[ SHOWGSD-L ] Memorial Wall for Pets - good idea!
- From: "Helen" <helenfranklin520@xxxxxxx>
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- Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:14:02 -0700
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Monday > August 25 > 2008
Memorial wall for pets a Canadian first
Hundreds of animal lovers attend unveiling
Michelle Butterfield
Calgary Herald
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Canada's first memorial wall to commemorate beloved pets
was unveiled in an emotional ceremony at the Calgary Humane Society Saturday
afternoon.
Hundreds of people, some travelling from as far as Penticton, B.C., gathered
on the grass behind the shelter to remember the animals that have become so
much more than pets -- many consider them members of the family.
It's taken four years of planning and fundraising to build the wall, which
boasts more than 250 granite plaques engraved with pictures, names and
special messages to more than 600 animals.
"The majority of the people here have lost a pet and understand the
tremendous amount of grief that comes with that loss," said Terri Perrin, an
animal lover and former president of the Calgary Pet Loss Support Group.
Perrin formed the non-profit group in 1990, in an attempt to provide
counselling and resources for people who had lost their furry friends.
And while the group has helped a lot of Calgarians through their grief, it
is dissolving later this year because they feel their mandate has been
accomplished.
Current president, Laura Hunt, said the group is taking less phone calls
than in the past and are receiving fewer requests for resources. And while
many would view that as a sign of failure, she said their mission statement
has now become a reality.
"In the past people didn't really understand the effect of losing a pet
could have on a person," she said.
"But now we are seeing employers, friends and families taking on the
supportive role -- hence the decline in our services."
Both Perrin and Hunt describe the dissolution as "bittersweet," but are
thrilled to see alternative types of support becoming increasingly
available.
Employers will often give people time off after the death of a pet and
veterinarians offer grieving rooms and educate people on where to find
support.
"It's hard to walk away, but it's reassuring knowing there are so many
resources out there," said Hunt.
Straja Linder King, a registered art psychotherapist, offers similar grief
therapy to people whose pets have died.
"It's sad to see the group gone because this was a service everyone can
access because it was free," she said, stressing the importance of a proper
grieving process after a pet dies.
"Grief is a broken heart at the death of a relationship, but anything we can
do to help memorialize our animals is a big help," she said.
"That's why this wall is very important. It's a way for people to heal."
mbutterfield@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
C The Calgary Herald 2008
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