The University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education’s Post

On this International Cat Day, we would like to remind you that sometimes pets outlive their owners. If you suffer an accident or illness, it could leave you beloved cat being sent to an animal rescue or shelter that is not of your choosing. Here are a few steps to protect your beloved pet's future and ensure they are always cared for, no matter what happens. 1. Carefully Choose a Pet Caregiver. 2. Create a List of Emergency Contacts. 3. Create a List of Your Pet's Medications. 4. Create a Budget for Your Pet's Needs. 5. Research Logal Shelters; and 6. Contact an Estate Planning Attorney - Create or add a Pet Trust to your current planning. If you need to update your current plan to include your pet, feel free to message or call our office! #cats #catlover #pets #family #love #care #pettrust #estateattorney #willsandtrusts

Do you have a furry friend in the family? Research shows that having a positive relationship with a pet can be beneficial to our health. In children, assisting in the care of a pet increases their empathy for others. Pets can make us feel less stressed as well as give us a reason to get up and play or go outdoors. They can provide companionship and social support to adults and children. But be advised, pets are living beings who need attention, exercise, and certain living environments to thrive. If you are going to introduce a pet into your home, make sure you and your family have the tools and the time to train and care for an animal in your home. - #pets #benefitsofpetownership #stressrelief #childrenwithpets #petsandchildren #petcare #empathy #puppies #catsandogs #puppiesarentpresents #responsibility #humanepetcare

Grief Associated with Pet Loss: A Profound Experience Requiring Acknowledgment and Support The loss of a beloved companion animal can trigger a profound and enduring grief experience. This bereavement should be recognized and addressed with sensitivity and understanding. We extend our gratitude to those who shared their stories, enabling us to create this article. We hope it serves as a source of support for those navigating the loss of a beloved companion animal. The article is available for free access for 50 days at this link: https://lnkd.in/dQcBUDzB In this article, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of grief associated with pet loss, examining its impact on caregivers, remaining household pets, and veterinarians. Acknowledging and addressing this type of grief is crucial for the well-being of all those involved. Together, we can work towards ensuring that grief associated with pet loss is no longer invisible and disenfranchised.

Let's have a heart-to-heart about one of the most tender conversations any family faces - helping children understand and cope with the loss of a beloved pet. Over countless chats with families, I've learned that this moment often represents a child's first experience with loss, making it an incredibly important teaching moment. Experience has taught me that each age brings its own understanding of loss, and over years of practice here on the Gulf Coast, I've seen certain approaches consistently bring comfort to families. Our littlest ones need concrete, gentle explanations. They understand best when we're clear and simple, avoiding phrases like "put to sleep." School-age children often find healing through active participation - creating memory books, planting gardens, sharing stories. And our teenagers? They need space to process, but with open doors to conversation when they're ready. Nature offers some of our best healing tools. Memorial gardens give families a living tribute to cherish. Creative projects allow children to express feelings they might struggle to voice. Simply spending time together, sharing memories, often brings more comfort than any formal approach. Common questions families bring to my practice: • How to explain death naturally and honestly • Ways to honor pet memories as a family • Signs that children might need extra support • When to consider welcoming a new pet I'd love to hear from other veterinary professionals: what meaningful approaches have you discovered in your practice? How do you support families through these tender moments while honoring each child's unique way of grieving? Let's share what we've learned about helping families navigate this difficult journey with grace and understanding. #VeterinaryCare #FamilySupport #HolisticHealth #GulfCoastVets

ALTERNATIVES TO PET OWNERSHIP- (Please read stupid as brainless) If you don’t have the time, money, or ability to own a pet full-time, there are still ways you can experience the health benefits of being around animals. Even short periods spent with a dog or cat can benefit both you and the animal. 1. You can ask to walk a neighbor’s dog, for example, or volunteer at an animal shelter. Most animal shelters or rescue groups welcome volunteers to help care for homeless pets or assist at adoption events. 2. Some animal shelters and rescue groups offer pet “rental” programs. Dogs and cats that are available for adoption can be taken out for walks or play dates. 3. A variety of different organizations offer specially trained therapy dogs and cats to visit children’s hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospice programs, shelters, and schools. During these visits, people are invited to pet and stroke the animals, which can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. #dailythought #pets #anxiety

Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly painful experience. It is a difficult journey that can leave pet owners feeling lost and alone. To help you navigate this challenging time, we're offering a six-week course called Arms of Love - Understanding the Pet Loss Journey. Our course offers knowledge, support, and healing to help you cope and find solace. Here are some of the highlights of what you'll learn over the course of six weeks: 1. Why does this hurt so bad? Explore the emotional rollercoaster of pet loss and understand why it cuts so deep. 2. What can I do to help myself through? Practical strategies for coping, self-care, and finding solace. 3. Caring for myself, kids, and other pets in grief: Compassionate guidance for the whole family. 4. Guilt, Sadness, and Anger in grief: Unpack these complex emotions and learn healthy ways to process them. 5. The year of firsts and honoring rituals: Navigate the milestones without your furry companion. 6. The intricacies of pet loss: Delve into the unique aspects of grieving a cherished animal friend. If you're ready to embark on this healing journey, we're here to support you every step of the way. Click here to sign up for this course today: https://hubs.li/Q02t1Lhj0 #veterinary #petloss #petlosssupport

Coping with the loss of a pet can be deeply challenging. A practical approach involves acknowledging your feelings and allowing yourself to grieve. Engaging in self-care activities, such as spending time in nature or practicing mindfulness, can also be beneficial. Additionally, seeking support from communities or professionals who understand pet loss can provide comfort and guidance during this difficult time. Web search results on coping with pet loss #lapoflove

If you're part of my LinkedIn community, chances are that you have paw prints on your heart. Whether you: - have experienced loss long ago and continue to reconcile your feelings, - have experienced a recent loss, or - are entering an anticipatory stage with an ill or old animal ...tune in to this workshop with Melanie Savage MSW, RSW to help guide your grief and journey.

As most of you know, I volunteer with Pitties & Purrs Rescue in Baltimore, MD - a 501c(3), foster based rescue. We save dogs from all over the country, rehabilitating them, and ultimately help to find their forever homes. The rescue pays for everything (food, vet, training, etc.), while our fosters share their homes. The shelters are so full, great dogs are losing their lives, and rescues like Pitties & Purrs so desperately want to help, but we need fosters and fundraising to do so. Which brings me to this post, coming to my LinkedIn community for help - We are hosting an event on October 5th at Key Brewing in Dundalk, MD. We are in need of vendors, sponsors, and could really use a contact with a portable bathroom service provider. If you’re not familiar with what is happening in the rescue/shelter community, I’ll leave you with this, from our friends at Chester County S.C. Animal Control… Dogs are filling the shelters daily with no place to go, and it’s not getting better. Rescues are burnt out. Shelters are drowning. Euthanasia is back at a peak due to lack of space and options. Compassion fatigue is in full swing for all of us with nothing but the feeling of defeat and heartbreak. THIS IS SURREAL. And don’t you dare point the finger at shelters for euthanizing. AGAIN, this is a people problem, NOT RESCUE, NOT SHELTER. THIS IS REAL. THIS IS RAW. THIS IS SOUL DESTROYING. No more tears left. No more room for heartaches. No more room for one single deserving soul that did not ask to be born into this ugly world only to die before they can even get to experience what a good life actually is. Not to mention those that do experience it only to get DUMPED because, well, life happened and “I have no time”. There are many other ways to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, or check out our website

Top Dog Breeds for Babies: Choosing the Perfect Canine Companion for Your Little One When searching for the ideal animal companion for your child, consider Dogs that are known to get along well with babies. These dogs are gentle, patient, and loving, which make them ideal pets for families with young children. Let’s look at some of the best dog breeds for kids and as family pet These breeds […] The post Top Dog Breeds for Babies: Choosing the Perfect Canine Companion for Your Little One appeared first on FurLyfe!. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽!