Healing Your Heart From Animal Loss

Healing Your Heart From Pet Loss By Tracie Barton-Barrett, MS, NCC, LPC   Michelle never wanted to make this decision. She gazed with loving eyes upon her dog, Max, as he lay on his side. Although his tail still gave a quick, uncoordinated wag when he saw her, Max was no longer interested in food or his squeaky toy. Countless memories flooded Michelle’s mind while tears streamed down her face. Max was her companion and listening ear years before she met her husband and had children. Now, she faced the most difficult decision any animal lover has to make. After restless thoughts and sleepless nights, Michelle summoned the courage to make the gut-wrenching call to the veterinarian. What Michelle didn’t anticipate was the deluge of emotions that seemed to knock the wind out of her, including missing a few days from work.    Valued Beings The love of my life. My true love. My best friend. My heart dog, cat, horse. My family. My partner. At first glanc...

Healing Your Heart From Pet Loss By Tracie Barton-Barrett, MS, NCC, LPC   Michelle never wanted to make this decision. She gazed with loving eyes upon her ginger tabby, Cheddar, as he lay on his side. Although he still enjoyed the occasional head-boop, Cheddar was no longer interested in eating or his mousey toy.  Countless memories flooded Michelle’s mind while tears streamed down her face. Cheddar was her companion and listening ear years before she met her husband and had children. Now, she faced the most difficult decision any animal lover has to make. After restless thoughts and sleepless nights, Michelle summoned the courage to make the gut-wrenching call to the veterinarian. What Michelle didn’t anticipate was the deluge of emotions that seemed to knock the wind out of her, including missing a few days from work.     Valued Beings The love of my life. My true love. My best friend. My heart cat, dog, horse. My family. My partner. At ...

Healing Your Heart From Pet Loss By Tracie Barton-Barrett, MS, NCC, LPC   Michelle* (not her real name) never wanted to make this decision. She gazed with loving eyes upon Sonny, her chestnut gelding, as he stood in his stall, body riddled with pain, head hung low with vacant eyes.  Although he still responded to her voice, Sonny was no longer interested in eating or playing with his fellow horses.   Countless memories flooded Michelle’s mind while tears streamed down her face. Sonny was her companion and listening ear years before she met her husband and had children. Now, she faced the most difficult decision any animal lover has to make. After back and forth veterinarian visits, coupled with restless thoughts and sleepless nights, Michelle summoned the courage to do it. Yes, make the  final gut-wrenching call to the veterinarian. What Michelle didn’t anticipate was the deluge of emotions that seemed to knock the wind out of her, including missing a...