Broken Heart, Shared Heart, Healing Heart is a unique book on handling the death of a beloved pet. Where do you turn, especially in a world where many people don’t really care. This book is different, in that it’s by the creator of a groundbreaking chaplaincy program in the largest animal hospital in the southern hemisphere. So it comes loaded with compassion and faith. It also covers faith-based help like prayers and burial services.
Acknowledging the deep pain that pet loss causes, the book offers gentle guidance on how to navigate this difficult time, and is grounded in practical advice, and offers real help for broken hearts. The book also explores religious traditions and long-held teachings (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist) to draw comforting and reassuring answers on the afterlife of animals and if you’ll meet them again. A blend of spiritual and emotional care you need at this time.
Blue Cross offers a free service where you can call, email or chat with a trained pet bereavement counsellor. Barbara Allen helped develop Australia’s first animal chaplaincy program at Lort Smith Animal Hospital and is passionate about animals and stewardship of all creation. She serves as an ordained minister and a volunteer grief support person that unites animals and children.
how to commemorate your beloved pets
America’s Paw Pods is a company that began when the founder had his beloved dog cremated, and was sent the ashes in a plastic bag. These biodegradable pods are for all shapes and sizes, and all species for an eco-friendly sendoff.
Avoid sending plantable memorial cards with pets, as many flowers (including lilies are toxic. Also know memorial trees to avoid near horses (yew, oak). Instead, consider donating to Trees for Life, which rewilds the Highlands. You can’t ‘name your tree’ but it does more good.
