. dachshund, just as I normally do. Ten minutes later I walked into the den just in time to see her head inside the pocket of Katie's friend's purse. She had a guilty look on her face so I looked closer and saw a small package of sugar-free gum.
It contained xylitol. I remembered that I had recently read that sugar-free gum can be deadly for dogs so I jumped on line and looked to see if xylitol was the ingredient. I found the first website below and it was the one. Next, I called our vet. She said to bring her in immediately. Unfortunately, it was still rush hour and it took me almost 1/2 hour to get there. Meanwhile, since this was her first case, our vet found another website to figure out the treatment. She took Chloe and said they would induce her to vomit, give her a charcoal drink to absorb the toxin
(even though they don't think it works) then they would start an iv with dextrose. The xylitol causes dogs to secrete insulin so their blood sugar drops very quickly. The second thing that happens is liver failure. If that happens, even with aggressive treatment, it can be difficult to save them. She told us she would call us. Almost two hours later, the vet called and said that contents of her stomach contained 2-3 gum wrappers and that her blood sugar had dropped from
90 to 59 in 30 minutes. She wanted us to take Chloe to another hospital that has a critical care unit operating around the clock. We picked her up and took her there. They had us call the ASPCA poison control for a case number and for a donation, their doctors would direct Chloe's doctor on treatment. They would continue the iv, monitor her blood every other hour and then in 2 days test her liver function. She ended up with a central line in her jugular vein since the one in her leg collapsed, just as our regular vet had feared. Chloe spent almost the entire weekend in the critical care hospital. After her blood sugar was stabilized, she came home yesterday. They ran all the tests again before they released her and so far, no sign of liver damage. Had I not seen her head in the purse, she probably would have died and we wouldn't even had known why.
Three vets told me this weekend, that they were amazed that I even knew about it since they are first learning about it too. Please tell everyone you know about xylitol and dogs. It may save another life.
HEALTH ALERT!!!
I recently found this warning on the internet and wanted to bring it to your attention. This morning, my daughter, Dorothy, who has had our Anny for going on two years had a frightening incident, and I think it warrants an FYI warning to these lists. Dorothy is taking care of a friend's Border Terrier for the weekend while her friend is out of town. The Border Terrier and Anny are very good friends: indeed, Anny often stays in the Border Terrier's home when Dorothy is out of town. Anny is an easy-going dog who thinks every dog she sees is her friend. Around 7 am, the two dogs were playing in the living room, and the Border Terrier started screaming, obviously in great pain. By the time my daughter got into the room, it appeared that the two dogs were playing, but the screaming continued and the Border Terrier was now snapping and trying to bite Anny. The two dogs appeared to be attached to each other. As she got closer, Dorothy saw that the Border Terrier was somehow attached to Anny's collar. Fortunately, it was a fast-release collar, and Dorothy got it off of Anny, and my younger grandson took Anny out of the room. That was when Dorothy saw that the S-ring attachment to Anny's rabies tag was attached to the Border Terrier's upper eyelid. She could not take it off herself, so they took the BT and collar to the emergency vet. There the vet removed the S-ring and freed the dog. She also put the dog on an antibiotic eye cream (if I understood correctly). But what she told Dorothy was very serious. She said that this is not unusual. In fact, this was the second incident this month for this emergency clinic. The other incidnet involved two black labs who were swimming and playing in the water together, and in that case, one black lab's lower eyelid got caught in the S-ring tag connector on the other dog's collar. The vet told my daughter to never use the S-ring attachments. Instead, she said to use the ones that make a complete circle.  If you love animals and their relationship with us, you have to love this short video. Click on the following link to view. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAk8Z8Bcsz8  Just recently I had the privilege to find a wonderful company that specializes in helping people deal with the death of a pet. They are are a very professional and compassionate group of individuals who will help you through the difficult details of what to do after a beloved pet passes away. I am including an article from the Toronto Star that will give you more details about Pets at Peace. I would also suggest that you visit their informative web site as it is always better to have information before you need it. You can click on the following link to access the Pets at Peace web site. Pets at Peace Funerals are Cat's Meow 2007/08/29-Toronto Star As more folks eschew embalming and pricey caskets, and opt for simple, dignified disposal of loved ones' remains, some funeral directors have found a brilliant way to supplement their income: dead pets. A visit to www.petsatpeace.ca reveals a panoply of services. For those of modest means, the $200 Package A includes transfer from the vet's office or your home, private cremation, return of cremated remains to your home and a cremation certificate – plus the cost of cremation. Package C, at $400 plus cremation fee, offers all of the above, plus after hours emergency removal, hygenic preparation for viewing (!) or service (!!), private viewing at the company's facility prior to cremation, funeral and memorial service at your place or theirs, a one-year online memorial, and a death certificate. Good news if your aging animal companion is wasting away before your eyes: the cremation fee is based on weight, with grieving owners forking out $25 for pets under 20 pounds up to $125 for those 81 to 100 pounds. If these standard packages fall short of expressing your devotion to the deceased, you can add a personalized memorial book, paw print casting, catering for the public service (we can't tell if the grub is for two-legged and/or four-legged mourners), urns and memorial products and a momento (sic) photo frame. If you want to supply your own urn for Fluffy's ashes, the site recommends allowing one cubic inch of urn per pound of pet. This all makes a deep hole in the backyard seem crass and uncaring. When we have lost a beloved friend and member of our family we often do not know where to turn for advice or what we are able to do with the recently departed ones earthly remains. At a recent Pet Loss Support Group meeting I had the privilege of meeting the owner of Thistledown Pet Memorial. I was very impressed with the compassion and wisdom of these people and as a result I would like to bring them to your attention. I have provided a link to their very informative web site if you would like to get more information or to actually contact them with specific question. http://www.thistledown.info/services.htm All Cat Lovers will understand and appreciate this brilliant little video. Click on the following link and enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q A Pet Lover's Alert!!!
