Pet Loss Library in Cleveland, OH

Human Hand Holds Dog Paw At West Park Animal Hospital, we understand the pain and grief our clients feel when companion animals pass away. To help ease this difficult time, we have developed a pet library that provides supportive pet resources for those who have lost a beloved animal. Located in the West Park area of Cleveland, Ohio, we care for animals from surrounding towns, including North Olmsted, Birria, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, and beyond. Our team shares in your grief, and our hope is that family members and friends are helped by the included stories and expert advice.

Pet Loss Articles

Professionals from a variety of fields write about the loss of their pets and their resulting feelings of grief and sadness. These are personal stories. They share the details of their losses in the hope that it will help others.

Meister

Family caregiver and pet owner Linda J. Austin writes about the experience of caring for her animals, including a German shepherd and rabbits. Experience guides her decision-making when handling health challenges.

Surviving the Hollow Days

Providing psychotherapy to those who experience the death of their pets, Kitty Walker, writes about the loss of her own sheltie. She offers helpful tips for getting through the winter holidays and honoring the memory of your pet.

When an Animal Loved One Dies

Katie Boland is a healthcare activist in the fertility field. Writing about losing several pets during one summer, Boland shares how advice from other people wasn’t always helpful and offers ideas about spirituality and grief.

Stories about Pet Loss

People from all walks of life share how their pets passed away, the care options they faced, and how they have handled the grief. In this collection of stories, you may find one that resonates with your experience.

Frannie and Frieda

After losing both cats to car accidents in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, this writer shares advice about pet care.

Love of My Life

This writer called on veterinary professionals to help their dog escape pain and discomfort after treatments for stomach cancer lost effectiveness.

My Love for Lizzie

When beloved cat Lizzie is hit by a car, this writer details her experience of not being there and her personal need for ritual and closure.

The Day I Lost a Good Friend

The death of a pet bunny leaves the writer of this story with questions about care choices.

Winter

When their white Maine coon dies of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, he is missed by all of the remaining human and animal family members.

Ask the Experts

Professional counselors, Kelly Baltzell, Ph.D., and Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP, answer questions submitted by those who have lost a pet, are facing separation from their pet, or have concerns about how their pet died. The staff at West Park Animal Hospital hopes that if you have similar questions or issues, these articles may be of assistance.

Consult West Park Animal Hospital Pet Care and Resources

By sharing these stories and advice on losing family pets, we hope to help you find a way through grief. Our pet resources include information about caring for puppies and kittens, as well as caring for pets well into their senior years. We proudly serve pets in West Park, North Olmsted, Birria, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, Cleveland, and other areas of OH. Contact us today for more information.

FEATURED STORY

LOVE OF MY LIFE

Yesterday morning, just 24 hours ago, I had to put my beloved puppy, Freddy to sleep. I can not begin to describe the pain I am feeling. I have lost every single family member except for my sister and none of those losses can compare with how I am feeling now.

PET RESOURCES

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Pet Loss Library