Although we are
a no-kill shelter here at the St. Tammany Humane Society, it does not mean that
we are ‘sheltered’ from the loss of beloved pets and on the rare occasions,
elderly shelter animals or those with a
terminal illness.
Just recently
Dr. Johnston experienced the loss of her Pinni, a 12 year old Greyhound rescue
with a penny colored coat and heart of gold.
Beautiful souls like Pinni enter our lives, reveal themselves in many
ways that are easier to understand and welcome than members of our own species,
and become a part of our family in a uniquely special way. Dog, cats, horses, mules (what amazing
creatures!), bunnies, and so many other pets are able to give humans what we
are constantly seeking in life:
unconditional love. Why is this
so special? Perhaps because so many of
us are unable to give it ourselves. But
whatever the mystical or philosophical reasons behind the special bond we share
with our pets, one thing is clear: That
bond exists, and the love shared between pet and owner should never be
dismissed as anything other than what it ultimately allows for – a partnership
built on love, trust, and companionship (often times the strongest relationship
that people have nurtured in their lifetime).
This is why……Goodbye
Is Never Easy. According to Pastor
Bonnie Poirier, “Grieving the loss of a pet is a normal response and a very
individual one. One important difference
between pet loss and human loss is that pet loss is often not appreciated.
Friends and family may ask ‘What’s the big deal? It’s just a pet!’ There is
also the assumption by many that pet loss shouldn’t hurt as much as human loss,
because humans are supposedly more important than pets.”
The truth is
that all losses, animal or human, can plunge you into despair and may signal
the beginning of a profound spiritual-emotional journey. Like grief for humans,
grief for animal companions can be dealt with over time and in stages. At the St. Tammany Humane Society, we will
provide for you a safe and natural environment to share and heal as you receive
comfort and support. Please join us the
first Saturday of each month at 9am at the shelter for “Goodbye is Never Easy,”
a pet loss grief gathering held by Carol Bonnie Poirier of Peaceful Planet Pets
(http://www.peacefulplanetpets.com/):
Carol
Bonnie Poirier, I go by Bonnie - my grandmother's nickname. I was born in 1960
and raised in New Orleans. I graduated from the University of New Orleans with
Bachelor of Arts and St. John's University with Master of Science. I was
ordained as a minister with the Congregational Church in June 1994. I am a
member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement and the Association for
Professional Humane Educators. With my pet ministry, I focus on pet loss
support as well as pet memorials, pet blessings, labyrinth walks and nature
walks. I have also written a working pet loss journal called "Goodbye Is
Never Easy."
If you (or
someone who know) has experienced the loss of a pet, and could benefit from
sharing your loss and experience with others who are like minded in both their
love of a lost pet and the grief which follows, please consider joining us and
Bonnie for “Goodbye is Never Easy” (again, it is on the first Saturday of each
month at 9 a.m. at STHS). This time is
free - all that is asked is that you call or email jessica@sthumane.org to hold your seat.
