Pet Bereavement  

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes  to Rainbow Bridge.  
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, 
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. 

Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. 

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, 
so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

We understand that losing a pet can be a very sad and stressful time.  We are here to help make this time of mourning as easy as possible.  If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to call.  Below are a list of Pet Bereavement groups & Pet Memorial Facilities who can help with arrangements during this sad time.

Manhattan: Bideawee's Learning Center

Meets 1st Friday of the month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m Free. Please contact Bideawee's Learning Center by the end of business on the Thursday before the 1st Friday of the month to register. Now being held on Zoom; see website for detail on how to register.

Address: 410 East 38th St., New York, NY 10016

Phone: 212-532-4986

Email: katelyn.lombardi@bideawee.org

New York: Pet Loss Support Program, Animal Medical Center

The Group meets every other Thursday from 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm in the 57th floor conference room of the hospital. Please check the website, call or send an email to confirm meeting dates.

Address: 510 E. 62nd St., New York, NY 10021

Phone: (212) 838-8100

Email: socialwork@amcny.org

New York: Shelby Remillard

When our beloved pets die, whether we were anticipating it or not, our worlds can turn upside down. Pets become our family members, our secure attachment figures, and sparks of joy in our everyday lives. We curate our lives around their schedules. When all of this stops, we feel overwhelming sadness, longing, and emptiness that we're expected to "get over" or replace immediately with another furry family member. This group is a safe space for adults to grieve the pets they loved and lost and to learn how to continue to honor them. Meets for eight weeks from September 12th-October 31st, Thursdays at 6:00 PM, via Google Meets. $50 per session. Open to anyone in the US. Shelby is running this group in honor of her beloved cat, Hazel.

Email: Shelby@steadynyc.com

West Babylon: Legacy Pet Crematory

Funeral director/LCSW does support groups meetings usually the 1st Saturday of every month, if we have a group big enough to meet.

Address: 21 Eads St., West Babylon, NY 11704

Email: info@legacypetny.com