Compassionate Care

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is observed on August 28th each year. It is a day to remember beloved pets who are no longer with us. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to share my life with several wonderful animal companions, but my first “heart dog” was Sam. Sam was my dog. Sure, he was the family dog…but he was really mine. Sam’s Legacy I am very proud of my dog, Sam, who was quite the star!  Sam appeared on an episode of ABC television’s “20/20” program and in many of World by the Tail, Inc.’s early marketing pieces…. Continue Reading

Pet euthanasia is hard. There is no debate about that. Often times, you have seen your clients and their pets from the early stages all the way to their last day. These strong relationships you have built with your clients can make the grief of a loss that much harder. Although there are no words to ease the pain your client is feeling, there are ways you and your staff can show an extra level of compassion and importance that will make all the difference for not only your clients, but also your staff. Comfort Rooms One common way some… Continue Reading

Dog beds, fur covered blankets, dog bowls, their favorite squeaky toy – these are just a few things that can be hard to face after pet loss. I find it difficult to look at those now empty items, but also struggle to hide them away.  It can be a hard battle between moving on and wanting to keep the connection with the companion you have lost. I, myself, find comfort in hanging my dog’s collars on my rearview mirror. This reminds me of all the car rides and adventures we were lucky enough to share together. Our family also displays… Continue Reading

In your profession, and maybe as a bereaved pet parent yourself, you are likely familiar with the “Rainbow Bridge”. A touching poem which talks about what is believed to be a connection between heaven and earth. A place where our once sick or old pets are made new and wait to be reunited with us. Because of its words of comfort and hope, this poem has become a condolence standard in many veterinary practices. August 28th is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. A day dedicated to honoring the pets we have lost. A day that a lot of pet parents reflect… Continue Reading

Whether you work in a busy clinic, don’t have access to an oven, or like to allow pet parents the chance to add their own decorations, our Bake at Home Bundle makes the process of sending unbaked ClayPaws prints home with families to bake simple and meaningful. Baking is easy! However, we know some of you may have been curious about air-dry clay because it doesn’t need to be baked. We get it! You’re busy and baking may seem like an unnecessary step. But here’s why it’s not: Air dry clays can shrink up to 15% while drying. Overtime, air… Continue Reading

Over three quarters of children in the United States live with pets. According to the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, children are more likely to live with a pet than live with their biological father or a sibling. Furthermore, many studies show the benefits pet ownership has on kids. Pets can help reduce stress and help develop social and emotional skills. The bond between a child and a pet is sometimes the first strong bond they establish aside from their parents. As a parent myself, I have been lucky enough to see the bond between a child… Continue Reading

Have you wondered about making ink nose prints? Well, first I’ll ask, is there anything better than a dog or cat’s nose? Pets lead with their noses. Their noses help them to interpret their world, find their food, and recognize their people. Their sniffing, nuzzling, and “booping” are some of the most fond memories we have of our pets’ behaviors. So, it makes perfect sense that, in addition to a paw print, pet parents may want to keep a reminder of their pet’s nose after they’ve said goodbye. Because of this need, we’ve done extensive testing to find the best… Continue Reading

The human-animal bond is thought to have evolved more than 15,000 years ago.  Animals have worked and been by the side of humans for almost as long as humans have existed. The memorialization of a pet can be tracked all the way back to the Stone Age. In 1914, a gravesite, decorated with bones and antlers, was unearthed and shown to be the resting place of a man, women, and their dog. With the human-animal bond growing stronger throughout time, so does the grief associated with losing a pet. With pet ownership increasing significantly, it has lead to many studies… Continue Reading