Pet Loss support group eases the grief

I attended the Pet Loss Support group at our local Humane Society again this week. The group meets monthly and I was there once before (in March). All the people were different, but the stories and personality types were eerily similar. For example, both times there was a couple who had recently lost a pet in a violent tragedy.

The most valuable part for me this time was hearing all the different stories of how people handled their pet’s illness. I learned that no matter what approach was taken, the results were the same: The animal died and the owner(s) regretted how they handled the crisis, wondering if they should have made different choices.

In my case, I wondered if I should have tried harder to keep my dog alive when he was suffering. However, those who waited longer felt just as guilty, wondering if they had made their pet suffer needlessly by keeping them alive too long. I also wondered if I should have tried acupuncture or more pain medications. Those who used those methods were no happier with the results. The end is the same: The time comes when you must let your pet go.

The therapist pointed that reviewing (or agonizing over) our decisions is part of the grief process. It’s known as bargaining. Of course, I have heard about this before, but I understand more completely what is meant by “bargaining,” and how powerfully it can take over the mind and heart.

10 ways pets help our health

I found this beautiful list of 10 health reasons why pets are great for seniors. Although I’m not a senior, these apply to me, too!

I especially can relate to “easier to make friends” and “pets are friends,” as well as the concept that the pet leads you to become more active. Three cheers for pets!

The inner pup

We got a “Body Vibe” machine for my health this week. Standing on vibrating plate is supposed to strengthen and heal me. I’ve been using one at my doctor’s office for a few years with good results, so I decided to buy a home model.

The doctor predicted that it could help Winston, too! “He won’t like it, but put his paws on the Body Vibe for about 10 minutes a day.”

Dillon and I were doubtful, but gave it a try. To our amazement, Winston DID like getting his paws vibrated. Soon he was holding his front paws on the machine of his own accord, and stretching in contentment. After the first treatment, his face lit up with bright eyes and a youthful expression.

“It’s like he got in touch with his inner child-- I mean, his inner pup!” Dillon declared.