Press Releases

August 28, 2006

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Michelle Pintar

Phone: (414) 431-6104

E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

Get the Support You Need in the Loss of Your Furry Friend

GRAFTON, Wis. – Coping with the death of your beloved companion animal can last days for one person or years for another. Everyone grieves differently, but what remains the same is that many forms of support are available.

The Ozaukee Humane Society suggests the following tips to help guardians who lost their furry friends not face the loss alone:

·   Don't hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear. It often helps to express your grief to others. It may also help to write your feelings in a journal and share it with people.

·   Sign up for a pet loss support seminar in your community. The Ozaukee Humane Society offers numerous pet loss support classes throughout the year. The next seminar will be held on September 7, 2006; to register, call (414) 431-6156.

·   There are a variety of unique ways to memorialize your animal and help homeless animals at the same time, such as purchasing a permanent memorial brick for your beloved animal. For more information, contact the Ozaukee Humane Society at (414) 431-6121.

·   Do not tell your child that your companion animal ran away because he might expect the animal to return and could feel betrayed after discovering the truth. Instead, express your own grief and reassure your child that sadness is okay and help him work through his feelings.

·   Surviving companion animals may whimper, seem to not want attention or not eat or drink. Be sure to give your survivors lots of attention, plenty of tender loving care and try your best to maintain a normal routine.

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