Puppy Scam Bites Unwary Mississauga woman who paid $500 latest victim of global fraud promising `free' dogs Sep 19, 2007 Theresa Boyle Toronto Star A Mississauga woman says she's embarrassed and angry that she forked out more than $500 to get a "free puppy" from Nigeria, but wants to go public with her story to prevent others from making the same mistake. "I really got sucked in. I feel so gullible," Anita Hagerman, 44, said yesterday. Even though the 11-week-old Yorkie was advertised as free, Hagerman last week complied with requests for three payments, totalling $500, to ship the dog to Toronto from Nigeria. Her suspicion was aroused when she was asked for a fourth payment of $100 after being told the dog had become ill and required a shot before it could make the trip. "I've been taken, I know I have. It's a sad thing when people take advantage of others," she said. "I want to let other people know what's going on," she added. Hagerman is the latest victim in a worldwide "free puppy" scam originating from Nigeria. Scammers are placing ads online and in newspapers for popular breeds such as Yorkshire terriers and English bulldogs. They request hundreds of dollars in shipping fees, but the dogs are never sent. "The dogs don't exist," said Lee Oliver, spokesperson for the Toronto Humane Society. "I would characterize these people as vultures. They take advantage of deep-felt emotions that we have for dogs and cats in this world. "They are definitely keyed in to taking advantage of people who don't have the money to do it through normal channels," Oliver said. Oliver described it as an international scheme, noting it has appeared in newspapers and online across Canada. Indeed, the society issued a warning about the scam in April after seeing an ad in the free Toronto weekly 24. He said he's heard about one other GTA resident who responded to it. The online ad that Hagerman responded to was on LiveDeal.ca, which she accessed through the Toronto Star website. It came complete with a picture of a Yorkie pup in a white basket. The ad stated: "GORGEOUS YORKSHIRE TERRIER FOR FREE GRAB HER NOW!!!" The ad stated the dog is friendly with children and other animals, it needs a "God-fearing" home and "she is going to make you happy." Hagerman responded to the ad on Sept. 10. She sent an email saying she was interested in the dog and later that day she got a phone call from Nigeria from a man who said his name was Paul. He said he and his wife worked as missionaries and weren't able to keep the dog, which he referred to as "his baby." He said he would send the dog by air to Toronto but she would have to pay the $200 shipping fee. Hagerman wired the money via Western Union on Tuesday morning. Paul called later that day, saying the airline required $250 to put the dog in a crate. Once again, Hagerman complied. Then Paul called on Wednesday, saying he needed another $50 to change the dog's ownership. Hagerman sent more money. She paid $16 for each wire transfer. "By the middle of the week, I was starting to get suspicious because he was asking for a little bit here, a little bit there," she said. Each time she wired money, she was promised she could pick up the dog at the airport the next day. The last straw came on Wednesday night, when Paul told her he needed another $100, explaining that "my baby needs a needle." When she balked, he told her she could forget about getting the dog. When the Star contacted Paul in Nigeria yesterday, he said if Hagerman didn't make one last payment, "she's not getting the baby." He got angry when asked if he was trying to steal Hagerman's money. "Are you trying to call me a scam? I'm a family man," he said. "I am a man of God. I am a missionary." He said his family couldn't care for the dog and they couldn't find a home for it in Africa. "Me and my family don't have enough time for baby ... I want a good Christian home for my baby ... I love this baby," he said. Before angrily hanging up on a reporter, Paul asked: "Why all these questions? Why are you accusing?" Hagerman called Peel Regional Police, who referred her to PhoneBusters, the anti-fraud call centre operated by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It collects information on the so-called "Nigerian letter" scam, which involves bogus emails offering large sums of cash if the recipients help launder money. "It sounds like this is a new spin on the Nigerian letter scam," Peel Const. Adam Minnion said of the "free puppy" scheme. "This type of scam is becoming more prevalent." On its website, LiveDeal Canada warns consumers against making out-of-country purchases. The first article I would like to present is what I believe to be very important for the Christian who is also an animal guardian. I found this to be very thought provoking and it answered many questions for me. I hope you find it helpful too. From The Ark, No 186 Winter 2000 Do Animals Have Souls? By Deborah Jones 'Only humans matter: they have souls. Animals don't.' This has been said, millions of times. People often use it as a mantra, not because they are necessarily helping to alleviate human suffering, but to justify their lack of concern and compassion for the suffering of animals. Of course humans matter - but so do animals: and animals have souls too. The first thing to unravel from the various strands of tradition is the meaning of the word 'soul'. It is not really helpful to talk of people or animals 'having' souls - as you might 'have' a wristwatch or brown eyes or curly hair. Body and soul are not simply two factors existing alongside or in each other, but form an indivisible whole. A person, or an animal, is wholly body and wholly soul and both are at all times the whole being. In other words we do not only 'have' a body, or 'have' a soul - we are both body and soul. The Hebrew language does not talk of the two as separate entities, as we shall see in the Scriptures. Pagan Greek and Roman philosophers, whose thinking played such a leading role in influencing Christian theologians through the ages, did make the separation between spirit and matter, placing reason and soul in the higher, spiritual sphere, and according body and matter a much lower status. We shall see how this came to effect the way in which animals, and the rest of the nonhuman creation, came to be viewed. LIVING SOULS In the beginning of our Scriptures, we see God creating 'every living creature' (Genesis 1:21, 24). The Hebrew words (transliterated) are 'chay' (living) and 'nephesh' (soul). 