Estcourt House Veterinary Surgeons

Bereavement Help and Support

The death of a pet is a tragic loss of 'an important member of the family' and the grieving is real. Euthanasia too has the additional trauma of making a very difficult choice to bring about the relief of your pet's suffering.

Estcourt House Veterinary Surgeons offer a range of support, information and services when it comes to caring for you and your pets at the end of their life. If you feel unable to talk at length with the vet, ask to speak to one of the veterinary nurses in the practice who will be pleased to help and support you before, during and after your pet's death.

There is a list of support organisations and websites at www.supportline.org.uk

It helps to share your feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be, whether it is a mouse, dog or cat. Telephone one of the agencies on the list to speak to someone who will listen with compassion.

Books:

Death of an animal friend
This booklet is helpful for anyone faced with the loss of his or her pet.
Produced by the society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)
Price £2.50. Available from:
SCAS, 10b Leny Rd, Callender, FK17 8BA

Absent Friend
By Laura and Martyn Lee
This is an instructive book looking at how to cope when the relationship with the pet is broken
Published by Henston,
Price £4.50. Available through the Veterinary Surgeon, Vet2pet superstore, or from all good bookshops.

Goodbye, Dear Friend
By Virginia Ironside
Published by Robson
Price £6.99. Available from all good bookshops.

Pet Cremation

Companions Haven
Leighcroft
200 Westerleigh Road
Pucklechurch
Near Bristol BS16 9PY

Telephone: 0117 9374 554

Pucklechurch Pets Crematorium and Memorial Garden - Companions Haven, is owned and run personally by Robert and Josephine Carlyle.

The crematorium was designed specifically for the cremation of domestic pets only and was opened in May 1991. We are not agents and ALL pets are cremated at our crematorium adjacent to our home.

We know from personal experience the grief and sense of loss felt at the departure of a beloved pet so we will do all we can to make a distressing time as bearable as possible.

The dedicated Memorial Garden is laid out with many mature willow, poplar and fir trees as well as shrubs and flower borders, creating a beautiful tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors are welcome during daylight hours.