For those wanting to talk to someone, the ASPCA grief hotline

stephenq

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The ASPCA maintains a free grief hotline, and it is a very compassionate service manned by trained professionals in grief counseling.  They are also used to talking to people who's pet is missing, or is facing possible euthanasia.  I can't recommend them enough.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline at (877) GRIEF-10. (877-474-3310)
 
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di and bob

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I just wanted to thank you for posting this, I went there and it was helpful! I wish I would have known about it when my Chrissy died, I can definitely say that was the worst day of my life and I still 'see' her dieing in my mind at times. It's very hard to live with witnessing a death, and dealing with the guilt is overwhelming at times. I will definitely refer other suffering souls to it. Thanks again!
 
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stephenq

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I just wanted to thank you for posting this, I went there and it was helpful! I wish I would have known about it when my Chrissy died, I can definitely say that was the worst day of my life and I still 'see' her dieing in my mind at times. It's very hard to live with witnessing a death, and dealing with the guilt is overwhelming at times. I will definitely refer other suffering souls to it. Thanks again!
I'm glad to be able to help and I'm sorry for your losses.
 

rac44

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Thanks for posting this because when my "Mau" got taken away by the shelter (he was feral) and I had to watch him be taken away in a net to be put down the first thing I did when they left was go into my room and cried. It was hard. I would have liked to have known about this. Making the decision to have him captured and euthanized I had so much guilt but I knew deep down he wanted peace from his pain and suffering trying to survive each and every year.

The sad thing was the day he was taken away I scratched his head and he rolled around liked nobody has ever down that to him for so many years. he was so happy. Get this, I gave a catnip ball to him one day and he went absolutely crazy he was so high! He never felt so good!!! People don't realize even feral cats have sense of love and appreciation they are feral because they were forced to live on natural instincts to survive. I still am dealing with his loss but I think I am happier now that I know I made a difference, he appreciated that I think and I know I will one day see him again..If not I never want to go to a place where I cannot see my baby boy.

Thnx for the link!
 

eb24

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I would also like to say thanks for sharing this! It is an absolutely invaluable resource to have and I know many are going to be grateful when they find out about it. Well done! 
 

libra

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Good idea.  The worst times of my life were losing two very special cats whom I'd been with for many years.
 

jlc20m

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. People who never have known the innocent and pure love of a fur baby have no idea what it feels like loose a fur baby. I don't know what else to say. you are very kind and giving to provide such a resource. Bless you!!!!

jlc20m

(mom to angel Bella and Abby)
 
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stephenq

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. People who never have known the innocent and pure love of a fur baby have no idea what it feels like loose a fur baby. I don't know what else to say. you are very kind and giving to provide such a resource. Bless you!!!!

jlc20m

(mom to angel Bella and Abby)
Glad to help!
 

flowerdew

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I just wanted to say that I called this number a few days ago, and the woman I spoke to was amazing. I called because I was worried that the both the aftermath of the years I spent caring for my beloved CKD cat and the extreme grief I still feel for him more than a year after his passing might be making it difficult for me to be the best possible caregiver for my kittens. She had so much compassion and insight, and some of the things we talked about were immediately helpful.

I can't recommend this service enough.
 
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stephenq

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I'm so glad you had a great experience talking to her. She is an amazing person!
 

riley1

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Just used the number tonight. Was surprised that anyone answered on Sunday.  The person had to go at 8:00pm but we talked for awhile & it helped.  She said to call back and sadly I will because I feel the need for a lot of support right now.
 
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stephenq

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I'm glad it helped and please do call back. You spoke with Stephanie and she tries to answer the phone as much as possible!
 

seaturtle

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Oh, many thanks for this information! I have lost 2 and suffered so much with no one to talk to about them. I will soon lose another, and the thought of it drives me into hours of crying. I will call them. What a gift.
 
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stephenq

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Oh, many thanks for this information! I have lost 2 and suffered so much with no one to talk to about them. I will soon lose another, and the thought of it drives me into hours of crying. I will call them. What a gift.
 
Oh, many thanks for this information! I have lost 2 and suffered so much with no one to talk to about them. I will soon lose another, and the thought of it drives me into hours of crying. I will call them. What a gift.
There is one very compassionate woman who handles these calls, she's very experienced and i know you will enjoy talking with her.  Give her a call!  Her names is Stephanie. :)
 

Margret

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Thanks for posting this.  I've bookmarked this thread, and saved the phone number on my cell.

I should mention, though, that when I clicked on the link I got the message that I don't have permission to access the web page.  I wonder whether they've changed their site map.

Margret
 
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stephenq

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Thanks for posting this.  I've bookmarked this thread, and saved the phone number on my cell.

I should mention, though, that when I clicked on the link I got the message that I don't have permission to access the web page.  I wonder whether they've changed their site map.

Margret
They have changed the link. I'll update the thread shortly, but the number remains the same. Thanks for the heads up.
 

Margret

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You're welcome.  I had a feeling it was something like that -- there's no reason in the world for something like that to have restricted access.

Glad to know that the number remains good.

Margret
 
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stephenq

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You're welcome.  I had a feeling it was something like that -- there's no reason in the world for something like that to have restricted access.

Glad to know that the number remains good.

Margret
Hey, link has been updated in the original post :-)
 
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