“Animals are guileless. That sort of honesty touches the human heart in a unique way. It allows us to see a better side of ourselves than sometimes is visible in our relationships with our fellow human beings.” —Brother Christopher Savage, New Skete Monastery

We learn love, faithfulness, and trust by living closing with our beloved animal companions. We invest a deep part of ourselves in the relationships we have with them. They are our family. At the death of a pet, we become vividly aware of the loss, and we need support that understands the depth of our love and attachment. This video offers this level of support as you grieve the death of a pet who was a companion, a family member, and a friend. Topics include:
The human-pet relationship is unique.
Grief can be unexpected.
Women, men, and children grieve differently.
Other pets will also grieve.
Some people will not understand.
Create your own simple funeral or memorial.
Consider whether to get another pet.
Ritual is important.
Interviews with:
Br. Christopher Savage, New Skete Monastery, Cambridge, New York
Dr. Claire Sharp, DVM, BVMS, DACVECC, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University
Anne Lindsay, Founder, Massachusetts Animal Coalition
Mike Thomas, Caretaker, Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery