Unusual Pet Loss Stories – Coping With Pet Death

Coping with the death of an unusual pet, such as a parrot or horse, is similar to but different than other types of pet loss. These two unusual pet loss stories reveal how two animals lovers said good-bye to their unusual animals; their stories may help you mourn your own pet loss.

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” - George Eliot.

If you need comfort and help mourning your pet’s death, read The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven’s Gain. And, here are stories about saying good-bye to pets, which may help you in your grief…

Unusual Pet Loss Stories – Coping With Pet Death

Dorry Bless is a celebrant, animal lover, certified pet loss bereavement counselor through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. She shares her home with two dogs: 6 ½ year old Labradoodle, DJ; and ½ year old English Springer Spaniel, Patsy. Just deceased (3 weeks ago) is her 18 year old Quaker parrot, Willie.

Coping With the Death of a Parrot

“Three weeks ago, our beloved parrot of 18 years died,” says Dorry. “I sent out a brief email tribute to some friends and was very touched by all the support I received back.  I talked about it with people and found that comfort came from people I didn’t expect – in the form of cards and gestures.  I even had a mystical experience where hundreds of birds landed on the trees right near Willie’s grave in my yard (living here for 14 years I’ve never seen that big a flock before), and sat there for a few minutes and then took off in another direction after circling his grave three times.  I felt he had been given the equivalent of a bird military salute.  It was very poignant and meaningful to me. 

My husband put up a tribute on his blog to Willie, and I will be writing one for Tribute Tails.  Then my husband, daughter and I had our personal ceremony for Willie, graveside, in our backyard.  It was a tearful and fitting tribute to a dear winged friend. All of it helped me greatly.” 

If you’ve lost a pet and feel guilty, read 4 Ways to Cope With the Guilt of Your Pet’s Death.

Coping With the Death of a Horse

Chastity Weese, owner of Heartfelt Horse Rescue, shares her unusual pet loss story:

“My mare Skippy -”Skips Satin Moon” – gave me the best five years of her life and taught my children to ride.  She was the best trail horse and the barrel horse anyone could ever ask for.  My oldest daughter had her in 4-H for 2 years to place in barrels and poles. 

This mare taught me what kindness is, and she also showed me love in return.  In November 2007, Skippy became ill with a stroke, cancer, and EPM (a protozoa that enters their spinal cord and does irreversible damage to their nervous system).  She became deadly ill in March 2008 and Skippy and I fought until July 23rd, 2008, until I knew she no longer could do it and was laid to rest July 23rd, 2008. 

I think of Skippy every day of my life.  My fields seem so empty now, and I miss her more than anything.  She not only taught me patients, love, and how to have fun, but she taught me how to trust. I am still not over her, but so it does not drive me crazy I think of all the positive impact she has done in my life and my families.  I am blessed to of known Skippy for as long as I did.  As horses are not ours and do not belong to us, they belong to the Lord above us.”

If you’d like to share your thoughts about coping with the death of unusual pets, please comment below…

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Category: Grief & Recovery Tips, Mind & Soul, Miscellaneous, Pet Care Tips