I wrote your name in the sky,
But the wind blew it away,
I wrote your name in the sand,
But the waves washed it away,
I wrote your name in my heart,
And forever it will stay.

Coming to terms with the death or disappearance of a pet can be a distressing time for both adults and children alike, not to mention other family pets who can also grieve.Having worked as a veterinary nurse for 11 years, Bev has been involved with many clients and their pets at this sad time and, in answer to the most common question - no, it doesn't get any easier. She has recently qualified as a pet bereavement counsellor which has enabled her to deal with some recent losses of her own and help clients who have struggled to deal with their own pain. You can never forget your pet but you have to learn how to move on and remember them with a smile rather than tears.
Being prepared for a pet death can help at a time when very difficult decisions have to be made in haste at the vets - knowing what to expect if a pet has to be euthanased (put to sleep), whether to stay with your pet at this time (not everyone can), whether you want your pet buried or cremated, and so on. There is so much to think about and consider. We all hope our pets have long and happy lives but a little forward planning can be beneficial. Also, if you have children, the death of a pet can be the youngster's first experience of death and how it is handled can affect them for a long time to come.
To fully resolve your grief there are stages you have to go through and each individual goes through them in their own time, but you can become stuck and feel unable to move on. This usually happens if you are unable to accept the death or have intense feelings that you don't understand. Talking to a pet bereavement counsellor can help to release those feelings. Do not be ashamed to cry as bottling up your emotions can prolong the grieving process.
As a qualified pet bereavement counsellor, Bev offers free consultations at the surgery or she is available by phone or e-mail and confidentiality is assured. enquiries@midforestvets.co.uk
Remember, if you are preparing for the expected loss of your pet, Bev can help by explaining what will happen on the day, and talk through the available options so you have a full understanding.

Bev Williamson VN
Bev qualified as a pet bereavement counsellor completing a year long course, passing assessments and completing a specialist study into children's grief which will be used to teach future counsellors.