FAQ

Dealing with a sudden loss

Coping with a sudden loss is a catastrophic event which changes our lives forever. It comes in many forms: accident, illness,and even unknown cause. In a split second, the world changes and, after a sudden loss, nothing is the same.
For the first few days you may find yourself pretending or hoping it was "just a bad dream". You may forget they are gone and set out feed for them out of habit. You may hear them whinny.These are normal ways in which we as humans deal with the shock of sudden loss. if your pet died as the result of injury or illness you may blame yourself or think of all the what ifs. As troubling as these things are it is natural to the grieving process. Sadly accidents and illness happen no matter how careful we are.
When you loved one dies you may wish to spend a little time with them in order to say goodbye.Sadly there are times when this is impossible.
The challenge of moving on after suddenly losing a pet goes beyond the lost opportunity to say goodbye. The test is in restoring faith in the future, and realizing that it holds ample opportunity for closure and healing. While the experience can never be erased, with time, your recollections of them and the wonderful times you shared together will be the memories to which you turn.
A good book to read on this is Beyond the Rainbow Bridge by Kimberly Gatto

Crossing the Bridge
I stood by your bed lastnight, i came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep. I whinnied to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I havent left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there. i walked beside you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I put my head against you, nickered and said, " It's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there. It's possible for me to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, " I never went away."

 

Where should I have my animal put down?

• Always have the veterinarian put the animal down in an easily accessed area. Buildings with over hanging eves, stalls, areas without easy entrance, ravines, and forests are less than ideal situations. They make it very difficult to remove the body, and sometimes impossible. We do understand that sometimes the animal dies in a situation out of the owners control and in these instances we will work around it to the best of our ability.

 

How can I make my facility more removal friendly?

• You can make animal removal easier by having gates large enough for a large vehicle to gain access. Entrances that have 10 foot gates and are 10 feet high are best. Keep all storage and clutter away from entrance locations. Stalls that have doors to the outside provide access points that can make removal easier if an animal dies inside.

 

Should I or do I have to stay while you load my animal?

• Owners may stay while their pet is loaded, but do not have to. You may leave a check to pay for the required services and leave if you wish. We try to be as gentle and respectful as we can, but when dealing with such a large animal sometimes in a difficult situation, the moving and loading can be unpleasant.