It’s the holiday season and for many, it comes with a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, the holidays bring excitement and the anticipation of celebrations spent with family and friends. Yet, it can also triggers feeling of loneliness and regret if someone has experienced pet loss during the holidays. Many people who experience pet loss during holidays have a more complicated grief response. They often find themselves feeling depressed, anxious, or guilty, despite the festivities. Feelings of depression, during a traditionally happy time, can be confusing unless your clients understand why they are experiencing them. As a veterinary… Continue Reading
Compassionate Care
The Best Clay for Paw Prints
A few weeks ago, an owner of a pet crematory called to inquire about ClayPaws Kits. He was given one by a fellow pet professional and was impressed with the quality and ease of use. While talking, he told me that he recently had found his late pet’s paw print (made of an air-dry clay) had fallen off a shelf and was ruined. This disappointing occurrence made it important for him to provide a quality keepsake for his clients. We understand other clay options may be initially appealing due to them being cheap and requiring no baking. But we also… Continue Reading
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day: The Story of ‘Buddy
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
Comfort Room on the Go!
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
Pet Loss Linking Objects
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
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
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
Bake at Home Bundle
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
Kids and Grief
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