Pet Loss and the Elderly

In September 2014, it was my privilege to participate in the IAOPCC’s Pet Bereavement Certification program led by Dr. Betty J. Carmack (http://bettyjcarmack.com/). The program covered subjects including the human-animal bond, understanding grief, communication...

Exhaustion from End-of-Life Pet Care

One of the most common symptoms or side-effects I see in pet parents who have just lost their pet is exhaustion. With the aging of the baby boomers we all know someone who is caring for an elderly or disabled relative. Yet, how many of us recognize that our friends,...

Backyard Burial

Backyard burial of a pet is common practice in our neck-of-the-woods. Personally I have buried, in our current backyard, the cremated remains of one cat in an urn (Mimi) and the body of another cat inside a wood casket (Tommy). In retrospect, I’m not sure this...

Like Minds

My husband Bill and I just returned from Las Vegas, NV where we attended pre-conference certification courses available through the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC). In my past business lives, I can’t remember ever returning...