'Nephesh' is mentioned over 400 times in the Old Testament signifying soul. The words 'chay nephesh' are used from chapter one, verse 20, when the waters are filled with living creatures. The close translation from Hebrew is: 'And God said: Let the waters swarm [with] the swarmers [having] a soul of life …' and in the next verse: 'And God created the great sea animals, and all that creeps, [having] a living soul …' (The words in square brackets are not used in Hebrew, but are understood.) In verse 30, God provides food - purely vegetarian - to every living thing, in which, the Hebrew adds, '[is] a living soul'. There is a definite separation here between 'every green plant', which of course are living things, and every creature possessed of a 'living soul'. In chapter two, the second, and older Creation account, the first human being was created from dust, then God 'blew into his nostrils [the] breath of life and man became a living soul', a 'chay nephesh'. Here we have the real sense of 'nephesh', or soul, as a being animated by the breath of life. This reminds us of the glorious invocation of psalm 150, where 'everything that breathes' is to praise the Lord. Pope John Paul II: 'animals possess a soul' When Pope John Paul II declared in a public audience in 1990 that 'also the animals possess a soul and men must love and feel solidarity with our smaller brethren' some people must have thought this was a new teaching, unaware of the Holy Father's scholarly familiarity with the authentic Hebrew texts. When he went on to state that all animals are 'fruit of the creative action of the Holy Spirit and merit respect' and that they are 'as near to God as men are', animal lovers in the audience were ecstatic! The Pope mentions the special relationship of mankind with God as being created in His image and likeness. 'However,' he goes on 'other texts state that animals have the breath of life and were given it by God. In this respect, man, created by the hand of God, is identical with all other living creatures. And so in Psalm 104 there is no distinction between man and beasts when it reads, addressing God: " … Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth." The existence therefore,' the Holy Father reminds us, 'of all living creatures depends on the living spirit/breath of God that not only creates but also sustains and renews the face of the earth.' This discourse caused a stir around the world, and was especially encouraging to Catholic animal welfare groups which had begun to despair that anything 'animal friendly' would ever be heard in Rome. The then professor of theology and dogma at the University of Urbino, Carlo Molari, called it 'very important and significant. It is a "sign of the times" because it demonstrates the Church's desire and deep concern to clarify present confused thinking and attitudes towards the animal kingdom. There should be no need, but the Pontiff, in reiterating that animals came into being because of the direct action of the "breath" of God, wanted to say that also these creatures, as well as man, are possessed of the divine spark of life and that living quality that is the soul. And are therefore not inferior beings or only of a purely material reality.' THE IMAGE of GOD In the ten years that have passed, not a great deal has changed in church-goers' understanding of the souls of animals. Could that be because so little is ever taught or preached or prayed about them and their undoubted suffering at human hands? More is known about mankind being 'made in the image of God' and about having 'dominion' over the natural world. That is too often used as justification for treating the world as one great natural resource for human benefit, and all the other creatures in it as designed for mankind alone. But what did 'image' really mean? Statues, or images, were and are used to represent kings and rulers. Think of the number of statues of Queen Victoria there are scattered around the former Empire. Human beings are living statues, living representatives - in much the same way as ambassadors represent the head of state of the country they come from. We human beings are to represent the rule of God in the created world, using delegated powers to see that the world continues to function and flourish in the way the Creator intended. To be shepherd-kings, not 'as those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them', but as 'slave of all' (Mark 10: 42-45). St Francis came close to this model in treating all other created beings as 'brothers and sisters', rather than as most people do today, as disposable things whose only value is in their usefulness to us. What is definitive in Christian understanding of animals in the order of salvation, is that, with the incarnation of Christ, with God taking flesh, there is a new connection between all that shares the matter of flesh, of bodies: as the Holy Father said, a 'solidarity' between us and our brothers and sisters, the other 'living souls', the animals. If you know anybody who has recently experienced the loss of a dear pet friend, I would like to recommend the following site for sympathy cards. They have a very extensive inventory to choose from and they can all be personalized with messages you add and there is even a selection of music that can be attached to your card. Pet Sympathy Cards This is an interesting quote from one of Christianity's greatest theologians and the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. " I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond an exclusive concern for the well- being of other human beings to a broader concern for the well-being of the birds in our backyards, the fish in our rivers and every living creature on the face of the Earth." Health Alert!!!!!
Many people profess to love their pets but these two articles suggest that that there are people out there who are killing the animals they say they love. As animal lovers we would be appalled if somebody hit or caused pain to an animal yet have we really ever considered the abuse we subject our beloved animals to when somebody smokes around an animal. We must remember that our pets can't speak and they rely on us to protect them from harm. For their sakes, please don't smoke around them. They don't have a choice and I'm sure if they could choose they would choose not to die a slow, painful death that somebody has decided to inflict on them! From HealthDay News:Before the introduction of filter and low tar cigarettes in the 1950s, adenocarcinoma was one of the rarest types of lung cancer. Today it is the most frequently diagnosed. From healthsciences.okstate.edu:Cats are especially vulnerable to second-hand smoke. Since they lick themselves while grooming, they can ingest carcinogens that accumulate on their fur. I recently discovered this Bill of Rights and thought that it had many good points for a person who is grieving the loss of a pet. You do have rights and they are RIGHTS so exercise them and don't let anybody deny them to you. There are many excellent points here and they are succinctly presented. I am in favour of passing out a copy of these rights to friends and relatives in the time of a loss if they are not pet guardians themselves or possibly just don't understand. Bill of Rights for Grieving Animal Lovers
It is Hereby Declared that Grieving Animal Lovers have the Right: To feel the pain of grief when the bonds with our pets are broken. The bonds we have with our companion animals are deep and strong; the pain we feel when those bonds are broken is real and worthy of our grief. To feel shocked and overwhelmed by the intensity of our grief. Since our animals' life spans are so much shorter than our own, it is inevitable that eventually we will experience the loss of our beloved animal companions. The grief we feel at such times can be far more intense than we ever expected, no different from that of losing another special family member or cherished friend. To understand our grief reactions, feelings and behaviors as normal. Grief is a natural, spontaneous response to the loss of a significant relationship. To express our grief in our own unique way, within our own time frame. The course of grief is unpredictable and uneven, with no specific time frame. How we express our grief will vary among individuals, but we all get through it in personally meaningful ways. To have our grief recognized by others as significant and legitimate. Since grieving over animals isn't generally accepted in our society, we may feel uneasy or embarrassed, as if we have no right to feel or express our grief because our loss is not significant enough. But we're not grieving "just an animal". Since we're the only ones who know how much our animals meant to us, when they're gone we're the only ones who can measure how very much we've lost. To feel supported by others in our grief. When our companion animals die, there are no formal, public rituals where we can express and share our sorrow, talk about our loss and obtain the sympathy and support of others. At the very time when we need to be with others who understand, we feel isolated and alone. We need to find someone with whom we can openly acknowledge our feelings, express and work through our pain, and come to terms with our loss. To honor the memory of our pets in whatever way we see fit. To memorialize our beloved companion animals is to honor and acknowledge the important role they played in our lives, to bring comfort to ourselves and to help us keep their love and presence in our hearts. Among other things, we can memorialize our pets by writing about them, making an album or a scrapbook, planting a living memorial in our garden, having a meaningful memorial service, funeral or ritual, or making a donation to a charitable animal organization in our pet's name. Copyright © 2003-2007 by Martha M. Tousley, APRN, BC, FT All rights reserved One the the most famous and classic pieces of literature that deals with the loss of a pet is The Rainbow Bridge. I have provided a text version of the poem here and I have also created a link to an animated version that is very moving. I personally find a great deal of comfort and solace whenever I read this poem Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 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 warm and comfortable. All the animals who had 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 quivers. 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 finally 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 you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown. The following poem I believe is a beautiful follow up to the touching poem Rainbow Bridge. I think these really belong together NOTE FROM THE BRIDGE
author unknown To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from the Bridge. Here I dwell with God above. Here there's no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on." God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night... "My day was not in vain." And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street with me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go... from that body to be free. Remember you're not going... you're coming here to me. Animated Rainbow Bridge I always find it interesting that people who are not in tuned to animals prefer to refer to them as having instincts or other attributes that can keep our animal friends distant from us. This unfortunately makes it easier for people to treat animals in a manner less than we would treat fellow human beings. If a creature is less than us or not EQUAL, then we do not have to extend the same respect to them. This is the same type of philosophy that people used to justify making slaves of Africans. Rather than emphasize the differences between animals and people, the Pet Pastor will work tirelesslessly to show how much we have in common with each other. The following article recently caught my attention and made me question why the human relatives/care givers could not have the same sensitivity that this cat has shown. May the Lord be praised for having one of His creatures present at a time when no other human presence was in tune with the person's need. Angels don't always have wings, they sometimes have paws and fur coats. Nursing Home Feline Furry Harbinger of Death
