| Caring for People Who Care for Pets | November 2010 |
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 Greetings!
You may recall that my mother-in-law died almost a year ago. She volunteered here at World by the Tail, Inc., and we all loved her dearly.
As the anniversary of her death approaches, I realize I'm thinking about her more and feeling a bit anxious about our first holiday season without her. Has that ever happened to you?
The Veterinary Wisdom® article this month is about "anniversary grief reactions." They're a common reaction to loss, yet most of us never consciously realize we're experiencing them. Our article may help you help clients who are feeling the tug of a pet loss anniversary. You'll find a hand-out on the topic for clients at our pet parent referral site at www.veterinarywisdomforpetparents.com
While you're online, you might also want to watch an excellent video made by kids for kids who are grieving the loss of a pet. Entitled A Hole in My Heart, it's the work of 13-year-old Liz Hauser who lost her dog Bubba in 2006.
Liz wanted to do something to help kids who might be feeling alone after losing a pet, so she wrote and stars in this production. The video also features Gail Bishop, clinical coordinator of the client support program at the Argus Institute at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Gail provides just the right amount of information about helping children deal with grief.
Please tell your clients about it. I'm grateful to have this resource and I know it's going to help a lot of people.
And, speaking of grateful, all of us here at World by the Tail, Inc., are endlessly grateful for your friendship and business as we approach the end of another year. We wish you a peaceful and abundant Thanksgiving Day! Enjoy your feast!
Warmest wishes,
Laurel
P.S. We often experience the blessings of abundance here at World by the Tail, Inc. We like to pass it along to you once a year during our annual Stock Up and Save Sale! The sale is on right now so call us toll-free at 1-888-271-8444 or visit www.veterinarywisdom.com to order. These are the best prices we offer on ClayPaws® kits all year so don't miss out! |
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| Contact Us |
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126 West Harvard Street, Suite 5
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
1-888-271-8444 (toll free)
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The Good, the Bad, and the Holidays
by Laurel Lagoni, MS
It's the holiday season and, for Emma and thousands like her, it comes with a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, the holidays bring excitement and the anticipation of celebrations spent with family and friends. Yet, this year, it also triggers feelings of loneliness and regret. You see, in mid-November, Emma's beloved cat Sandy was euthanized.
Many people who lose a pet around the holidays have a more complicated grief response, finding themselves feeling depressed, anxious, or guilty, despite the festivities of the holiday season. Feelings of depression, during a traditionally happy time, can be confusing unless your clients understand why they are experiencing them. As a member of a veterinary practice team, you can provide valuable support for clients who lose their pets during the holidays if you keep the following tips in mind:
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Making a ClayPaws® Holiday Ornament
by Tammy Durham
Making a holiday ornament of your pet's paw print is easy using our Holiday ClayPaws® Gift kits! Literally everything you need is included in the kit.
We include 2 patties of clay so you can make more than one print. (Or if you have a large animal, you'll have enough clay for one!) You'll also find several ribbons for decorating or hanging your print. (Make a hole in your print prior to baking if you want to thread the ribbon through for hanging!)
Also included is a stylus tool. You can use this tool to "write" in your pet's name, the date, or other sentiments before baking. Decorate your print with holiday themed charms like stars and candy canes!
We'd love to see your holiday creations. Send us an email with a picture of your ClayPaws® holiday ornaments! |
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Don't Snooze and Lose! Wake Up!!
It's time for the Stock Up and Save Sale!
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Business Our mission at World by the Tail, Inc., is to "care for people who care for pets." This newsletter is a small part of our outreach efforts. If it's helpful to you, please use the link below to forward it on to your friends, family, and colleagues. Help us "care for people who care for pets" by building an ever-widening 'bond-centered circle' of support!
I write this newsletter with a sincere desire to help you--a compassionate pet care provider--deal more effectively with the human side of living and working with companion animals. I want you to feel confident as you face the emotional situations that arise as you care for ill, injured, or aging pets AND the people who love them. For more information about me or my company, read my bio Laurel Lagoni or visit the About Us page at www.veterinarywisdom.com
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