Saying Good-Bye is Never Easy
Our culture does not always appreciate how much the loss of a pet can affect us. Many of us feel utterly alone as we struggle through all the decisions that come at the end of our pet's life. You don't have to go through this kind of grief alone! Our Animal Chaplain, and our Certified Companion Animal End-of-Life Doulas, are here to partner with you to help. We work with individals and we have group gatherings if you want to share your pain, and/or your kind words, with others.
You can text us at (971) 207-4324
Sometimes it’s just easier to talk with someone via text.
This is not a hotline number and is NOT monitored 24/7.
If you do text us someone will return your text, usually within 2 - 4 hours but occasionally it may take 24 - 48 hours.
Love is Love
The amount of love we feel has no relation to the size of our animal friends. Regardless of the species, the loss of a loving friendship can feel devastating. You should grieve however long you need to without anyone diminishing your grief because, “It’s just a [fill in the blank]“ The human-animal bond is amazingly strong and when our pet companion dies, we hurt because we feel a loss of love.
Additional Resources
Compassionate Care - In-Home Pet Euthanasia & Eco-Friendly Pet Cremation
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust Pet Loss Support Resource Centre
The Grief Relief Project - MANY resources to help during times of pet loss
Best Friends Pet Loss and Grief Resources
Quality of Life Scale© Calculator (fillable form) by Journeys Home Pet Euthanasia
ASPCA End of Life Care
University of Florida Pet Loss Support
Heartfelt Veterinary Hospital Hospice and Euthanasia Services
At Home Veterinary Services Hospice & Palliative Care Services
VCA Raleigh Hills Animal Hospital Hospice Care
Radiant Heart pet-only funeral home’s Cremation Process
DIY Pet Funeral Guide: How to plan a pet funeral service by Daniel Szczesniak
Family Animal Services of Portland (includes pet cremation services)
West Coast Pet Memorial Services (includes pet cremation services)
Oregon Humane Society - End of Life & Pet Memorial Services (includes animal cemetery)
Forest Pet Cemetery (near Ashland, OR)
Dove Lewis Pet Loss Support
List of Pet Loss and Grief Support Services provided by At Home Veterinary Services
Oregon Veterinary Medical Association Dealing with the Loss of Your Pet (information also available in Spanish)
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Robin Magdahlen, Licensed professional counselor, Grief Support for Pet Loss
Pet loss memorial service by PLPA (This video is a memorial service led by pet loss professionals that anyone who has lost a pet may view and participate in. A pet parent may view this video at any time throughout the year, when a pet passes away or whenever they'd like to remember a beloved pet. We hope you find some peace and solace by viewing the video.)
Contact Us
Please email us if you have any questions concerning grief or end-of-life preparation concerning an animal.
Email us at AssemblyoftheWanderingShepherd@ gmail.com
Call or Text us at
1 (971) 207-4324
326 NE 219th Ave
Gresham OR 97030
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© 2021 Assembly of the Wandering Shepherd