Jul 26, 2007 04:30 AM Toronto Star PROVIDENCE, R.I.–Oscar the cat seems to have an uncanny knack for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means they have less than four hours to live. "He doesn't make too many mistakes. He seems to understand when patients are about to die," said Dr. David Dosa. He describes the phenomenon in an essay in today's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. "Many family members take some solace from it. They appreciate the companionship that the cat provides for their dying loved one," said Dosa, a geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Brown University. The 2-year-old feline was adopted as a kitten and grew up in a third-floor dementia unit at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. After about six months, the staff noticed Oscar would make his own rounds. He'd sniff and observe patients, then sit beside people who would wind up dying in a few hours. Oscar is better at predicting death than the people who work there, said Dr. Joan Teno of Brown University, who treats patients at the nursing home. No one's certain if Oscar's behaviour is scientifically significant or points to a cause. Teno wonders if the cat notices telltale scents or reads something into the behaviour of the nurses who raised him. For Christians and anybody who has a sensitivity towards animals, this folowing quote will make a lot of sense to you and will be one more reaffirmation that there is a place in heaven for the animals. This quote comes from the great prophet Isaiah who foretold many of the events involving the arrival of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus. From the Bible, Isaiah 11:6-9 we read what heaven will be like. "The wolf will live with the lamb,the leopard will lie down with the kid goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them." This quote not only affirms that heaven will be populated with animals but it also confirms that a time will be known for us where all enemies will exist together without hatred and we will know this and see it through the animals. "They who are without sin and hatred will lead us to a state of love and peace."(Matthew7) Here is another interesting affirmation of the status of our animal friends in the big picture.It is interesting to note that in this quote the animals are first and people are second. JOB 12:7-10 You have only to ask the cattle, for them to instruct you, and the birds of the sky, for them to inform you. The creeping things of earth will give you lessons, and the fish of the sea provide you an explanation: there is not one such creature but will know that the hand of God has arranged things like this! In his hand is the soul of every living thing and the breath of every human being! Without question, the most difficult thing in a pet/human relationship is when we experience the loss of an animal friend. There is no difference in the pain and loss you feel than that which is experienced when a human dies. However, in the case of humans there is all kinds of advice and places to turn for suggestions to cope with your loss.The following article is written bt Moira Anderson Allen who is one of the leading experts in the field of Pet Loss and Bereavement. I thought she had some excellent ideas ans I pray that you will find the information helpful. Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss
by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed. Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion, or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that friend. Following are some tips on coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet. 1. Am I crazy to hurt so much? Intense grief over the loss of a pet is normal and natural. Don't let anyone tell you that it's silly, crazy, or overly sentimental to grieve! During the years you spent with your pet (even if they were few), it became a significant and constant part of your life. It was a source of comfort and companionship, of unconditional love and acceptance, of fun and joy. So don't be surprised if you feel devastated by the loss of such a relationship. People who don't understand the pet/owner bond may not understand your pain. All that matters, however, is how you feel. Don't let others dictate your feelings: They are valid, and may be extremely painful. But remember, you are not alone: Thousands of pet owners have gone through the same feelings. 2. What Can I Expect to Feel? Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, you may also experience the following emotions: Guilt may occur if you feel responsible for your pet's death-the "if only I had been more careful" syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with guilt for the accident or illness that claimed your pet's life, and only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief. Denial makes it difficult to accept that your pet is really gone. It's hard to imagine that your pet won't greet you when you come home, or that it doesn't need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry this to extremes, and fear their pet is still alive and suffering somewhere. Others find it hard to get a new pet for fear of being "disloyal" to the old. Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the driver of the speeding car, the veterinarian who "failed" to save its life. Sometimes it is justified, but when carried to extremes, it distracts you from the important task of resolving your grief. Depression is a natural consequence of grief, but can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell upon your sorrow. 