chancesspot's Blog

OFFICIAL Honoring the Animals Merchandise

Hi Everyone. Just a s a reminder, our OFFICIAL Honoring the Animals Merchandise is available NOW! If you submitted your companion's name to be included in our Memorial Program Book, you'll find it listed on our shirts and totes. Order these and our HTA ceramic mugs today at: www.cafepress.com/chancesspot

New Deadline for Memorial Program Book!

Hello Everyone.

Chance's Spot, Pet Loss and Support Resources will present the Third Annual Honoring the Animals Candlelight Vigil on September 13, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky but even if you can't attend, you can have your pet's name listed in our memorial program. We mail programs to countries all over the world - such as Canada, the U.K., Germany, and beyond!

However, as the vigil is fast approaching, so is the deadline for pet name submissions for the Memorial Program Book. If you or someone you know would like to have a pet's name listed, please visit www.honoringtheanimals.org before August 22, 2009. We do ask for a $10 (USD) tax-deductible donation in order to list your pet's name.

Re: Anyone have this happen?

Hi.
 
I am so sorry for your loss and what you're going through. I hear your story a lot. It's sad to think that the people closest to us are often the ones that don't understand. My experience is though, that it's usually not a lack of understanding as much as it is they want to 'fix' things. Like, it's so hard for them to see you in pain and the only thing they can do is minimize things. 'It was just a dog', 'He had a good life', and so on. They just don't see that instead of helping they're actually hurting you for having very real feelings. So, not to make excuses for those people, just explaining the way they think. 
 
I kinda think all of us feel the loss of our fur babies alone in some ways. I mean, our thoughts and memories are ours - we think them inside - and when we do, we're the ones that have our own feelings about it. Feelings that are meant to be felt and processed and experienced and that we will grow as a person from. So, I always tell people to allow their feelings and seek out those who DO understand for support. People that have been through it and can relate.
 
I've lost several babies and it's always so hard. The crying, the 'out of the blue' crying, the deep, deep, sadness and hurt. Sometimes you think it will never end. But it just takes time and finding people who will let you go on and on as you sort through it all. It invovles a lot of self-care, too. Finding time to rest and take care of your needs is really important. Some people take walks, sleep, soak in the tub, or create flower gardens or scrapbooks. It kinda depends on what you feel like you can do and where you are in the grief process.
 
For now, you may just want to spend time listening to yourself and noting how you feel - and allow it. Once you can get through the first few days and get the tears out, you'll start feeling a little more in control. Then you can start to heal and honor Albert's memory.
 
You're welcome to share here and at our Pet Loss Support Group (which meets online Thursday evening US time). You can also find lots more information/support at the Chance's Spot website: www.chancesspot.org
 
Best.

Gail Heller, Founder
Chance's Spot
www.chancesspot.org
www.honoringtheanimals.org
 
Join us for Honoring the Animals 2009 on National Pet Memorial Day! Make a reservation and get official merchandise at www.honoringtheanimals.org

Pet Loss Support Group Meets Tonight, July 9, at 9PM!

Hello Everyone. Just a reminder - Don't forget that our Pet Loss Support Group Meeting is every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. Please visit www.chancesspot.org/supportgroup.htm for instructions on how to join us. Thank you!

Honoring the Animals 2009

This year, National Pet Memorial Day is Sunday, September 13th and Chance's Spot will be commemorating the day with our third annual Honoring the Animals Candlelight Vigil.
 
It will include musical selections and poetry-reading, as well as a moment of silence as candles are lit in memory of our beloved animal friends. This event is free and those in attendance will be able to have their pet's name read out loud.

Companion animals on leashes are welcome. For more information, including how to add your companion animals name to this year's official program, please visit www.honoringtheanimals.org.
 
P.S.
 
Watch for updates in the coming weeks when we announce a very special guest who will be at this year's HTA!

Pet Loss Support Group Meetings

Hello Everyone. Don't forget that our Pet Loss Support Group Meeting is every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. Please visit www.chancesspot.org/supportgroup.htm for instructions on how to join us. Thank you!

Pet Loss Group Reminder

Hello Everyone. Don't forget that our Pet Loss Support Group Meeting is every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. Please visit www.chancesspot.org/supportgroup.htm for instructions on how to join us. Thank you!

Pet Loss Support Group Every Thursday

Hello Everyone. Don't forget that our Pet Loss Support Group Meeting is every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. Please visit www.chancesspot.org/supportgroup.htm for instructions on how to join us. Thank you!

Support Group Meeting Info

Hello Everyone. Don't forget that our Pet Loss Support Group Meeting is every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. Please visit www.chancesspot.org/supportgroup.htm for instructions on how to join us. Thank you!

Welcome Message to New Members

Welcome to the Pet Loss Support Forum created by Chance's Spot, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help individuals who have lost a pet.

At Chance's Spot, we believe that pets are an important and engaging member of the family whose loss results in the same grieving process as would losing anyone close to us. That the feelings generated are real and deserve the same respect as if it were any other family member. Through this support group, we will attempt to provide a place where people may discuss their feelings and thoughts about pet loss in hopes of helping them to heal. 

I hope each of you will find comfort here and make friends who can support you during this difficult and painful time. Please feel free to share as much as you feel comfortable with.

And, don't forget, our Pet Loss Support Group Meeting is every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. Please visit www.chancesspot.org/supportgroup.htm for instructions on how to join us.

Thank you and take care.