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Growing Old

Dear Ann,

Thank you for contacting us about the death of your beloved Grimmy. On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dearly loved companion and friend.



It is quite understandable that you feel a terrible sense of loss; after all, it is only natural to mourn the death of a companion who has given you such pleasure and unconditional love. Experts in human behavior now recognize how precious the human-animal bond is and how overwhelming it can be when that bond is severed. In fact, in recent years several hotlines have been established across the country to help bereaved pet owners.



In addition, The Delta Society offers many resources relative to pet bereavement, including a state-by-state directory of pet loss support groups. The Delta Society may be contacted at:



The Delta Society

875 124th Avenue, Suite 101

Bellevue, WA 98005

425-679-5500
www.deltasociety.org



You will find additional information on pet loss and support by visiting the links below. I hope they provide you with some degree of comfort.tp://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/coping_with_the_deat h_of_your_pet/

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/coping_w ith_the_death_of_your_pet/honoring_your_pets_memory.html

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/coping_with_the_death_of_y our_pet/final_care_of_your_pets_body.html

http://www.hsus .org/humane_living/memorial_and_planned_gifts/kindred_spirit s_memorial_program/



Please know that our thoughts are with you during this terribly difficult time. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.



Very sincerely,



Dawn Lauer

Outreach Assistant, Companion Animals

2100 L Street NW

Washington, DC 20037

Phone: 301-258-3075
Fax: 301-258-3081


Have a pet? Love animals? Sign up for the Pets for Life e-newsletter--filled with stories about animals, tips on caring for your pet and more--at www.hsus.org/join.



Start planning now to attend Animal Care Expo 2008, the nation's premier animal welfare conference! For information on the May 14-17 event in Orlando , Florida , call 1-800-248-EXPO or visit www.AnimalSheltering.org/expo.

Grimmy

Grimmy died in the night 09-03-07. As one of my graduate school classmates put it the "doggie angels will come get her to come & jump & play in doggie heaven." And they have! She is romping, growling, 'eating goodie', now without pain or instability in her walk.
She started her little life with a family that abused her. She came to me & my son Jarrod & we gave her a great ride. It was a priviledge to have her in our lives & be her friend & our steadfast companion.
ANN

Labor Day '07

My Mom knows my time is @ hand. I am not eating @ all now. I can barely stand. My Mom holds me & lets me nestle next to her neck. I wish I could stop my Moms' tears. She is really upset. I know we have been best friends for 13 years & I've been thru thick & thin, ups & downs with her. I love her and I know she has loved me & tried her best to give me a good life and make up for the 1st 2 years of my life where I was in an abusive environment before she adopted me. I am glad to have lived out my life with her & I know my Mom loved having me here for the time I was here on earth.