3. What can I do about my feelings? The most important step you can take is to be honest about your feelings. Don't deny your pain, or your feelings of anger and guilt. Only by examining and coming to terms with your feelings can you begin to work through them. You have a right to feel pain and grief! Someone you loved has died, and you feel alone and bereaved. You have a right to feel anger and guilt, as well. Acknowledge your feelings first, then ask yourself whether the circumstances actually justify them. Locking away grief doesn't make it go away. Express it. Cry, scream, pound the floor, talk it out. Do what helps you the most. Don't try to avoid grief by not thinking about your pet; instead, reminisce about the good times. This will help you understand what your pet's loss actually means to you. Some find it helpful to express their feelings and memories in poems, stories, or letters to the pet. Other strategies including rearranging your schedule to fill in the times you would have spent with your pet; preparing a memorial such as a photo collage; and talking to others about your loss. 4. Who can I talk to? If your family or friends love pets, they'll understand what you're going through. Don't hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong and calm! Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective and find ways to handle them. Find someone you can talk to about how much the pet meant to you and how much you miss it-someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with. If you don't have family or friends who understand, or if you need more help, ask your veterinarian or humane association to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group. Check with your church or hospital for grief counseling. Remember, your grief is genuine and deserving of support. 5. When is the right time to euthanize a pet? Your veterinarian is the best judge of your pet's physical condition; however, you are the best judge of the quality of your pet's daily life. If a pet has a good appetite, responds to attention, seeks its owner's company, and participates in play or family life, many owners feel that this is not the time. However, if a pet is in constant pain, undergoing difficult and stressful treatments that aren't helping greatly, unresponsive to affection, unaware of its surroundings, and uninterested in life, a caring pet owner will probably choose to end the beloved companion's suffering. Evaluate your pet's health honestly and unselfishly with your veterinarian. Prolonging a pet's suffering in order to prevent your own ultimately helps neither of you. Nothing can make this decision an easy or painless one, but it is truly the final act of love that you can make for your pet. 6. Should I stay during euthanasia? Many feel this is the ultimate gesture of love and comfort you can offer your pet. Some feel relief and comfort themselves by staying: They were able to see that their pet passed peacefully and without pain, and that it was truly gone. For many, not witnessing the death (and not seeing the body) makes it more difficult to accept that the pet is really gone. However, this can be traumatic, and you must ask yourself honestly whether you will be able to handle it. Uncontrolled emotions and tears-though natural-are likely to upset your pet. Some clinics are more open than others to allowing the owner to stay during euthanasia. Some veterinarians are also willing to euthanize a pet at home. Others have come to an owner's car to administer the injection. Again, consider what will be least traumatic for you and your pet, and discuss your desires and concerns with your veterinarian. If your clinic is not able to accommodate your wishes, request a referral. 7. What do I do next? When a pet dies, you must choose how to handle its remains. Sometimes, in the midst of grief, it may seem easiest to leave the pet at the clinic for disposal. Check with your clinic to find out whether there is a fee for such disposal. Some shelters also accept such remains, though many charge a fee for disposal. If you prefer a more formal option, several are available. Home burial is a popular choice, if you have sufficient property for it. It is economical and enables you to design your own funeral ceremony at little cost. However, city regulations usually prohibit pet burials, and this is not a good choice for renters or people who move frequently. To many, a pet cemetery provides a sense of dignity, security, and permanence. Owners appreciate the serene surroundings and care of the gravesite. Cemetery costs vary depending on the services you select, as well as upon the type of pet you have. Cremation is a less expensive option that allows you to handle your pet's remains in a variety of ways: bury them (even in the city), scatter them in a favorite location, place them in a columbarium, or even keep them with you in a decorative urn (of which a wide variety are available). Check with your veterinarian, pet shop, or phone directory for options available in your area. Consider your living situation, personal and religious values, finances, and future plans when making your decision. It's also wise to make such plans in advance, rather than hurriedly in the midst of grief. 8. What should I tell my children? You are the best judge of how much information your children can handle about death and the loss of their pet. Don't underestimate them, however. You may find that, by being honest with them about your pet's loss, you may be able to address some fears and misperceptions they have about death. Honesty is important. If you say the pet was "put to sleep," make sure your children understand the difference between death and ordinary sleep. Never say the pet "went away," or your child may wonder what he or she did to make it leave, and wait in anguish for its return. That also makes it harder for a child to accept a new pet. Make it clear that the pet will not come back, but that it is happy and free of pain. Never assume a child is too young or too old to grieve. Never criticize a child for tears, or tell them to "be strong" or not to feel sad. Be honest about your own sorrow; don't try to hide it, or children may feel required to hide their grief as well. Discuss the issue with the entire family, and give everyone a chance to work through their grief at their own pace. 9. Will my other pets grieve? Pets observe every change in a household, and are bound to notice the absence of a companion. Pets often form strong attachments to one another, and the survivor of such a pair may seem to grieve for its companion. Cats grieve for dogs, and dogs for cats. You may need to give your surviving pets a lot of extra attention and love to help them through this period. Remember that, if you are going to introduce a new pet, your surviving pets may not accept the newcomer right away, but new bonds will grow in time. Meanwhile, the love of your surviving pets can be wonderfully healing for your own grief. 10. Should I get a new pet right away? Generally, the answer is no. One needs time to work through grief and loss before attempting to build a relationship with a new pet. If your emotions are still in turmoil, you may resent a new pet for trying to "take the place" of the old-for what you really want is your old pet back. Children in particular may feel that loving a new pet is "disloyal" to the previous pet. When you do get a new pet, avoid getting a "lookalike" pet, which makes comparisons all the more likely. Don't expect your new pet to be "just like" the one you lost, but allow it to develop its own personality. Never give a new pet the same name or nickname as the old. Avoid the temptation to compare the new pet to the old one: It can be hard to remember that your beloved companion also caused a few problems when it was young! A new pet should be acquired because you are ready to move forward and build a new relationship-rather than looking backward and mourning your loss. When you are ready, select an animal with whom you can build another long, loving relationship-because this is what having a pet is all about! One of the most difficult things to deal with when we have lost a dear pet is what do we tell the children and how do we explain death to them. The following beautiful story might help you if you are that position. Found in Bereavement Magazine ("Throwing Away the Wrapper" by Bob Willis, January/February 1998, p. 29): A mother was trying to explain to her young son Ben what had happened to his beloved dog Raisin after she died. As he was getting ready for bed one night, the boy asked his mother, "Where is Raisin now?" When she explained to him that his dog had died, the boy asked again, "But where is Raisin now?" Suddenly aware of how helpless she felt to explain, the mother answered, "Raisin is in Heaven." With this little Ben seemed satisfied, and he quietly went to bed. Next day, when Ben went out in the backyard to visit Raisin's grave, he saw the grave site covered with flowers. He looked up at his mother and asked, "Is this Heaven?" Again Ben's mother was at a loss to explain the difference between Raisin's being in Heaven and visiting Raisin's grave. That night, as she tucked her son in bed, she took a chocolate candy bar from her pocket, carefully removed the wrapper, broke off a chunk and handed it to her son. "Let's talk about Raisin," she said. "Tell me what good memories you have of Raisin." The boy's eyes brightened as he told how he'd gone exploring by the river with Raisin, took her to bed with him every night, and played fetch and chase games with her in the backyard. As he shared each happy memory, he munched contentedly on the rest of the candy bar. When he'd finished with the good memories of Raisin and the candy bar, his mother pulled him close and hugged him. "Honey," she said, "your dog Raisin is a lot like this candy bar. You know the good, delicious, wonderful and enjoyable part of Raisin that you remember? That's the part of Raisin that's in Heaven." Then she held up the empty candy bar wrapper. "This is the part of Raisin that's buried in the ground — just Raisin's wrapper." A beautiful, peaceful look came over the little boy's face as he realized what his mother was saying. This simple story teaches us that the enjoyable part of those we love is never forgotten. We lose only the physical part of the relationship, not the emotional and spiritual parts. What seemed like a puzzle for a boy and his mother just hours before had become a clear picture of the new relationship that's possible when someone we love has died. When a loved pet is very sick, injured or old, the inevitable question of when and why to euthanize stares us in the face. As their guardians this is just one more responsibility that we have to deal with in our friend's care. The following article was written by a veterinarian and I think it contains many practical and helpful suggestions. One of the most common feelings involved with euthanasia is guilt. Did we do the right thing? Was this choice the best for our pet? How do we know it is the "right" time? I pray that this article may provide you with some guidance and consolation. Euthanasia: Knowing When May 14, 2006 Written by: Lisa C. Beagan, DVM As much as you try to extend your pet's life through first-rate medical care, there comes a time when euthanasia is the most caring gift left to give your animal companion. Approximately 70 percent of owners opt for euthanasia when the pet is suffering from an ailment that significantly compromises its quality of life. Choosing to put your pet down is an incredibly difficult and emotionally grueling decision to make, but it's often more humane than letting the animal live on in misery. Approximately 70 percent of owners opt for euthanasia when the pet is suffering from an ailment that significantly compromises its quality of life. If your pet is gravely ill or has been so severely injured that the prospect of recovery is slim, and euthanasia