Pets In Peace

Pet Funeral Services

WHY HAVE A FUNERAL SERVICE FOR A PET?
Since the beginning of time Humans have domesticated animals and very quickly that relationship developed into something very special – domesticated animals became pets. For many people our Pets became our best friends, loyal companions, and confidants. They give us unconditional love and expect very little in return. Pets literally became members of our families and our children grew up with a Pet.

The loss to an individual or family can be devastating when a Pet passes away. It’s something we just don’t even want to think about – life without our Pet. Humans suffer real hurt and grief at this time just as we do when a friend or family member dies.

The purpose of funeral Service for your departed Pet then is EXACTLY the same as for a human. It is to honour the life of our pet and to celebrate their life; and it is the beginning of the CYCLE OF GRIEF AND HEALING for we humans who remain.

Funeral Services – whether pet or human services; are for the living!

Pets in peace specialise in preparing and delivering a funeral service for your Pet. You are involved in preparing a service just as you would be for a family member. Martin will guide you through this process.

We specialise in an interactive Service so that you and your family (especially your children) can be involved. The Price of each Service will vary from between $150-$300 depending on the scope of each Service (human funeral service cost $400)

Following a Pet Service families can have a social gathering just as families often do following a human funeral.

THE LOSS OF A PET
Whether you have lost your Pet without warning, or your Pet has deteriorated over time; the hurt and grief can be devastating on the family. The grief we feel can be debilitating, especially for older pet owners where the Pet has been a constant companion for a long time. For children the death of a Pet may be their first experience of death and they can be very confused and bewildered.
There is no set rules or pattern to grief or grieving but we know from 25 years dealing with Human death and grief that the following emotions are common when a Pet passes away.

SHOCK AND DENIAL.
In the initial stages Pet owners/family often simply do not accept our Pet has died. We can be in a state of shock, feel stunned, weak, feel sick and in many cases the bereaved are inconsolable. Many grown men have been known to cry when their Pets die. REAL MEN CAN CRY!!

ANGER
Anger is a common emotion for the bereaved. Anger at ourselves, our family, the Veterinarian

DEPRESSION
It is common for pet owners to go through a period of depression in the weeks and months after a Pet dies. Loneliness; especially for older folk living alone, is of real concern when their Pet of long-standing passes away.

ACCEPTANCE
It may take weeks, it may take months or years, but gradually over time, we come to accept the passing of our Pet. The grief is like peeling an onion – layer by layer and no one should tell you how long your grief should last. This process is for you to adjust to in your time and way.

TELLING THE STORIES
A Pet is never forgotten while we tell their stories. The good times, the funny times, the sad times. No Pet is dead until they are forgotten. True Pet owners NEVER forget!

PET LOSS AND CHILDREN
If you have children then having a funeral Service for your Pet is very important. The death of a child’s pet or the family pet is sometimes the first time a child encounters death. Dealing with a pet’s death then is incredibly important as a child will transfer the emotions and experience to when a grand-parent or parent dies.

You will be guided by your own personal religious beliefs but it is essential you give your child permission to grieve.

• Discuss death, dying and grief honestly with your child
• Encourage your child to talk freely and openly about their pet
• Its ok for your child see you cry and be sad
• Encourage them to write a story about their pet, draw pictures of their pet
• We strongly urge you to grieve together with your child.
• Having physical contact with your child is important during this time. We recommend lots of group hugs!

TWO TIPS!

• Don’t tell your child your pet has gone to sleep as children can be afraid to go to sleep because they won’t wake up.
• Don’t tell your child GOD took your pet as they then be afraid of GOD and God may take family members

PET EUTHANASIA
Probably as bad if not worse than dealing with the death of a pet is the ethical dilemma of having to make the decision to put your Pet down – to have them euthanized. This decision can be soul-destroying for a distraught pet owner.

Euthanasia may have to be considered if your pet:

• Is terminally ill or injured
• Is in constant irreversible pain
• Has become mentally unstable and aggressive

You should not make this decision alone and should seek the advice of your Vet. If necessary get a second opinion from another vet. Talk to your family and friends about the scenario you are confronting.

Pragmatically cost may influence your decision and it’s not something you should be ashamed of. We all have a point where we simply cannot afford the cost of caring for our pet. Sadly older pet owners on pensions have to face the reality that they simply don’t have the money to continue treatment indefinitely.