looks like the kindest option, then the next big question becomes how to tell when it's time to put the animal down. Your veterinarian can help you with the decision, but most vets will leave the choice of timing up to you. When my clients ask me, "How will I know when it's time?" I always tell them that they will get cues from their pet, if they look their friend in the eyes and try to read what they are thinking. Most clients will innately know when it is time. If a client does not think it is time, then it usually isn't. Does this all sound like touchy-feely mumbo-jumbo to you? Maybe you're looking for a hard-and-fast answer about when euthanasia is appropriate? Unfortunately, there is none -- but there are parameters for assessing the quality of an animal's life. If you're worried that you won't instinctively be able to figure out when the time is right, review the following inventory of questions to help you get a better sense. 1. Does your pet maintain his usual routine -- getting up, going outside, eating, sleeping, and playing, as it has throughout his life? Do you still get greeted at the door with a big, sloppy kiss hello? Animals are creatures of habit. When the daily routine is lost, consider that a sign that life just isn't the same for your pet. 2. Is your pet in pain? If so, can the pain be treated with medication, or is there nothing that will resolve it? If the answer is the latter, then it might be more humane to end your pet's suffering. 3. In addition to other debilitating problems, does your pet suffer from incontinence? If your older pet has become incontinent after a life of perfectly house-trained behavior, he probably realizes that he is doing something he has been taught not to do, and thus suffers from a loss of dignity. He senses that you are upset by the accidents and can do nothing to stop the problem. If every effort has been made to diagnose and treat the problem and the incontinence remains, take a good look at the pet's quality of life. 4. Does your pet's condition require extraordinary levels of care? If the treatment is extremely expensive, consider whether the disease is one that will be treatable. Chronic and progressive diseases can be taxing, physically, emotionally and financially. Ultimately, the real question is whether you are keeping your pet alive for yourself or for the pet. It is always difficult to make the decision to euthanize, but if your pet is suffering, unable to live the life he's always lived, or requires a treatment regimen that is not only expensive, but also won't resolve the disease, then a humane death may be the right choice. In my daily wanderings I stumbled across a site that was created by a vet. I found it to be potentially very useful as he has an extensive section on common pet health issues. There is also a very good section on bereavement. If you have some spare time you might want to drop in and have a look at what is there.Click on the following link and you will be taken directly to the site. The Home Vet Here is some important information to help you if you own a dog, and it can also help to know what to look for in other pets.This information comes from PetPlace.com's November Dog Crazy Newsletter, and written by Dr. Jon, a vet on its staff.So many times we hear that people don't know the symptoms to look for when a pet becomes ill, and this information is good to have. Your dog cannot explain his symptoms, so it's the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to keep him healthy. Dogs are very good at hiding their illness so it is up to you to observe your pooch for abnormalities. If you know your dog very well and also understand what to look for, recognizing illness early might save her life. Nobody wants to run to the vet over every little thing, but if you have some idea what symptoms might mean trouble, you'll know when to take your dog in just to be sure. Here are some potentially troublesome signs: 1. Lack of appetite - Anorexia is a common sign of illness in dogs. 2. Less active - Dogs that don't feel well are often less active. Many times this "less active" sign is mistaken for "getting older". If your dog is less active, the safest thing to do is have your vet check your dog out. Many times a common sign of illness is also less social interaction with you or your other pets. 3. Lethargy - Lethargy is a general lack of interest in the environment. It is a very common symptom and can be an early or late sign of illness depending on the severity. 4. Weight loss - Losing weight is another common sign of disease or illness. Sometimes it is difficult to notice weight loss, especially in longhaired dogs or dogs that you see every day and may not notice subtle changes. If your dog feels bonier, lighter, or you can easily feel the ribs, this could be a problem. 5. Increased water consumption - Drinking more is often associated with a few diseases including kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. If you notice your dog is showing these symptoms, see your veterinarian. 6. Vomiting - Gagging or vomiting is a very common sign of illness. Some dogs will vomit occasionally. Vomiting that occurs once a week or less frequently is generally not considered a big problem if your dog is otherwise healthy, maintaining his weight and having normal bowel movements. However, if your dog is vomiting on a regular basis or is losing weight, this could be an indication of a serious problem. 7. Difficulty breathing - Trouble breathing is a very severe sign of illness. It is often caused by underlying heart or lung disorders. Difficulty breathing can be noted as increased respiratory rate or effort, open mouth breathing, or a posture in which the arms are slightly abducted and your dog's neck is extended. This is a life-threatening emergency. 8. Diarrhea - Loose stools can be caused by dietary reasons, allergies and other gastrointestinal diseases. 9. Coughing - Coughing is a serious symptom and should be evaluated when it occurs.
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